Hire a car on the Turo car rental marketplace
Nestled in the heart of Central Queensland, Emerald is more than just a gem of a town — it's the gateway to the iconic Sapphire Gemfields, lush botanic gardens, and the vibrant Nogoa River. To fully experience all it has to offer, car hire in Emerald is the way to go, especially if you’re keen on exploring beyond the town’s Morton Park, where Van Gogh’s famed sunflowers are painted on an enormous easel.
Car hire in Emerald on Turo is simple - pick up a rental vehicle and hit the road to take in Central Queensland’s top spots and (literal) hidden gems. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly compact, a spacious SUV for the whole family, or even a premium rental car to tackle the southern hemisphere’s heat in style, car hire Emerald has options to suit. So buckle up, Emerald is waiting — and you’re driving!
Emerald car hire options are as easy as it gets, whether you’re just after a rental car for a day trip to Lake Maraboon or a long-term hire to explore Queensland at your own pace. With flexible pick-up options at Emerald Airport’s terminal building and downtown, plus choices for any budget from budget compacts to premium SUVs, you can grab the keys and head off by booking on Turo.
Enter a date and location in Emerald (or beyond) and browse thousands of cars shared by local hosts.
Book on the Turo app or online, choose a protection plan, and say hi to your host! Cancel for free up to 24 hours before your trip, and get discounts if you book early or for a longer duration!
Have the car delivered or pick it up from your host. Check in with the app, grab the keys, and hit the roads of Emerald!
Rent cars in Emerald
Emerald is more than just a gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields. From dazzling art installations to picturesque parks and historical sites, Emerald has attractions that blend quirky charm with natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering through themed gardens or diving into the area’s fascinating history, there's plenty to keep you entertained.
Book the perfect carEmerald is home to the largest replica of Van Gogh's iconic sunflower painting in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in Morton Park, this 25-metre-high installation is a vibrant tribute to Emerald's early agricultural heritage. Stop by for a unique photo op and enjoy the surrounding gardens while you’re there.
Stroll through Emerald’s Botanic Gardens, a peaceful retreat featuring themed sections like the rose garden, Japanese garden, and bush tucker garden. Nestled along the Nogoa River, these gardens are perfect for an afternoon picnic or a casual wander among Central Queensland's flora.
Just a short drive from Emerald, Fairbairn Dam and Lake Maraboon offer plenty of space for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The dam in Lake Maraboon is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, teeming with red claw crayfish, and is ideal for an adventurous day outdoors.
Recent reviews
Great service , absolute stunning car , would recommend hiring this car to anyone .
The car was very easy and smooth to drive for a day trip to the blue mountains.
Lovely car to drive, the ur drive banner is slightly faded and the address online for 40 Baxter is further down the street so we had a bit of a hard time finding the location, besides that the car was lovely and return was very easy
I've booked with Alex multiple times and found the vehicles to be in great condition at an affordable price point.
Smooth pick-up and drop off experience, very convenient to deal, Cathy was warm welcoming host.
The car We had booked was not available, but they handled the situation with the utmost care.
Lovely car, cheap petrol and the guys were super fast at communicating whenever we had a question 🙂
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Emerald and throughout Australia - from the everyday to the extraordinary - complete with a better, more convenient experience versus Emerald car rental companies. Find the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your Emerald trip starts. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Emerald, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Hiring a car in Emerald is a fantastic way to explore Central Queensland at your own pace. From the lively town centre to scenic drives through the outback, having your own wheels makes the experience even better. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your Emerald car hire adventure!
In Emerald, and across Queensland, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road with a max speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas and up to 110 km/h on open highways like the Capricorn Highway. For safety, the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05% for full license holders — best to keep that in mind if you’re sampling some of the local fare! Watch out for kangaroos and livestock on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk when they love to roam.
Flooding can also be an issue after heavy rain, so keep an eye on local weather reports. If you’re planning a road trip with kids, Queensland law requires appropriate car seats for all passengers under seven years old. And remember, pack supplies like water and snacks, as some stretches can be remote.
No need to worry about tolls — Emerald is blissfully toll-free! You’ll find that the roads here are well-maintained and scenic. Drive to your heart’s content without any surprise fees.
Emerald is home to a good number of petrol stations along major roads and near the town centre, so refuelling isn’t a hassle. For EV drivers, options are limited but improving, with charging stations around the Emerald Airport and nearby in the Central Highlands area. If you’re heading to more remote areas, a full tank (or charge) is always a wise idea.
Emerald has very limited public transport options, so rental cars will give you far more freedom to explore the local sights, from the Sapphire Gemfields to Lake Maraboon. While taxi services are available, a rental car lets you experience everything this unique region offers on your own schedule, making it the best choice for travellers who want to make the most of their time here.
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To book a car on Turo in Emerald, you must create a Turo account, be 21 years old or older, have a valid driver’s licence, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s licence and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for every future road trip, business trip, and family holiday!
Looking for convenient car hire locations in Emerald? Whether you're arriving by plane or staying at one of the popular hotels, picking up your rental is easy and hassle-free. From the airport to key spots around town, you can start your Emerald adventure in no time.
Emerald Airport (EMD)
Grab your keys straight from the airport parking lot, avoiding the airport car rental counter while you're at it. With quick access to the Capricorn Highway, you’ll be exploring Central Queensland in no time.
Emerald Central Hotel
Located near the city centre, Emerald Central Hotel is a popular spot to pick up your rental car. Perfect for those already staying in town, this location puts you minutes away from the Botanic Gardens, Nogoa River, and even a road trip to Lake Maraboon.
Emerald Motel Apartments
For visitors staying a bit longer, Emerald Motel Apartments offers another convenient car hire pickup option. Situated close to the town’s shopping and dining spots, it’s a great starting point for both business and leisure travellers looking to explore the local sights with ease.
