Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery and road trips, but with so many beaches, rainforests, hinterland towns and coastal cities to choose from, deciding where to go can be the hardest part.
From a weekend away to a longer holiday, KINTO can help get you there with flexible car hire available across Queensland.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve put together some of the best places to visit in Queensland, including what makes each destination unique, and practical travel tips to get the most out of your rental car, so you can plan a journey that’s just as memorable as the destination.
Explore South East Queensland
South East Queensland is one of the best regions to explore if you’re looking for places to visit in Queensland by car. Within a few hours you can trade city streets for rainforest walks, spend time at the beach before visiting the hinterlands and discover small country towns that are difficult to reach using public transport.
Brisbane, the start of a great adventure
Brisbane is a perfect place to start your Queensland road trip. Spend time wandering South Bank, take in the views from Mount Coot-tha, or visit Eat Street Northshore before setting off. After exploring the city, some of the best day trips from Brisbane are less than 2 hours away, including Tamborine Mountain and the Sunshine Coast.
If you have time on your side, Brisbane is also the starting point of an iconic Australian coastal drive. A Brisbane to Cairns road trip will take you past stunning destinations including Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Airlie Beach and Townsville, making it an unforgettable way to experience Queensland on your own time.
Starting your trip in Brisbane? See the KINTO Brisbane car hire options before you hit the road.
Sunshine Coast where beaches meet hinterland
If it’s a trip that combines beaches and nature, then the Sunshine Coast is hard to beat. Start your Queensland road trip itinerary in Noosa, where you can relax by the beach, shop or eat on Hastings Street or unwind in nature in the Noosa National Park. From there, venture inland to Maleny, a charming hinterland town known for its spectacular scenery, creative community and local produce. Or head to the Glass House Mountains for picturesque views and walking trails.
A big advantage of exploring the Sunshine Coast by car is the freedom to experience both the coastline and the hinterland in a single trip without sticking to a fixed schedule. If you’re planning to explore the region, consider Sunshine Coast car hire with KINTO to get you from the ocean to the mountains at your own pace.
Gold Coast: the surf and beyond
The Gold Coast is famous for its beautiful stretches of coastline. Begin your trip with a swim at Burleigh Heads or Currumbin Beach, then visit the cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping destinations. If you’re travelling with kids, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular stop, while those chasing a thrill can spend a day at one of the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks.
For a change of scenery, travel inland to Springbrook National Park where a visit to the waterfall and walk through the rainforest are a must. Tamborine Mountain is another fantastic destination where you can visit waterfalls, enjoy boutique shopping and purchase delicious local produce at the market. Browse the KINTO Gold Coast car hire options and experience a different side of the Gold Coast without travelling too far from the city.
Travel tip
Planning out your Queensland road trip itinerary is a big part of the fun. But driving distances can be deceiving, so what looks like a short drive can easily take several hours. Avoid trying to fit too many destinations into one day. Allow time to linger in spots or make unexpected stops along the way.
Escape to Tropical North Queensland
Tropical North Queensland offers a completely different side to the state where the world’s oldest rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Coastal drives pass through small beach towns, waterfalls and magnificent landscapes.
Cairns the entryway to Tropical North Queensland
Cairns is a fantastic base for discovering Tropical North Queensland. While many visitors come to experience the Great Barrier Reef, there is plenty more to explore on land too. Take a scenic drive north to Port Douglas, where you’ll find a cosy town with palm-lined beaches, waterfront dining, and boutique shopping. Continue north to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, where you may spot a cassowary. We recommend stopping into small towns and pausing at lookouts and beaches along your route.
Whether you’re snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, taking a hike through the rainforest, or simply enjoying the relaxed tropical atmosphere, Cairns offers a wonderful mixture of nature, adventure and coastal charm. Explore Tropical North Queensland with KINTOs Cairns car hire options.
Travel Tip
If you’re travelling outside major towns, download your maps before leaving. Mobile reception can be patchy in some regional areas, and having access to your route is essential.
Which Toyota is right for your Queensland road trip?
Travelling as a family? Read our guide to hiring the Toyota RAV4 and see why it may be the best car to suit your trip.
No matter where your Queensland road trip takes you, the right vehicle can help you make the most of every stop from coastline to hinterland along the way. Download the KINTO app to get started and plan your next Queensland adventure.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Queensland?
Queensland is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit will depend on your destination. The cooler, drier months from May to October are ideal for most road trips with comfortable temperatures and mild days. The wet season will bring warmer temperatures and higher rainfall, especially in Tropical North Queensland.
Do I need a car to see the best of Queensland?
While public transport connects Queensland’s major cities, many beaches, hinterland towns and national parks are easier to access by car. Having a rental vehicle also gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and the freedom to stop along the way.
Where can I go within 2 hours of Brisbane?
There are plenty of great day trips within a 2-hour drive of Brisbane. Visit the Sunshine Coast for beaches and coastal walks or explore Tamborine Mountain or Glass House Mountains for spectacular views and waterfalls.
