The Mornington Peninsula is one of Victoria’s most beautiful destinations, with its mix of coastal charm, award-winning wineries, and rolling hinterland hills. While public transport will get you between some towns, many of the Peninsula’s real highlights—secluded beaches, hidden farm gates, and boutique cellar doors—are almost impossible to reach without your own set of wheels.
That’s why renting a car is the smartest choice if you want to make the most of your time here. With your own vehicle, you can explore at your own pace, take scenic detours, and enjoy the flexibility to stop wherever you like.
Available Mornington Peninsula Car Rentals Companies
You’ll find plenty of reliable car hire companies servicing the Mornington area. Let’s explore the options you have.
Sixt
Sixt offers a truly premium car hire experience, backed by an international network. You’ll find a diverse fleet that includes compact and luxury cars, electric vehicles, SUVs, utes, vans, buses, moving trucks—and more—across over 163 locations nationwide. Their vehicles often come with generous extras like up to 200 km free per day on commercial hires, making them ideal if you plan longer drives through the Peninsula’s scenic routes.
When you choose Sixt, you’re opting for a stress-free, trustworthy rental with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. Whether you’re going for style and comfort in a luxury car, or space and flexibility in a van or SUV, Sixt delivers a reliable, well-maintained fleet—perfect for elevating your Peninsula adventure.
Star Rentals
Star Rentals may not be as big as some international brands, but they offer an excellent range of vehicles for different needs, including sedans, hatchbacks, commercial vans, trucks, and even 12-seater minibuses. Their competitive rates cater both to short-term car hires and longer rentals, and they’re also equipped to support businesses with fleet needs—so if you’re planning group trips or moves, they’ve got you covered.
Choosing Star Rentals gives you flexibility and affordability, especially useful when you need a larger vehicle for gear, family, or a group outing. It’s a practical choice if you want something reliable and budget-friendly without compromising on space or usability.
Budget
At Budget, you’ll find modern and affordable car hires right here in Mornington. They promote “cheap prices” on up-to-date vehicles and make online booking straightforward for visitors looking to save time and money. The Mornington branch offers convenient hours and clear pick-up procedures, allowing you to pre-pay and streamline your arrival. Find affordable electrical vehicles, 4×4, ute, van, or truck hire at Budget.
Customers rate Budget highly in Mornington for value, cleanliness, and convenience—picking up or dropping off a car is smooth, and staff are efficient. They also support travelers by offering legal minimum coverage and optional insurance waivers so you can drive with peace of mind.
Avis
Avis Mornington provides a wide fleet ranging from electric vehicles, compact and midsize cars to SUVs, 4WDs, utes, and vans, ensuring you’re covered whether you’re touring around town or hauling larger items. Their local depot at 1/10 Bruce Street in Mornington is easy to access, and they frequently run specials to help you get better value on your car hire.
If you’re traveling with more than one driver, just remember that Avis requires all additional drivers to be added to the rental agreement and present at pick-up—you’ll pay a small daily surcharge for each—so plan accordingly. This transparency helps you manage expectations, and ensures a smoother rental process as you explore the Peninsula.
Go With The Gecko
Go With The Gecko offers a unique twist on local car hire—specialising in vans, utes, and trucks, located at 1128–1132 Nepean Hwy, Mornington VIC 3931. Their fleet includes handy Dual Cab Caged Utes, 1–2 tonne vans, and 4.5T trucks, all of which are modern, secure, and easy to drive—even on a standard car licence.
They’re an ideal choice if you’re moving large items, DIY shopping at Mornington Home Centre, or planning a self-guided trip with plenty of gear. With flexible options and competitive pricing, “The Gecko” makes loading, transporting, and returning straightforward—without needing specialized licences or extra hassle.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Trip
The type of car you choose depends on how you plan to spend your time. If you’re mainly visiting towns like Mornington, Mount Martha, or Rosebud, a compact car makes parking and driving around busier streets easier. For family trips or if you plan on heading into the hinterland, an SUV is a comfortable and versatile option, especially for winding country roads.
If you’re after a touch of indulgence, some companies also offer premium or luxury vehicles. This is a great way to elevate your stay, especially if you’re driving between fine-dining restaurants, winery tours, or exclusive coastal retreats. For the eco-conscious traveller, many companies now offer electric vehicles (EVs), providing a modern, quiet, and sustainable way to explore the region. Choosing the right car and car hire company not only adds comfort but also makes your journey across the Peninsula smoother.
Practical Tips for Car Hire
It’s a good idea to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer or school holidays when demand is high. Many car hire companies allow you to reserve online, making it easy to secure the right vehicle before you arrive. If you’re flying into Melbourne, you can also pick up a car directly at Tullamarine Airport, or if you’re traveling down by train, Frankston is another convenient pick-up hub.
When driving in Victoria, remember that cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are clearly signed and strictly enforced, so always stick to them. You’ll also notice many scenic roads are narrower and more winding than city streets, so take your time and enjoy the drive—it’s part of the experience.
Where Your Car Hire Can Take You
With a car hire, you can create your own itinerary and explore the Peninsula without restrictions, turning your trip into a true journey of discovery. A classic option is a coastal drive from Mornington down to Portsea, but with your own vehicle, you can make spontaneous stops at captivating beachside towns like Sorrento, Mount Martha, and Blairgowrie. Take a detour to Point Nepean National Park to explore its historic forts and stunning views of the bay, or park at Sorrento and take a scenic stroll along the famous Millionaire’s Walk, which offers glimpses of some of the most exclusive clifftop homes.
Wine lovers will be in their element, free to spend a day exploring the renowned Red Hill and Main Ridge hinterland. You can visit world-class cellar doors at your own pace without being tied to a tour bus. Be sure to visit iconic wineries such as Montalto, Ten Minutes by Tractor, or Polperro, many of which offer exceptional dining and breathtaking views.
Your car hire also provides the freedom to reach unique local gems that public transport doesn’t service. Relax and rejuvenate at the world-famous Peninsula Hot Springs or its newer, more intimate counterpart, Alba Thermal Springs. For those who love the outdoors, you can access magnificent walking trails like the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track for dramatic ocean views, or visit farm gates like Hawkes Farm for fresh local produce.
Final Thoughts
A car hire is the best way to unlock the full potential of the Mornington Peninsula.. With so many sights spread out across the region, the convenience and flexibility of having your own vehicle makes every moment of your stay more enjoyable.
If you are looking for the perfect spot to stay at in Mornington, contact us. If you also want ideas for local activities to enjoy with your partner or family, check out our guide to Things to do in Mornington. And if you’d like to explore the best local businesses to try during your stay, don’t miss our local businesses guide.
