Turo
Hero background image

Car hire in Surfers Paradise, QLD

Discover the Turo car rental marketplace

Where
From
Until
Insurance icon

Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

Insurance icon

Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 20+ airports across Australia

Rental cars in Surfers Paradise

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Surfers Paradise, EN

Car rental Surfers Paradise Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise stands as Australia's premier beachside playground, where golden beaches meet towering skyscrapers and world-class theme parks. You'll discover endless stretches of coastline, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly attractions that define the Gold Coast experience. A rental car unlocks the freedom to explore beyond the main strip, from hidden beach coves to hinterland rainforests. You can easily navigate between Surfers Paradise's iconic attractions and venture to nearby Southport or Coolangatta at your own pace. Having your own vehicle transforms your Gold Coast adventure into a personalised journey through Queensland's most exciting coastal region.

Recent reviews

Muhammad
MG MG3 AUTO 2024

Carma definitely restored my faith in Tullamarine car rental companies. Hannah was super friendly. Pick and drop off was a breeze. Car got 700kms on one tank. No complaints at all. Thanks team!

Muhammad
-
Toyota Corolla 2015

I will break my car rental experience (November, 2025) into 3 parts: Turo, car provider and vehicle. Turo. First time to use this app. Overall, simple and intuitive to use. It is a good option when compared to the traditional car rental companies. It was really nice not having to wait at the service rental counter. Car provider. Once you finish with the Turo process, you finalize all the details with the car owner. Daniel was exceptional to work with. He was timely and thorough with his responses to all my inquiries. Our flight arrived earlier than scheduled. I contacted Daniel and he had the car immediately available for my use. He was honest and trustworthy. At the end of the trip, I identified what I thought was a new chip in the paint. He reported it was present before the rental and not an issue. There is comfort in knowing there was no hidden agenda. Vehicle, Toyota Corolla, 2015. Don't let the age or size of the car deter you. The car was clean, dependable and satisfied all of my needs for 2 people. Hawaii may be dramatic with its natural wonders, but it is stingy with the parking spaces and roads (think road to Hana and Haleakala Volcano). We were happy to be driving this car instead of the SUVs and Jeeps that populated the parking lots and narrow, twisting roads. Overall, I would recommend Turo and HIGHLY recommend Daniel and his Toyota Corolla for your car rental needs in Maui.

Richard A.
-
kyle
Hyundai Elantra 2026

Everything about this trip and this car rental was amazing. It was very easy to pick up the car. The car was very clean and have a full tank of gas. I would absolutely rent a car with turtle again.

kyle
-
Chevrolet Camaro 2020

Great car rental service with wonderful customer service! Me and my wife got a nice camaro ss , we drove around the island with the top down and had an amazing time. The best customer service ever, got some tips to make our trip easier. Definitely will rent a car for next vacation with them.

Viktor K.
-
Hyundai i30 2013

David was communicative, pickup and drop off was easy with clear instructions, car drove well, overall very satisfied with our experience. Great cost friendly alternative to bigger car rental companies with a lot more flexibility, but come with the right expectations (i.e. don't expect a squeaky clean car)

Wei Xin
-
B
Nissan Altima 2019

Everything was perfect!!! Thank you so much to Jensen for a great car rental experience. He was super detailed with pickup and drop-off instructions. He even helped us find an available car when our trip dates changed and the original car wasn’t available. AND he was flexible on our pickup/drop-off times if we needed. Another awesome, hassle-free Turo experience! Mahalo Jensen!

B
-
Ford Mustang 2024

Wow. Just wow. If you’re planning to rent a car while in Oahu, this Ford Mustang convertible is absolutely the way to do it. There’s nothing like dropping the top and cruising along the island coastlines with the Hawaiian sun and ocean views around you. It honestly became one of the highlights of our trip. The car itself was spotless, fun to drive, and perfect for exploring the island. But what really made the experience exceptional was Gabriel. From start to finish, he was incredibly responsive, professional, and accommodating. Pick-up and drop-off were seamless, and he went out of his way to make everything easy and stress-free for our family. If you’re considering renting a vehicle in Oahu, do yourself a favor and rent from Gabriel. You won’t regret it!

