Brisbane is perfectly placed for adventure. You can drive an hour south, and you’ll be on the Gold Coast. Two hours north puts you in Byron Bay. And if you head west, you’ll find yourself in the hinterland, and you’ll trade the city skyline for mountain peaks before lunchtime.

You could swim at the beach in the morning, hike through the Scenic Rim rainforest after lunch, and watch the sunset over a Southern Downs winery; all with a single car hire booking.

This guide covers everything you need to plan Brisbane road trips in 2025. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got just a weekend or a few weeks to spend. Queensland is full of natural beauty and charming country towns in every direction to count each of your minutes.

So pack the car on any Friday afternoon and you’ll be somewhere completely different by dinner!

Why Brisbane Is Perfect for Road Trips

Brisbane is perfect for road trips because you can reach incredible destinations in every direction without spending hours behind the wheel.

The subtropical climate lets you plan adventures any time of year, and most destinations are within a four-hour drive. So, your weekend getaways will feel relaxed instead of rushed.

Here’s what you can reach from Brisbane:

• Gold Coast Beaches: 80 kilometres south, under ninety minutes
• Byron Bay: 170 kilometres south, two hours of coastal scenery
• Scenic Rim Wineries: 90 kilometres southwest, perfect weekend territory
• Southern Downs: 150 kilometres west with cellar doors
• Fraser Island: 300 kilometres north via Hervey Bay ferry

Brisbane also sits close to the Queensland-New South Wales border. You can easily cross that line and get access to Northern Rivers towns and waterfall-studded national parks. It’s basically two states and dozens of destinations with one convenient starting point.

This is where Car hire opens up these possibilities for you. You can leave when you want, stop wherever catches your eye, and stay as long as you like. Because every road out of Brisbane leads to something worth relishing.

Best Road Trip Destinations from Brisbane

Queensland fits more variety into a few hours of driving than most countries manage in a thousand kilometres. You can think of the destinations in four simple categories: coastal beaches, mountain national parks, hinterland wine country, and offshore islands.

We’ll explain what each has to offer and how you can get there:

Coastal Drives and Beach Escapes

If you want the energy of the sun and saltwater, Brisbane will let you roam in every direction.

• The Gold Coast is just 80 kilometres south, with surf beaches, theme parks, and lively nightlife.
• A couple of hours further takes you to Byron Bay’s relaxed cafes and alternative culture.
• Head north for Noosa’s fine dining, boutique shops, and the Sunshine Coast’s easygoing charm.
• Hervey Bay is your jumping-off point for adventures in Fraser Island.
• And if none of that works for you, Coffs Harbour is about halfway to Sydney, which is famous for its beaches and the Big Banana.

National Parks and Natural Wonders

If you’re a nature lover, Brisbane spoils you for choice. For example,

• Lamington and Springbrook National Parks protect ancient rainforests, and it’s just 90 minutes from the city.
• Glass House Mountains are perfect for a hike or a scenic drive.
• D’Aguilar National Park winds through rainforest-covered ranges to Mount Glorious.
• Noosa National Park merges ocean views with coastal walks and wildlife spotting.

Hinterland Towns and Wine Regions

Now, if you’re craving cooler air and a slower pace, the hinterland is perfect for you.

• Tamborine Mountain has boutique wineries, rainforest walks, and local art galleries, and it’s only 45 minutes from Brisbane.
• The Scenic Rim takes you to rolling green valleys and charming country towns like Boonah.
• Southern Downs and Stanthorpe are best in autumn, when the Granite Belt vineyards turn gold and crimson.

Offshore Islands

For an offshore preference, the islands will feel like a whole new world.

• Fraser Island (K’gari) is the world’s largest sand island, and home to Lake McKenzie’s clear waters and 75 Mile Beach (best explored with a 4WD).
• Moreton Island has shipwreck dives and sand tobogganing near the Tangalooma Wrecks.
• North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) has sealed roads, regular ferries, and some of the best coastal lookouts in Queensland.

Considering the distances, here’s a general idea of how you can plan your next escape:

• Day trips (under 2 hours): Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain, Glass House Mountains
• Weekends (2-4 hours): Byron Bay, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Southern Downs
• Long weekends (5 hours): Fraser Island, Coffs Harbour, Waterfall Way
• Week-long trips: Cairns, Whitsundays, Brisbane to Sydney

Road Trip Itinerary Suggestions

No matter how much time you have, there’s a Queensland road trip route to suit your pace and interests. You can also check out these sample routes to give you a head start on making the most of your adventure.

The Classic Coastal Loop (3-4 Days)

Start with a day on the Gold Coast beaches and a stroll to Byron Bay’s iconic lighthouse. On day two, head north to Coffs Harbour to snap a photo with the Big Banana. Day three will take you back inland along Waterfall Way, which passes through the scenic Dorrigo National Park.

Overnight stays work best in Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour to break up the journey and soak in the local charm.