Emerald car hire options come in all shapes and sizes, ready to match your travel style and adventure plans. From compact cars to tackle the town to roomy SUVs and 7-seaters for family road trips, the selection has you covered. Specialty options include:
- Electric cars, like a Tesla or BYD, for eco-friendly travels around Central Queensland.
- 7-seater, minivans, and people movers to keep everyone comfortable on the road.
- Sports cars for a little added thrill on the Capricorn Highway.
- Vintage cars if you’re after classic charm in the heart of the Outback.
- Exotic and luxury car hire to turn heads wherever you go.
- Van hire and ute hire for business or outdoor adventure essentials.
- Convertibles to enjoy Queensland sunshine with the top down.
- SUVs and 4WDs, like a Ford Ranger or Toyota RAV4, for rugged road trips to Fairbairn Dam or Sapphire Gemfields.
- Compact and small cars, like a Toyota Corolla, for efficient city cruising.
- Large cars for a spacious, smooth ride through the beautiful landscapes of Central Queensland.
Find the right wheels to fit your trip and hit the road in style!
From sightseeing trips to long-term car hire, renting a car in Emerald makes it easy to explore Central Queensland.
Holiday car hire: Hit the road and explore Emerald’s top spots, from the Botanic Gardens to the stunning Lake Maraboon. With options ranging from compact cars to spacious SUVs, you’ll be set for any kind of adventure.
Long-term car hire: Planning an extended stay? Long-term car hire is a great choice, especially if you’re here for work or simply want more time to explore. Book for a month or more and enjoy discounted rates that make it an economical choice for extended visits.
Formal car hire: Attending an event or meeting in style? With a range of premium options, you can roll up in an impressive vehicle without a long-term commitment. Perfect for corporate events, reunions, or any time you need to make a lasting impression.
Wedding car hire: Saying 'I do' in the outback? Whether you’re after a luxury sedan or a vintage look, there’s something special for every wedding style.
Emerald sits at the heart of Central Queensland, making it a prime launchpad for day trips into the rugged beauty and charm of the region. From fossicking for gemstones to exploring outback lakes and historic towns, there’s no shortage of adventure nearby.
Sapphire Gemfields
Just a 45-minute drive away, the Sapphire Gemfields in the towns of Sapphire and Rubyvale offer the thrill of unearthing hidden treasures. This is one of the largest gem fields in the world, and local mines let visitors try their hand at fossicking, with a decent chance of taking home a real sapphire or two. Visit gem shops, explore underground mine tours, or try your luck in a fossicking park.
Blackdown Tableland National Park
A little under two hours from Emerald, Blackdown Tableland National Park promises waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, and sweeping views of the Queensland wilderness. Take a hike to Rainbow Falls or marvel at the ancient rock art along the Ghungalu art walk. This park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone seeking a quiet day surrounded by nature.
Carnarvon Gorge National Park
If you’re up for a slightly longer journey, Carnarvon Gorge National Park is about three hours from Emerald and worth the trip for its breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural history. Known for its towering sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and vibrant Aboriginal rock art sites, Carnarvon Gorge offers hikes for all levels, including the scenic Moss Garden and Amphitheatre walks. This natural gem of Central Queensland is perfect for a day of exploring or even an overnight adventure if you want to extend your stay.
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo.
When booking a car in Australia, you’ll also 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.*
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car hire in Emerald!
Additionally, frequent travellers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totalling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsSome hosts offer car hire with unlimited KMs; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
In the rare event a host cancels, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund can be temporarily held to expedite rebooking, or the funds can be returned to your bank account — your choice.
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced safety measures and cleaning practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other viruses.
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add any additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests in Australia can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s licence and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
While prices vary based on car type, rental duration, and season, Emerald offers options to fit all budgets. You’ll often find discounts for long-term rentals, especially if you’re hiring for a month or more.
You betcha! Long-term car hire in Emerald is a flexible, cost-effective way to keep yourself mobile without the commitment of ownership. Discounts are often available for bookings of a month or longer - perfect for business, family visits, or just making the most of your time in Central Queensland!
No, you can't hire a car on your Ps in Emerald. To hire a car on Turo, you must have a valid full licence - no provisional or conditional licences are accepted.
The minimum age to rent a car in Emerald on Turo is 21 years of age, with all drivers under 25 years old being subjected to an extra cost of $15/day (a.k.a the Young Driver Surcharge). Plus, if you're looking to hire certain vehicle classes, you must be 25 or older to book a Deluxe Class vehicle, and 30 or older to book a Super Deluxe Class vehicle.
If you're a tourist or visiting from overseas, you're allowed to drive using your foreign licence for up to six months, as long as you meet these conditions:
- Maintain your status as a temporary overseas visitor.
- Hold a valid international licence.
- Have no history of driving disqualifications in QLD or any other location.
- Haven't faced licence suspension, cancellation, or withdrawal of driving privileges.
- Keep your foreign driver's or rider's licence on hand.
If your licence isn't in English, you'll also need an English translation or an International Driving Permit issued by the motoring association or embassy of the country where your licence was issued.
* The guest protection plans offer discretionary protection (protection) issued by Turo Travels Mutual Limited (the Mutual). The plans are offered and distributed on behalf of the Mutual by Turo Australia Pty Ltd and Turo Inc., who are both authorised representatives of Picnic Licensing Pty Ltd (AFSL No 532540). Discretionary risk protection is not insurance. Relevantly, the Board of the Mutual has absolute discretion to accept or reject a member’s claim.
Review the Guest Product Disclosure Statement for more information.
The Board’s discretion will be exercised fairly and consistently, and with all due consideration to the merits and circumstances of each claim and the terms and conditions set out in the Guest PDS.