Robert Daniel
-
Ford Focus 2018

This trip was amazing because of our car rental. It was super clean and drove really well. Great on gas. The host was also very attentive and nice :) 10/10 recommend.

Jessica
-
Amit
Toyota COROLLA 2025

The car was spotless, well maintained, and drove beautifully. Pick up was quick and easy. The car owner was friendly and also offered, and dropped us off to the airport as we had traveled from Melbourne. The car was exactly what I needed comfortable, fuel efficient, and reliable. Would absolutely rent from here again and highly recommend to anyone looking for a hassle-free car rental experience.

Amit
-
Dmytro
Chevrolet Camaro 2020

Amazing experience with both the car and the host!The vehicle was clean, well maintained, and exactly as described. Everything worked perfectly, and the car made the trip even more enjoyable. The host was very friendly, responsive, and helpful throughout the whole rental process. Communication was easy, pickup and drop-off were smooth, and overall everything felt professional and stress-free. Highly recommend renting from this host — definitely would book again!

Dmytro
-
BMW 3 SERIES M340i xDRIVE 2019

Pick up was easy, car was very tidy, car was well maintained. Best car rental so far 🫡

Kolawole
-
Toyota Corolla 2025

Great service. Car was perfect. So much easier than dealing with rental cars

Laurel
-
Toyota Corolla 2015

Perfect car for a quick trip to Oahu. With gas prices on the rise it was a perfect car for cruising around the island. Definitely will rent again.

Kimiko
-
Hyundai IONIQ 2018

I enjoyed using this car for my solo trip to Brisbane and back. Easy to use. Has built in navigation and Bluetooth to connect my phone (for music). Host was easy to deal with. Responded promptly. Price also good.

Aaron
-
Cole
Ford Mustang 2024

Absolutely amazing experience renting this Mustang through Turo! The car was clean, well-maintained, and an absolute blast to drive. Everything about the rental process was smooth and easy from start to finish. The owner was incredibly friendly, responsive, and made the whole experience stress-free. You can tell they really care about both the vehicle and their guests. I would definitely rent from them again and highly recommend this Mustang to anyone looking for a fun and reliable ride!

Cole
-
Toyota Corolla 2024

Car quality was awesome. Comfortable and spacious and neatly tidy and well taken care of. Car rental was awesome and smooth and easy and comfortable. Thank you so much Zerin! Mahalo. Hope to rent from you again for more trips coming up.

Trinity
-
Toyota Camry 2021

Very happy with my car rental. Vehicle worked great for going around the island. the pickup and drop off process was super easy and smooth and the host very reliable. Would rent again.

Bryan
-

Things to do and places to see in Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise offers an incredible mix of beach culture, entertainment precincts, and natural attractions that become easily accessible with a car hire. You can cruise along the famous Gold Coast Highway to reach SkyPoint Observation Deck, explore the bustling Cavill Avenue shopping precinct, or drive to nearby theme parks like Sea World and Dreamworld. Your rental car provides the flexibility to discover secluded beaches beyond the main tourist areas, visit the Gold Coast Hinterland's rainforest walks, and experience the vibrant dining scene from Broadbeach to Main Beach without relying on public transport schedules.


SkyPoint Observation Deck at Q1 Tower

SkyPoint Observation Deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views from Australia's tallest residential building, showcasing the entire Gold Coast from Coolangatta to Brisbane. You'll find convenient parking available in the Q1 building's underground car park, making it easy to access this iconic attraction. The drive along Surfers Paradise Boulevard provides stunning coastal views as you approach this architectural marvel.


Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary lets you experience Australia's native wildlife up close, from cuddling koalas to feeding rainbow lorikeets in their natural habitat. The sanctuary sits conveniently accessible via the Gold Coast Highway, with ample parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. You can combine this wildlife adventure with a scenic coastal drive through Currumbin and Coolangatta's beautiful beach communities.


