Sometimes the best weekends don’t require flights, complicated itineraries or weeks of planning. Brisbane is surrounded by rainforest, mountain villages and hinterland escapes that are close enough for a spontaneous weekend away.
With a hire car, you can leave Brisbane in the morning and be somewhere completely different by lunchtime. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls and walking tracks, local food and markets, or simply somewhere peaceful to switch off, these three easy road trips are a great place to start.
1. Tamborine Mountain
Distance from Brisbane: Approximately 70 km
Drive time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
Tamborine Mountain is one of the easiest ways to swap Brisbane’s city streets for fresh mountain air. Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, it combines rainforest walks, scenic lookouts, local produce and a village atmosphere – all without spending half your weekend getting there.
Start with a stroll along Gallery Walk, where you’ll find cafes, galleries, specialty shops and plenty of places to pick up something locally made. Nature lovers can explore sections of Tamborine National Park, including short rainforest walks and waterfalls, while the mountain’s lookouts offer sweeping views across the surrounding hinterland.
If you’re staying overnight, there are plenty of cottages, cabins and boutique accommodation options around the mountain.
Things to do:
- Explore Gallery Walk
- Visit Tamborine National Park
- Stop at local cafes, galleries and produce stores
- Check out the mountain lookouts
- Visit nearby wineries and cellar doors
Best hire car: A compact or intermediate car is ideal for a couple or short getaway. If you’re travelling with family, friends or extra luggage, an SUV gives you a little more room.
Roads and tolls: You don’t need a 4WD to explore the main Tamborine Mountain attractions. Roads are sealed, although some sections are steep and winding, so take your time. Depending on where you begin your journey and the route you choose, you may encounter Brisbane toll roads.
2. Lamington National Park
Distance from Brisbane: Approximately 110 km
Drive time: Around 2 hours
If your perfect weekend involves rainforest rather than restaurants, point the car towards Lamington National Park.
Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Lamington is known for ancient rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife and an extensive network of walking tracks.
The Green Mountains section around O’Reilly’s is a popular base for exploring the park. You can choose anything from a short rainforest stroll to a longer hike, making it an easy destination to tailor to your weekend.
The drive itself becomes part of the experience as you climb into the hinterland, but allow plenty of time. Roads approaching the park can be narrow and winding, particularly closer to your destination.
Things to do:
- Explore rainforest walking trails
- Discover waterfalls and lookouts
- Look out for native birds and wildlife
- Visit the Green Mountains section of the park
- Stay overnight in the surrounding hinterland
Best hire car: A standard car will comfortably handle the sealed access roads. An SUV can be a good choice if you’d prefer additional space for passengers, walking gear and weekend luggage.
Roads and tolls: A 4WD isn’t required for the main visitor areas. Take extra care on narrow and winding mountain roads, particularly in wet weather, and check current road and park conditions before setting out.
3. Montville & the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Distance from Brisbane: Approximately 100 km
Drive time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
For a weekend that’s less hiking boots and more coffee-with-a-view, head north to Montville and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Montville’s main street is lined with cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutiques, while the surrounding hinterland opens up plenty more opportunities for exploring. Nearby Maleny is an easy addition to the itinerary, and Kondalilla National Park is close by if you want to work a rainforest walk into the weekend.
One of the advantages of having your own car here is being able to take your time. Stop at a lookout, detour to a country town or linger over lunch without worrying about a timetable.
Things to do:
- Wander through Montville’s shops and galleries
- Explore nearby Maleny
- Visit Kondalilla National Park
- Stop at scenic hinterland lookouts
- Discover local cafes, restaurants and produce
Best hire car: A compact or intermediate vehicle is an easy option for two, while an SUV offers additional space for families or groups.
Roads and tolls: The main routes through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland are sealed and accessible by standard vehicles. Some roads around Montville and Maleny are winding and hilly, so allow a little extra travel time. Toll roads may apply depending on your route out of Brisbane.
Choosing the Right Car for Your Brisbane Weekend
The best car for your trip depends less on the destination and more on who, and what, you’re taking with you.
A compact vehicle can be perfect for couples travelling light, while an SUV gives families and groups more passenger and luggage space. Whichever you choose, booking ahead is a good idea for weekends, public holidays and school holiday periods.
East Coast Car Rentals was recently recognised with Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers – Hire Cars 2026 Award, reflecting customer feedback across areas including overall satisfaction, customer service, value for money and vehicle condition.
Ready for a Weekend Road Trip from Brisbane?
Tamborine Mountain, Lamington National Park and Montville all prove you don’t need to travel far from Brisbane to feel like you’ve had a proper break.
Pick up your hire car from either our Brisbane Airport branch, or our Brisbane City branch, pack an overnight bag and hit the road. Sometimes the best Queensland escapes are the ones sitting right on Brisbane’s doorstep.