Hinterland and Wine Trail (2-3 Days)

Leave in the morning for Tamborine Mountain, where vineyard tastings and boutique shops set a relaxed pace. In the afternoon, wind your way through the Scenic Rim to Boonah, catching spectacular sunset views over the valleys.

Day two brings you to the Southern Downs, exploring the wineries around Stanthorpe before heading home through charming country towns and farm gate stops along the way.

Island Adventure (4-5 Days)

Use Hervey Bay as your base for Fraser Island adventures. And spend your days exploring Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, experiencing the island’s freshwater wonders.

If you have extra time, head to Moreton Island to snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks or explore North Stradbroke Island, enjoying its easy-going beaches and natural scenery.

Car Hire Basics for Brisbane Road Trips

The right rental car can turn your road trip from a headache into pure freedom. You’ll find yourself referring to this guide later when you hit the road.

Where to Collect Your Rental Car

You’ll find all the big rental brands at Brisbane Airport. To start, most desks sit right near baggage claim on Level One of the Domestic Terminal. If you’re arriving from overseas, head to Level Two at the International Terminal instead.

If you’re already in the city, you might save a few dollars by collecting your car from a downtown depot instead.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Choose your rental based on where you’re heading:

• Compact cars: City driving and coastal road trips
• SUVs: Extra space for families and longer journeys
• Four-wheel drives: Fraser Island beach tracks require these
• Air conditioning: Queensland’s subtropical climate makes this worthwhile

Driving Requirements and Documentation

You’ll need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Though some vehicle categories require you to be 25 or older.

You’ll have to bring a valid driver’s licence that you’ve held for at least 12 months. Similarly, international visitors should carry both their home licence and an international driving permit or official translation. And yes, the credit card must also belong to the driver.

Costs and Insurance Explained

Rental prices usually depend on the type of car and how long you’re hiring it for.

Cost Type	Typical Range	Notes
Compact car	$30-50/day	Best value for short trips
SUV	$60-90/day	Weekend rates are often cheaper
4WD	$100-150/day	Required for Fraser Island
Airport fee	$5-15 per rental	Added to airport pickups only
Fuel (full tank)	$60-120	Depends on vehicle size

Don’t forget about Queensland’s toll roads, like the Gateway and Logan motorways. Most rental companies handle toll payments automatically, but it’s best to always double-check your agreement before you drive off.

Driving Tips for Queensland Roads

Australian roads might feel familiar at first, yet the details (and occasional jumpscares from a kangaroo!) can surprise even the most experienced Aussies.

So you should check some Queensland road rules before your trip:

• Drive on the left: The Steering wheel sits on the right side
• Speed limits: 50km/h in built-up areas, 100-110km/h on highways
• Mobile phones: Banned while driving without hands-free systems
• U-turns: Prohibited unless signs permit them
• Toll roads: Gateway and Logan motorways use electronic systems

Staying Safe on the Road

Before you hit the road, it’s worth brushing up on a few Queensland-specific safety essentials. Check out these habits to make your drive smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.

• Watch out for wildlife: Kangaroos and wallabies are most active at dawn and dusk, so slow down and stay alert, especially in rural areas.
• Avoid peak-hour traffic: Traffic builds between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., particularly along the M1
• Check the weather: Summer storms can cause flooding in coastal and hinterland regions, so it’s better to review forecasts before driving through mountain areas.
• Inspect your rental car: Photograph any existing damage before leaving the depot to avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.
• Follow safety laws: Child safety seats are mandatory for young passengers.
• Refuel before returning: Top up the tank before drop-off to avoid additional fuel charges.

Best Time for Brisbane Road Trips

The best time for Brisbane road trips is during spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May). That is when the weather is most pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and prices are much easier on the wallet.

Season / Period	Weather & Conditions	Notes & Tips
Spring (Sep–Nov)	Mild temperatures	Fewer tourists, ideal for relaxed road trips
Autumn (Mar–May)	Mild temperatures	Shoulder season, pleasant driving and sightseeing
Summer (Dec–Feb)	Hot, around 30°C	Beaches are crowded, especially Christmas–January; plan ahead
Winter (Jun–Aug)	Daytime temps around 20°C	Whale watching along the coast from Hervey Bay to Byron Bay
Peak Season (Dec–Jan)	Varies with summer weather	Higher accommodation and car rental prices; book early
Cheapest Car Rentals	–	Typically in May
Most Expensive Car Rentals	–	Typically in December

Pack Your Bags and Hit the Road

Brisbane’s location makes it the perfect starting point for road trips across Queensland. Fraser Island’s sandy tracks, Byron Bay’s surf culture, and the Scenic Rim’s charming country towns, and you’ve got an endless variety of destinations within easy reach.

The best part is that you can swim at Gold Coast beaches in the morning, sip wine in the Southern Downs by afternoon, and catch the sunset from a mountain lookout (that too, all in a single day!) Queensland manages to pack more adventure into a day than most places do in a week.

So, start planning your Brisbane road trip today and see for yourself why Queensland is one of Australia’s ultimate road trip destinations.