Gold Coast Hinterland and Mount Tamborine

Mount Tamborine showcases the Gold Coast's natural beauty beyond its famous beaches, featuring rainforest walks, boutique wineries, and charming mountain villages. You'll enjoy a scenic drive through winding mountain roads that lead to breathtaking lookouts and artisan markets. The area offers plenty of parking at various attractions, making it perfect for a day trip from Surfers Paradise to explore Queensland's lush hinterland.


How to get to Surfers Paradise

You can reach Surfers Paradise through several convenient options: by plane via Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta), which serves domestic and international flights and sits just south of the city; by car from Brisbane via the M1 Pacific Motorway, offering direct highway access to the Gold Coast; or by train using Queensland Rail's services to nearby stations with connecting bus services to Surfers Paradise.


Top tips for renting a car in Surfers Paradise

Book your car hire early on Turo to secure the best vehicle options for your Gold Coast adventure, especially during peak holiday seasons when demand increases. Choose a car with features like air conditioning and a backup camera to handle Australia's warm climate and busy coastal traffic around Surfers Paradise and Brisbane areas. Consider selecting a vehicle with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for easy navigation between attractions, and look for pet-friendly options if you're planning to explore dog-friendly beaches along the Queensland coast.

Frequently asked questions in Surfers Paradise

What are the best car types for Surfers Paradise driving?

Convertibles offer an ideal way to enjoy the coastal atmosphere while cruising along the Gold Coast's scenic beachfront roads. SUVs provide excellent visibility and comfort for exploring both Surfers Paradise's bustling streets and Queensland's hinterland attractions. Compact cars are perfect for navigating the busy tourist areas and finding convenient parking spots near popular Australia destinations.

Where can I find petrol stations in Surfers Paradise?

Petrol stations are conveniently located throughout Surfers Paradise, with several major outlets positioned along the Gold Coast Highway and near the main shopping precincts. You'll find stations within walking distance of most accommodation areas, making it easy to fuel up before exploring Queensland's attractions. Additional petrol stations operate near Gold Coast Airport for convenient refuelling before returning your car.

How do I navigate Surfers Paradise traffic efficiently?

Peak traffic periods typically occur during morning and evening rush hours, so plan your Gold Coast adventures accordingly to avoid congestion. The main arterial roads like Gold Coast Highway can become busy during tourist seasons, particularly around popular Australia holiday periods. Using alternative routes through residential areas can help you reach destinations more efficiently while exploring different parts of Queensland.

What scenic routes are recommended from Surfers Paradise?

The coastal drive south towards Coolangatta offers stunning ocean views and passes through charming Gold Coast communities perfect for car exploration. Head west into Queensland's hinterland to discover mountain scenery and rainforest drives that showcase Australia's natural beauty. The route north towards Brisbane provides diverse landscapes and interesting stops that highlight the region's varied attractions.

Where can I park my car in Surfers Paradise?

Street parking is available throughout Surfers Paradise, though time limits vary depending on the location and proximity to beach areas. Several multi-level car parks operate in the central Gold Coast precinct, offering convenient access to shopping and dining venues. Beach access points provide designated parking areas, making it easy to enjoy Queensland's famous coastline during your Australia adventure.

What should I know about driving in wet weather conditions?

Queensland experiences tropical weather patterns, so sudden downpours can occur, especially during summer months in the Gold Coast region. Reduce your speed and increase following distances when roads become wet, as Australia's coastal areas can experience heavy rainfall. Keep headlights on during storms and avoid driving through flooded areas, which can occur in low-lying parts of Surfers Paradise.

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in Australia, you must be 21 or older.

Is there long term car rental on Turo?

Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You'll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

Do I need my own insurance?

You don't need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo.

What protection plan options does Turo offer?

When booking a car in Australia, you'll choose between the Premier (if available), Standard, and Minimum protection plans. Each plan includes varying limits on financial responsibility for damage to a host's vehicle. All trips include up to $20,000,000 (per event) in legal liability protection. Legal liability protection protects against damage to other people's property and death or bodily injury (where the legal liability is not covered or capable of being covered by any statutory or compulsory scheme) as a result of an accident involving the vehicle. All protection is provided by Turo Travels Mutual.*

  1. * Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan. Review the Guest Product Disclosure Statement for more information.