We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Nelson Bay. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Nelson Bay in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Nelson Bay and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Nelson Bay and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Nelson Bay so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Nelson Bay?

Renting a car in Nelson Bay offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the diverse attractions of Port Stephens at your own pace. From pristine beaches and national parks to unique sand dunes and wildlife encounters, having your own vehicle allows you to fully immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Public transportation options in Nelson Bay are limited, and many of the area's highlights are spread out across the region. A rental car ensures convenient access to remote locations, such as the Stockton Sand Dunes and Tomaree National Park, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Car rental tips for Nelson Bay

  • Nelson Bay is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle. Renting a car from these major cities and driving to Nelson Bay can be a convenient option, allowing you to enjoy scenic routes along the way.
  • If you're arriving by air, Newcastle Airport is the closest to Nelson Bay. Several car rental agencies operate at the airport, providing a seamless transition from flight to road trip.
  • Be aware that some attractions, like the Stockton Sand Dunes, may require vehicles with higher ground clearance or 4WD capabilities. Check with your rental agency about suitable vehicle options if you plan to visit such areas.
  • During peak tourist seasons, Nelson Bay can experience increased traffic and limited parking availability. Planning your visits to popular attractions during off-peak hours can enhance your experience and reduce travel stress.

FAQs about renting a car in Nelson Bay

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is suitable for navigating Nelson Bay's roads and parking areas. If you plan to explore off-road attractions like the Stockton Sand Dunes, consider renting a vehicle with higher ground clearance or 4WD capabilities.

What are the parking options?

Nelson Bay offers various parking options, including street parking and public car parks near popular attractions. During peak tourist seasons, parking can be limited, so arriving early is advisable.

What's the speed limit?

In New South Wales, the default speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 100 km/h (62 mph) on rural roads. Always adhere to posted speed limits and be cautious of variable limits in certain zones.

Popular attractions

  • Tomaree Head Summit Walk: A moderately challenging hike leading to panoramic views of Nelson Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding coastline. The 1.8-kilometre return trail passes through native bushland and rugged rock formations.
  • Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve: A 19th-century lighthouse offering insights into the maritime history of the region, along with sweeping views of Port Stephens. The reserve is also a popular picnic spot.
  • Fly Point Park and Snorkeling Sanctuary: A renowned snorkeling and diving site within the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park, home to diverse marine life including colourful fish, corals, and sea turtles.
  • Gan Gan Lookout: Easily accessible by car, this lookout provides expansive views of Port Stephens, the coastline, and nearby bushland, especially stunning at sunset.
  • Dutchmans Beach (Bunches Beach): A tranquil beach favoured by families and locals, offering calm waters ideal for swimming, picnicking areas, and a scenic coastal walking track connecting to Bagnalls Beach.

More places to visit

  • Stockton Sand Dunes: The largest shifting sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, offering activities like sandboarding, quad biking, and camel rides, just a short drive from Nelson Bay.
  • Worimi Conservation Lands: Also known as the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, this area offers unique landscapes ideal for off-road driving, sandboarding, and walking trails, with cultural significance to the Worimi people.
  • Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park: A vast marine park covering over 98,000 hectares, encompassing diverse habitats and offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and diving.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Nelson Bay

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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SIXT Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Hertz Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Nelson Bay: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.