Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland.
The best bits of Queensland aren’t inside the airport.
Nobody comes to Queensland for the baggage carousel.
You come for the beach that wasn’t on the itinerary. The bakery a local insisted you stop at. The waterfall you found because you decided to take the long way home. The country pub that ended up serving the best lunch of the whole trip.
That’s the Queensland we love.
Whether you’re collecting your hire car in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Cairns, every East Coast Car Rentals branch is the start of somewhere worth exploring. From ancient rainforests and hidden hinterland towns to coastal drives, island escapes and local food worth pulling over for, the best experiences begin once you leave the airport behind.
So, where will you start?
Choose your starting point
- Brisbane & Surrounds – City sights, island adventures and country escapes.
- Gold Coast & Hinterland – Beaches, waterfalls and rainforest drives.
- Sunshine Coast & Hinterland – Coastal favourites, charming hinterland villages and scenic lookouts.
- Tropical North Queensland – Reef, rainforest and unforgettable road trips.
Brisbane & Surrounds
More than just a city stopover.
Brisbane has a habit of surprising people.
Most visitors know the city. Fewer realise that within ninety minutes of picking up the keys you can be catching a ferry to an island, wandering through rainforest, tasting local produce in the Scenic Rim or discovering mountain lookouts that feel a world away from the CBD.
Brisbane CBD, Queensland.
If you’ve only planned a quick stop before heading somewhere else, Brisbane might just convince you to stay a little longer.
Worth the drive
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
Just under an hour from our Brisbane Airport branch, followed by a ferry ride, Minjerribah is home to spectacular beaches, coastal walks, incredible whale watching during migration season and some of the most breathtaking ocean views in Queensland.
Scenic Rim
Rolling hills, farm gates, wineries, country bakeries and mountain views make the Scenic Rim one of Queensland’s most rewarding day trips. Every town has its own personality, and half the fun is discovering what you’ll find around the next corner.
Mount Coot-tha & D’Aguilar National Park
Mount Coo-tha, Brisbane, Queensland.
Looking for the best view of Brisbane? Start at Mount Coot-tha. If you’ve packed your walking shoes, continue into D’Aguilar National Park for rainforest trails, picnic spots and peaceful bushland just outside the city.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Sanctuary, Brisbane, Queensland.
Travelling with kids? Or just keen to meet some iconic Australian wildlife? Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary remains one of Brisbane’s most popular attractions, and it’s an easy addition to almost any itinerary.
Moreton Island (Mulgumpin)
Think crystal-clear water, snorkelling around the Tangalooma Wrecks, giant sand dunes and unforgettable island scenery. Before you go, make sure you check ferry schedules and vehicle requirements.
Eat where the locals eat
Some of Brisbane’s best experiences happen around the table.
Our favourites include:
- Howard Smith Wharves for riverside dining beneath the Story Bridge.
- Davies Park Markets for local produce, coffee and weekend browsing.
- Eat Street Northshore for a relaxed first-night dinner with plenty of variety.
- Scenic Rim farm gates for artisan cheeses, fresh produce, wineries and country hospitality.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences
One of the best ways to connect with a destination is through the stories of the people who have cared for it for thousands of years.
While you’re in Brisbane, consider adding an Aboriginal cultural experience to your itinerary, including Indigenous-led walking tours through Meanjin (Brisbane), visits to Birrunga Gallery & Dining or cultural experiences on Minjerribah with Quandamooka operators.
Traditional Owner acknowledgement to be confirmed prior to publication.
Approximate drive times from Brisbane Airport
| Destination | Drive Time |
| Brisbane CBD | 20 minutes |
| Mount Coot-tha | 35 minutes |
| Cleveland Ferry Terminal | 50 minutes |
| Scenic Rim (Boonah) | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Gold Coast | 1 hour |
| Sunshine Coast | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Drive times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Keep exploring Brisbane
Looking for more inspiration?
- Things to Do in Brisbane
- Your Guide to Exploring Brisbane by Car
- Scenic Rim Day Trips
- Minjerribah Travel Guide
→ Book your Brisbane hire car from Brisbane Airport or our Brisbane City branch.
Gold Coast & Hinterland
More than just beaches and theme parks.
The Gold Coast has earned its reputation for golden beaches, world-class surf breaks and plenty of sunshine. But ask a local where they head on a weekend and chances are they’re pointing the car inland.
Less than an hour from the coastline you’ll find ancient rainforests, waterfalls, mountain lookouts, wineries and walking trails that feel a world away from the high-rises. It’s two completely different holidays in one destination – and that’s what makes the Gold Coast so special.
Worth the drive
Burleigh Heads National Park
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland.
One of the Gold Coast’s favourite walks, Burleigh Head National Park combines stunning ocean views with shady rainforest, making it perfect for a sunrise stroll or an afternoon escape. Keep an eye out for migrating whales during winter.
