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The Sunshine State is one of the most rewarding locations in all of Australia when it comes to holiday exploration, and car hire in Queensland from DriveNow can give you the tools you need to achieve your vacation goals in comfort and style.
When you rent a car with us, you put yourself that much closer to all the amazing natural beauty that this part of the world has to offer. DriveNow’s Queensland car hire lets you compare available makes and models from some of the most popular car producers in the world. All you have to do is search by the features most important to you and use our free, simple comparison service to find the right one. It’s easier than convincing yourself to buy that expensive knickknack as a “souvenir.”
We’ve been helping Australians get the keys to great car hire for more than a dozen years. In that time, we’ve built up strong partnerships with Queensland's most trusted names in the industry, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, Keddy and Thrifty to bring you a massive collection of quality cars to select from.
When planning a holiday, there are plenty more interesting things to spend time thinking about than car hire. Book car rental in Queensland with DriveNow and free yourself up to concentrate on what you’re going to see, where you’re going to stay, and what you’re going to eat on your trip of a lifetime.
Perhaps the best place to start your Queensland trip is in the state capital of Brisbane. The city itself holds plenty of appeal for a variety of travellers, and its proximity to some of the most attractive beaches in the entire country makes it an optimal jumping-off point for a quick daytrip in your rental car of a full-fledged road trip up the coast.
Explore the latest fashions in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall
While the allure of other cities nearby will surely be strong, Brisbane itself is well worth a few days before venturing around Queensland in your rental car. If you need some last-minute items for your holiday or just feel like going on a bit of a shopping spree, Queen Street Mall in the bustling CBD is the place to be. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, the Riverside Markets are a great place to pick up boutique, artisanal arts and crafts and clothing.
The Gold Coast's beaches stretch right along this iconic Queensland coastline
If you pick up a rental car in Brisbane, chances are high you’re planning on taking the hour drive south down to the Gold Coast. This iconic Queensland city can be what you want it to be. If you’re looking to get out and about and burn the midnight oil, the massive collection of busy nightclubs and late-night restaurants and pubs will serve you well. Of course, if you’re looking for a bit of sandy fun and/or relaxation, the Gold Coast has that in spades, too. Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads are just two of the favourite spots of visitors and locals alike.
With a name like the Sunshine Coast, can this place be anything but gorgeous? Hop in your Queensland car hire and head about 105km north to this collection of stunning beaches. As a bonus, you can take a short trip in your rental car to the nearby Fraser Island, one of the state’s aforementioned World Heritage listed areas. Take the ferry across and not your rental car as Fraser island is 4 wheel drive territory and rental companies do not permit their vehicles to travel on it.
If you rent a car in Queensland, you’ll just need a ready and willing attitude and some navigation tools to have what it takes to experience some of the finest sites in all of Australia.
Here’s a bit of a preview of what you’ll see in these areas to whet your appetite.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most breathtaking heritage areas in the world and home to the largest coral reef on the planet, stretching 2,000 kms along Queensland’s coastline. There you’ll find more than 1,500 species of fish and a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
With a multitude of landscapes showcasing all the wild and wonderful life in the northern part of the country, Fraser Island has well and truly earned its status as a Heritage Listed site. You can explore massive rainforests, walk alongside hundreds of freshwater lakes, or grab some car hire and explore Fraser Island via an enchanting 120km of beachy highway.
The Riversleigh World Heritage listed site is located in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and features a storied fossil mammal site that is routinely ranked in the top 10 of such sites in the world. This spot is a healthy drive inland, so you’ll want access to your own set of wheels to make it happen. If you rent a car at Brisbane Airport, you’re looking at around 10-11 hours on the road before arriving at your destination.
The Gondwana Rainforests sit on the Queensland border with New South Wales, just about 50kms west of Coolangatta are the largest area of subtropical rainforest in the world. The northern cousins of the Gondwana Rainforests in New South Wales, this tropical stretch is largely unchanged in terms of flora and fauna from centuries past and features unique masses of subtropical and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest. Consisting of the Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range national parks, the forest is less than 50 minutes drive from Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta.
Yet another protected (thank goodness!) collection of impressive rainforest, the Wet Tropics of northeast Queensland stretches from Townsville to Cairns. Scientists love it for its link to the past; everyday visitors love it for its amazing plants and animals.
Flying into Townsville Airport and renting a car can be the first step to a wonderful adventure in the upper half of Queensland. While the southern half of the country often gets a lot of the hype, there’s plenty to see and do in the northern region as well.
The north Queensland outpost is a great foundation from which to build a holiday to remember. Before going on your merry way, consider spending a few days in town. Hit the Strand for a lovely walk along the beach and fun swimming spots for the kiddos before sitting down for a meal with a view. Then, if the timing works out, head to 1300 Smiles Stadium and cheer on the hometown North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL.
Tke a dip in Cairns' Esplanade Lagoon
Once you’ve tasted Townsville, it’s time to hit the road. It’s hard to pass up Cairns, one of the best places from which to experience the magical Great Barrier Reef. The city is about 410km north of Townsville, well within reach in your rental car. Luckily for you, the adventure starts before you even reach your destination. When you hop in your Queensland car hire and make your way to Cairns, you’ll travel along the luscious Great Green Way. This stretch features an array of gorgeous views that live up to its spectacular name.
If you and the family are happy to live life on the road for a bit, there are also plenty of family-friendly campervan adventures in and around Cairns that are great for the little ones!
Chill and Relax on 4 Mile Beach in Port Douglas
A bit further north of Cairns sits Port Douglas, another sensational holiday destination accessible in your Queensland rental car. You’ll get a taste of tropical rain forests, including the Mossman Gorge and Daintree areas, and dazzling beaches. All of this adds up to a full-fledged Queensland experience all in one spot that ticks heaps of boxes for those looking for outdoor adventure.
