Do you offer one way car hire from Townsville?

Yes. We offer one-way car hire across our three branches. Pick up in Townsville and drop off in Cairns or Mount Isa so you can keep exploring without doubling back.

Car Hire Magnetic Island

Meteor Rentals | Townsville & Magnetic Island

Car Hire for Magnetic Island — Pick Up in Townsville

Planning to explore Magnetic Island by car? Pick up your hire car from our depot at 329–333 Ingham Road, Townsville — just a short 5-minute drive from the Magnetic Island ferry terminal at the CBD. To get your vehicle across, you’ll need to book with Magnetic Ferries (the dedicated car ferry) — vehicles must be booked in advance, so we recommend securing your crossing before your trip. Note: Sealink operates the passenger ferry only. Book your Magnetic Ferries crossing here.

Our Townsville depot is easy to find — we're on Ingham Road opposite Shell, just on the town side of the RAAF base entrance near the iconic 1950s Neptune bomber. We're also right next to Townsville Airport, with our property adjoining the airport reserve.

Driving on Magnetic Island: Travel to West Point is permitted in a 4x4. Please note that beach driving is not allowed anywhere on the island.

Call Now 1300 638 367

(Select Option 1)

Explore Our Vehicle Range

Cars, SUVs, Minibuses & Recreational 4WDs

Electric Car Hire

Minespec Buses

Commercial & Minespec 4WDs

Utes & Vans

Trucks: Tray, Dropside & Tippers

Furniture Trucks

Trailers

Available Accessories:

Need a little extra? We also hire out baby seats and luggage trailers (perfectly suited for our 12-seat Toyota Commuter minibuses).

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 344 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Iris Ann Arciega 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience. The booking process was straightforward, the truck was clean and well-maintained, and pickup and return were quick and hassle-free. The lady who assisted us was helpful and clear with instructions. Would definitely use this service again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Moulds 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. All the team were very welcoming friendly smiling and went out of there way to make the process easy,  was a pleasure to deal with them all, Celena was very informative and looked after us from start to finish , the price was perfect , the truck was very clean and easy to drive to Airlie Beach and back to Cairns, we will use them again for sure definitely highly recommend them , thank-you to all the team
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jenny Binks 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Admin staff were welcoming, efficient, informative,   thoughtful and professional. The rigid moving truck I hired was clean, tidy, easy to drive and navigate. I would definitely recommend 1300 Meteor rentals. Thanks so much.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew King from The Home Teller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely excellent! Highly reccomend and would use again. Donna is very friendly and was very happy to answer our what seemed like thousands of questions!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew Bakes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and had car seats (forward and rear facing) available at a reasonable price

Would use again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert phillip 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best if not the best place to hire,
Your met by very friendly staff with gorgeous smiles who are very helpful and go out of their way to make sure the process is easy and not time consuming,
I dealt with Telena and was very impressed with her service,
It was like I was family and not a customer,
My hire went very smooth and the trailer towed exceptionally well,
Highly recommend 1300 meteor for any thing you want to hire , you won't be let down and the prices were very good,
Thankyou Telena for looking after me,
Your a valued employee and 1300 meteor are extremely lucky to have you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adam Hopkins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Truck was great, tail lift was a life saver. Donna was great!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jesse Bradley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super easy process, affordable, booked in minutes. I run a removalist business and needed a truck to replace a breakdown urgently. Saved my butt!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luke Robson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great customer service, very new and clean truck.. Would definitely recommend this company for vehicle hire..
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sue Jai 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best hiring experience every time! Third time I hired over last 20 years and each time, I experienced consistently friendly and professional customer service. Donna is awesome, truck clean and beautiful and overall I will keep coming back every time I need to hire truck. Proud to support them, their excellence in local business is five star.
Thank you, I appreciate your amazing business,
Keep up the great work. We value you!
  
 
  
  
 
    Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Pick-up & Drop-off Locations

Townsville

Including Magnetic Island

329 to 333 Ingham Road, Garbutt QLD 4814

Conveniently Located in Townsville

Quality reliable car hire, with free pick up and drop off from Townsville airport*! With over 45 years of trusted service & experience & the largest privately owned rental fleet operating in Western & Northern Queensland we're here to assist you with your requirements! We are also a U-HAUL trailer hire agent in Townsville - Australia's long term, local, one-way interstate trailer rental specialist!

Townsville Location Contact Info

Local Phone: 1300 METEOR (1300 638 367 - take Option 1)

Address: 329 - 333 Ingham Road, Garbutt 4814

Hours of Operation

Monday - Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

Public Holidays: Closed (excluding Easter Saturday)

Which vehicle should I take to Magnetic Island?

Any of our vehicles can go across on the Magnetic Island car ferry, so pick for your group and your plans. Prices are from our Townsville depot (November 2026, before the 5% booking admin fee):

Small automatic car: from $89 a day, or $65 a day over a week. Ideal for couples hopping between Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay.
Toyota RAV4 hybrid: from $139 a day ($120 over a week). Room for a family's luggage and beach gear.
Kia Carnival people mover: from $159 a day ($129 over a week). Seats up to eight.
Toyota Hilux 4x4 dual cab: from $150 a day. The track to West Point is permitted in a 4x4 only.

Beach driving isn't allowed anywhere on the island, in any vehicle. Vehicles must be booked on the car ferry in advance, and the passenger ferry doesn't carry cars.

Why take a car? The island's buses don't reach every bay and lookout, and a car lets you start a walk to the Forts at dawn or watch the sunset at Horseshoe Bay on your own timetable. For the crossing itself, read getting your hire car on the Magnetic Island ferry, and for where to go, our guide to hidden beaches and tracks on Magnetic Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take a hire car on the Magnetic Island ferry?

Yes. All our vehicles are allowed on Magnetic Island via Magnetic Ferries (the car ferry). Just book your car with us then head to magneticislandferries.com.au to book your crossing — vehicles must be booked in advance. Note: Sealink operates the passenger ferry only. Damage from underbody impact or water immersion is not covered and is the renter's responsibility.

What roads can I drive on Magnetic Island?

Cars and minivans must stick to sealed roads except for official roadworks. 4x2 utes, trucks and vans are okay on well-graded unsealed roads. 4x4s can be used off-road excluding beaches. No beach driving is allowed.

Where do I pick up my hire car for Magnetic Island?

Pick up from our Townsville depot at 329-333 Ingham Road, Garbutt, just a 5-minute drive from the Magnetic Island ferry terminal at the CBD. Free airport pickup is available on weekdays.