Spring has sprung in Australia, and what a beautiful time to enjoy the stunning landscapes, blooming flowers, and buzzing atmosphere. Skip the long airport queues, lost luggage, and restless kids, and hop in a rental car to see up close what makes this country so special. Design your own holiday, with flexibility and spontaneity and make some lasting memories on a family road trip. If you’re thinking ‘how much does it cost to to get a car hire in Australia’, you will be pleasantly surprised!
Below is a sample of the best flower festivals in Australia, along with a few car rental tips to help you on your way.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival 2022, Victoria (September 10 - October 9)
Pick up a Melbourne rental car and drive 60 minutes to the largest flower festival in Australia, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. The entire family will be treated to a full itinerary of fun activities amongst a backdrop of stunning, blooming tulips - 900,000 of them! Mum and dad can enjoy food, wine and music and the kids will be well entertained with loads of activities such face painting, tractor rides, musical entertainment, craft workshops and more. The program has different themes throughout the month to keep things interesting. Tickets are free to children under the age of 16 and there are discounts for group bookings - get yours now.
Car rental tip: How expensive is it to rent a car in Australia?
Renting a car in Australia is very affordable, particularly when renting from the largest depots with ample supply. Airport depots are reliable but you may get a lower price away from the airport. Use our website to instantly compare current prices.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2022, Queensland (September 1 - September 30)
Rent a car in Brisbane and drive 90 minutes to Toowoomba for a spectacular showing of spring blooms. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is an unmissable event for locals and tourists alike. The program appears endless with no shortage of fun activities for all ages and tastes, including the free and fabulous Teddy Bears’ Picnic for the little ones (they will love it!) and the outdoor cinema for the bigger kids. Adults can tap into their foodie impulses and sample spring inspired cocktails. All can enjoy interactive games, music, food stalls and more. Celebrated annually since it began just after WWII, the festival has been recognised for winning Gold at the Queensland tourism awards in recent years - and it’s easy to see why.
Car rental tip: How can I compare car hire deals in Australia?
Use our search engine to explore car rental Australia and find the best deal. Check out the best offers from popular brands such as Bargain Car Rentals, Europcar, Budget Car Hire, Thrifty, Sixt, Hertz and many more.
Buderim Garden Festival 2022, Queensland (October 21 - October 23)
In Queensland you can also take your Australia car hire to visit the annual Buderim Garden Festival, an epic celebration of Spring. This unique event on the Sunshine Coast is put on by members of the community every year, so it's planned with a lot of love and passion for all things plants. It offers markets, amazing creations from the area's biggest green thumbs, and big flower showcases. Don’t forget to ask the experts for some tips on how to improve your outdoor living space! This event will surely excite the garden lovers in your group and inspire the whole family to create an outdoor oasis at home.
Car rental tip: What is the minimum age to drive a hire car in Australia?
When renting a car in Australia, you will have access to the most rental car depots with the fewest restrictions if you are age 25 or older. Some depots allow drivers to be as young as 18 or 21 but this privilege comes with additional fees.
Floriade 2022, ACT (September 17 - October 16)
Canberra hosts the biggest celebration of Spring: Floriade. Floriade is a sensational event that takes place day AND night over a month between September and October. What better place to rent a car and visit a festival than Australia’s capital city? This year’s theme is the “Sounds of Spring” which is sure to get the whole family on their feet for a boogie. There is a massive lineup of cultural celebrations designed to enlighten, educate and entertain. This event celebrates all things flowers, gardens, and spring, and offers a myriad of activities to satisfy even the grumbling tweenagers in the family. Don’t believe us? Check out the program here:
Car rental tip: Can foreigners rent cars in Australia?
Of course! As long as you meet the license requirements of your chosen depot, you can rent a car in Australia. Just make sure you feel comfortable before getting behind the wheel by getting familiar with the local rules and road signs.
Everlasting Kings Park Festival 2022, Western Australia (September 16 - September 30)
Pick up a Perth rental car and visit the stunning Kings Park. The spectacular views, incredible nature walks, and botanical gardens offer the perfect backdrop to the Everlasting Kings Park Festival. Soak in all this amazing spot has to offer as you join in the celebration of Western Australia’s wild flowers. This fantastic event is just minutes from the city centre and offers exciting workshops, tours, art displays, guided walks and family activities. While there, enjoy a picnic, throw around a footy, and see if you can hear each other whisper from opposite ends of the “Whispering wall”.
