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Car Rental in Ballarat Downtown, Australia

If you're looking for car rental in Ballarat Downtown, look no further. We offer low CO2 vehicles that are at the cutting edge of environmental technology, with a choice of hire vehicles right across the range, from small city cars to luxury limousines all of which give our customers the opportunity to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Ballarat is a historically rich regional city in Victoria, Australia, known for its legacy from the 1850s gold rush era, preserved architecture, and Sovereign Hill, a living outdoor museum. With its elegant gardens, art galleries, and vibrant culinary scene, Ballarat blends colonial charm with modern convenience. It's a great launch point to explore regional Victoria.

Tips for renting a car in Ballarat

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

Green Motion Car Rental Australia Ballarat downtown 1440x400
Green Motion Car Rental Australia Ballarat Downtown 767x767

Car rental in Ballarat Downtown – Good to know about driving there

 

Renting a car in Ballarat opens up access to scenic countryside, historic landmarks, and natural attractions that aren’t easily reachable via public transport. Whether you're visiting Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Wildlife Park, or making a day trip to Grampians National Park or Daylesford’s spas, having your own vehicle provides flexibility and comfort. Public transport is limited in regional areas, so a rental car is highly recommended for convenience.

Driving in Ballarat, like the rest of Australia, follows left-hand traffic, and seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and driving conditions are generally safe, even for tourists.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and highways, and on school zones often drop to 40 km/h during school hours, and are well signposted.

Australian drivers generally follow the rules, but be alert for wildlife if you're driving during dusk or dawn in regional areas. Ballarat’s roads can become slippery in winter, and fog is common, so use low-beam headlights when visibility is poor.

Roundabouts are common — give way to the right unless signage states otherwise. Speed and red-light cameras are widely used, so stay within the posted limits. Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free setup is illegal and heavily fined.

When parking in downtown Ballarat, be sure to check signs—there are both timed and paid parking zones. Free parking is available at larger shopping centers or further out from the center.

Filling up is easy, and fuel stations are widely available in the city and suburbs. Most accept credit and debit cards, but some remote stations may require PIN or even cash.

Car Hire in Ballarta – Useful Information

Where do you pick up your car?

Green Motion is located 9 Brewery Tap Rd, Warrenheip VIC 3352. Please call +61 13 4733 if you need assistance.

Side of road

Drive on the left side of the road

Local currency

Australian dollar ($)

Nearest Gas Station

BP Wendouree (Midland Hwy), ~4 minutes (2.7 km) drive

Nearest Train Station

Ballarat Railway Station, ~8 minutes (6.5 km) drive west

Nearest Bus Station

Warrenheip Bus Stop (Midland Hwy) , ~3 minutes (2 km) drive

Average temperatures

10°C (50°F) - 21°C (70°F)

FAQ – Driving & Renting a Car in Ballarat, VIC

Is Ballarat easy to drive in for tourists?

Yes, Ballarat has wide roads, clear signage, and minimal congestion. It’s a safe place to drive even for those unfamiliar with Australia.

Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Ballarat?

You can drive with your home country license if it’s in English. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Are there toll roads around Ballarat?

No tolls exist directly in Ballarat. However, if you're heading toward Melbourne or other cities, toll roads may apply. Your rental car may be fitted with an e-tag for this.

Is it safe to drive to national parks or rural areas from Ballarat?

Yes, but be cautious of wildlife — especially kangaroos — at dusk and dawn. Stick to paved roads unless your vehicle is rated for off-road use.

Can I park in downtown Ballarat easily?

Yes, but watch for time-limited or metered zones. Free parking is more common outside the main commercial area.

What’s the best type of car to rent in Ballarat?

A compact or midsize vehicle is perfect for city driving and short trips. If you're heading into mountainous or rural areas, consider an SUV.

Are there any road restrictions in or around Ballarat?

No major restrictions, but always check weather and road conditions in winter, especially if heading into higher elevation areas.