Garbutt Car Rental

With a rental car in Garbutt, you can explore the city of Townsville. Garbutt is a suburb of this city, which is one of the most popular destinations in tropical North Queensland. Best known for its spectacular natural surroundings, this is a great place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.

The top of most visitors' lists is, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous all over the world. It's ideal for a day trip, with boats taking about two hours to reach the reef. Once you're there, you can go snorkeling or diving to admire the colors of the reef and the marine animals that live there. If you want to mix a little culture into your day, you can opt for a visit to the reef that also includes a stop at the Museum of Underwater Art, the Southern Hemisphere's only underwater museum.

The water fun doesn't stop there! Head to the Strand, Townsville's most famous boardwalk, for a good time by day or night. During the day, you can take a dip in the lagoon or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding. In the evening, Strand Park comes to life with the Strand Night Markets. Here you can pick up souvenirs, crafts, artisan products and more, but the markets are best known for their food. There are plenty of options to choose from, making it an ideal spot for a group dinner.

While this part of Queensland is best known for its underwater paradise, there's plenty to see on dry land, too. Castle Hill, an enormous monolith of pink granite, provides a picture-perfect backdrop for your photos - but it's also a great spot to go for a hike. There are a large number of hiking trails that run up Castle Hill, with something to suit every level of experience. From high up, you'll be able to enjoy unparalleled views of Garbutt, Townsville and Magnetic Island in the distance.

Renting a car or van in Garbutt lets you explore more of Queensland, too. Paluma Range National Park, approximately 80 km away, is a tropical paradise. The freshwater creeks and rock pools have crystal-clear water, and some are ideal for taking a dip. Waterfalls, rainforest trails and stunning surroundings all make this a great choice for a day trip. The freshwater swimming pools are the perfect way to cool off after a hike through the tropical rainforest.

Within the Paluma Ranges, you might also be lucky enough to spot one of Australia's most unusual animals, the duck-billed platypus. Platypus safaris are offered, with local expert guides taking you to the best spots to see these rare and remarkable creatures.

You are unlikely to experience any problems driving in Garbutt. Even when you drive into downtown Townsville, you can expect a smooth, comfortable experience. Townsville is not a very large city and does not have high levels of congestion. There is ample parking throughout the downtown area, with a range of options from on-street meters to covered parking lots.

The wet season in Queensland runs from November through April. During this time, rain can sometimes be very heavy. This leads to slippery roads and an increase in accidents. Be careful if you are driving on a wet surface. Slow down, particularly when entering a traffic circle or turning a corner. At times, heavy rainfall can cause flooding. Never attempt to drive through flood waters. Pay close attention to local weather reports, and watch out for road closures.

This part of Australia has a risk of bush fires, so stay vigilant in hot weather. Again, keep an eye out for weather reports. Follow the advice or guidelines given by authorities, and do not take any risks. Australia's extreme weather can certainly be tricky to deal with, but if you take precautions, it won't ruin your trip.

If you plan to rent a car in Garbutt and go on a road trip, plan carefully. There are often long distances between services, so make sure you know exactly where you're going. Carry a paper copy of a map, as you may lose your phone signal when you are far from a town. Make sure you have plenty of water. Take regular breaks if you are driving long distances. If you can share driving responsibilities between different members of your group, do so.

It's best to plan your road trip so that you only drive during daylight hours. This part of Australia is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Marsupials are usually at their most active at night and can cause problems for drivers on the roads between dusk and dawn. Watch out for road signs warning of animals crossing and drive slowly through these areas.