I had a phone call on Sunday from someone who wanted to hire one of my PLB’s. The only problem was that he was in Tassie and needed it by Monday, so there wasn’t much I could do. I hope he managed to get his hands on one, or at least managed to have a safe hike anyway.
This got me thinking that I needed to do some research on the other PLB hire options available, so once again I dropped everything and started researching. Nothing beats procrastination with purpose.
The tables below contain every service I could find, but it’s worth mentioning that if you’re part of a bushwalking or outdoors club, you should check with them first. If not, keep this post in mind to find the most suitable PLB hire service for your next trip. Here it is… The ultimate guide.
Firstly, there are four options for those looking to have a PLB delivered to their door:
| Name | Minimum Cost | Booking process | Other info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushwalking Blog | $45 | Simple, fully online process | Postage included in price. PLB provided is a RescueMe PLB1. |
| EPIRBhire | $88 (+ freight) |
Copy and paste a text form into an e-mail to book. | Additional freight charge applies (unless hiring for more than 1 week). EPIRB, GPS and satellite phones also available. |
| Adventure Rentals | $55 | Contact by phone or e-mail, then download form to fill out and return | Additional deposit and postage charges apply. Also hires other outdoor equipment. |
| Oz Satellite Rentals | $35 (+ freight) |
Start with online enquiry form | Additional (minimum $30) freight charges apply. PLB provided is a SafeLink SOLO. |
If it’s easier for you to pick the PLB up yourself and you’re in one of the areas listed below, you’re in luck:
| Location | Name | Minimum Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountains (NSW) | Katoomba Police Station | FREE | Drop in to pickup. |
| Blue Mountains (NSW) | Springwood Police Station |
FREE | Drop in to pickup. |
| Blue Mountains (NSW) | Blackheath NPWS | FREE | Drop in between 9am and 4pm to pickup. |
| Jindabyne, Perisher Valley, Khancoban or Tumut (NSW) |
NPWS Visitor Centres | $10 | Call (02) 6450 5600 for details. $20 deposit applies. |
| Budawangs / South Coast (NSW) | IGA Supermarket | $10 | Drop in and ask for store manager. $100 deposit applies. Address for pickup is 84 Princes Hwy, Milton. |
| Canberra (ACT) | Real Fun | $20 | Call 0410 547 838 to confirm availability 24 hours before pickup. Address for pickup is Unicycle (bike shop), Union Court, Australian National University. Other camping equipment also available for hire. |
| Namadgi National Park (ACT) | Namadgi Visitor Centre | $25 | Call the Visitor Centre on (02) 6207 2900 |
| Hobart, Launceston, Burnie or Devonport (TAS) |
Service Tasmania Shop | $40 | Call 1300 135 513 for details. |
| Melbourne (VIC) | Bogong Equipment | $50 | Drop in to pickup,or call (03) 9600 0599 if you want to book ahead. Address for pickup is 374 Little Bourke,Street, Melbourne. |
| Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, and various locations in Melbourne |
Adventure Rentals | $55 | Call 0431 176 282 for details. |
| Hinchinbrook Island (QLD) | Cardwell Rainforest & Reef Visitor Information Centre | Unsure | Call (07) 4066 8601 for details. |
Got any other services to add? Have I got something wrong? Please let us know by commenting below.
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The post PLB hire in Australia: The ultimate guide to online and offline hire services appeared first on Bushwalking Blog.