Car rental tip: Can I hire a car with unlimited mileage in Australia?
Many Australia car rentals include unlimited mileage. Simply compare vehicle hire options and inclusions across multiple rental business companies using Airport Rentals' Australia car hire search function.
Perth Garden and Outdoor Living Festival 2022, Western Australia (October 27 - October 30)
The Perth Garden and Outdoor Living Festival takes place in the amazing Langley Park, perfectly situated right on the lovely Swan River. This event is back by popular demand, as much like other events it was postponed due to the dreaded “c” word. It lasts for just four days from 10 am - 4pm, so take the opportunity to soak it all in while you can. There are plenty of food and coffee vendors at the event for your convenience so you can enjoy some delicious treats whilst admiring the range of magnificent displays. This event is also sure to spark some inspiration to make your own backyard into an oasis and perhaps take home some “plant babies''. After checking out this festival, the area offers plenty more to explore in one of Perth's buzziest locations.
Car rental tip: Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Australia?
Want to explore Australia? If your license is in a language other than English, you may need to present an accompanying international driver’s license or suitable translation.
Yates Springtime Tulip Festival 2022, Western Australia (August 19 - Late September)
Perth’s southern suburb also hosts an exciting springtime tulip festival. Taking place in a wonderful Western Australia heritage setting, this colourful scene will take your breath away!
There are heaps of food vendors to keep those little bellies full and activity packs to keep them entertained and happy. You won't want to miss a single inch of this landscape so be sure to stretch the legs from the longer road trips and take advantage of the walking tours they offer - or take a cruise on the trackless train when the little legs start to tire. This annual event dazzles with 120,000 tulips and 36,000 blooms.
Car rental tip: What sort of car should I rent in Australia?
The cheapest car rentals in Australia are compact and economy size vehicles, but if you spend just a little more, you can get a lot of bang for your buck with a larger vehicle. If you will be spending several hours driving it’s worth the extra dollars!
Tips for attending Australia flower festivals
Whether you are in Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, or New South Wales, please know that every flower festival is unique. But there are a few similarities that will help you make the most of your family road trip.
- If attending a festival that requires ticket entry, you can book your car hire online in advance as they do sell out. Also book your hotel and Australia car rental as soon as possible to take advantage of lower prices and better availability.
- Check the program to ensure the activities that interest you line up with the days you will visit. There are often events within the main program that will require separate tickets, such as wine and food tastings, performances, and others. Find out what they are and book them in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Make a plan for parking your rental car. Map out how far you will need to walk with the little ones in tow and how far you might need to carry any purchases.
- Most festivals provide refreshments, but it is prudent to carry water and light snacks just in case.
- Most venues offer ample shade, but it is always advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen and sun protection for the whole family.
Car rental tip: What are the options for long term car rental Australia?
Many car rental companies offer long term car hire rates, often with significant savings compared to daily rates. Type your desired dates and destinations into the search function on this website to view and compare prices across multiple brands – one way bookings are also available. Choose the best deal from your preferred car hire company and visit popular cities in Australia.
Want a different kind of adventure? Check out Motorhome Republic's campervan hire deals and discover other famous cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart, Gold Coast, or Brisbane in a motorhome.
Why rent a car for Australia flower festivals?
After being cooped up over the winter and staying close to home, what better way to celebrate the season and a return to normality than smelling the sweet scent of fresh flowers amongst a happy crowd of spring enthusiasts? Lovely music, brilliant entertainment, tantalising food and drink, and endless fun for the little ones - what’s not to like? Plus, a road trip offers the chance to laugh and bond outside of the usual routine. An Australia car hire provides that bit of freedom and flexibility to stay on a schedule that works for you – plus, you can even bring the fur babies along!
Now that you know where the best flower festivals in Australia are happening, it’s time to prepare your travel plans and book a rental car (or even campervan rental) and see what all the fuss is about!