Springbrook National Park
Ancient Gondwana rainforest, spectacular lookouts, waterfalls and glow worms after dark – Springbrook is one of Queensland’s most memorable day trips. Whether you’re visiting Natural Bridge or chasing waterfalls, it’s well worth leaving the beach behind for a day.
Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast, Queensland.
Lamington National Park
Home to World Heritage-listed rainforest, Lamington National Park is a dream for hikers, wildlife lovers and anyone looking to slow down for a while. Choose from Binna Burra or O’Reilly’s and enjoy one of Australia’s most iconic national parks.
Tamborine Mountain
Boutique wineries, distilleries, rainforest walks, local art galleries and cosy cafés make Tamborine Mountain one of the Gold Coast’s favourite hinterland escapes. Take your time – the winding drive is part of the experience.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Only minutes from our Gold Coast Airport branch, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an easy first stop after landing. Meet native Australian wildlife, enjoy wildlife presentations and experience one of the region’s best-loved attractions.
Eat, drink and discover local favourites
One of the best parts of exploring the Gold Coast is discovering places the locals already know about.
Some of our favourites include:
- Miami Marketta for street food, live music and relaxed evening vibes.
- Gallery Walk, Tamborine Mountain for artisan food, sweet treats and boutique shopping.
- Tamborine Mountain Distillery and local cellar doors for a taste of the hinterland.
- Canungra Valley Vineyards for lunch with mountain views.
- Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach for cafés, breweries and restaurants that locals return to time and time again.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences
The Gold Coast has a rich Aboriginal cultural history, and taking part in a guided cultural experience is a meaningful way to connect with the region beyond its beaches.
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Burleigh Heads offers guided walks, storytelling and cultural experiences led by the local Aboriginal community, sharing the stories, traditions and significance of Country.
Traditional Owner acknowledgement to be confirmed prior to publication.
Approximate drive times from Gold Coast Airport
| Destination | Drive Time |
| Currumbin | 10 minutes |
| Burleigh Heads | 15 minutes |
| Surfers Paradise | 25 minutes |
| Byron Bay | 45 minutes |
| Springbrook National Park | 50 minutes |
| Tamborine Muintain | 1 hour |
| Lamington National Park (Binna Burra) | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Drive times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Keep exploring the Gold Coast
There’s so much more to discover across the Gold Coast and surrounding region.
Continue planning your adventure with:
- Things to Do on the Gold Coast
- Ultimate Gold Coast Hinterland Road Trip
- Gold Coast Waterfalls Worth Chasing
- Byron Bay Day Trip Guide
- Family-Friendly Gold Coast Adventures
→ Book your Gold Coast hire car
Sunshine Coast & Hinterland
Slow down. You’re on Sunny Coast time.
The Sunshine Coast has a way of making you slow down – in the best possible way.
Maybe it’s the early morning walks along Noosa National Park. Maybe it’s long lunches in hinterland cafés, afternoons spent browsing country towns or the scenic drive between Maleny and Montville. Whatever it is, this is a destination that rewards people who aren’t in a hurry.
Of course, you’ll find beautiful beaches here. But venture a little further and you’ll discover rolling green hills, dramatic mountain scenery and some of Queensland’s most memorable road trips.
Worth the drive
Noosa National Park
Noosa National Park, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
It’s popular for good reason. Follow the Coastal Track past Tea Tree Bay and you’ll be treated to incredible ocean views, hidden beaches and, if you’re lucky, dolphins or koalas along the way. Start early for the best experience.
Glass House Mountains
These iconic volcanic peaks are one of South-East Queensland’s most recognisable landscapes. Stop at the lookouts, tackle one of the walking trails or simply enjoy one of the state’s most scenic drives.
Maleny & Montville
Boutique shops, artisan food, galleries, waterfalls and spectacular views make these hinterland villages an easy favourite. Take your time exploring—you’ll want to stop more than once along the way.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Only around forty minutes from our Sunshine Coast branch, Australia Zoo remains one of Queensland’s must-visit attractions for families, wildlife lovers and first-time visitors alike.
Rainbow Beach & Great Beach Drive
Looking for a bigger adventure? Head north to Rainbow Beach, the gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island). With colourful sand cliffs, coastal scenery and one of Australia’s most unique beach drives, it’s well worth planning a full day or overnight stay.
Eat, sip and support local
The Sunshine Coast is packed with incredible local producers, fresh food and relaxed places to unwind.
Our favourites include:
- Eumundi Markets for local makers, fresh produce and one-of-a-kind finds.
- Maleny Dairies and Maleny Cheese for a taste of the hinterland.
- Hastings Street, Noosa when you’re in the mood for a long lunch by the beach.
- Sunshine Beach for a quieter coastal dining experience loved by locals.
- Mooloolaba Esplanade for fresh seafood, cafés and an easy first evening after landing.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences
Discover the Sunshine Coast through the stories and traditions of the Kabi Kabi people by joining an Aboriginal cultural experience during your visit.
From cultural river cruises and bush tucker experiences to guided walks and hands-on workshops, these experiences offer a deeper connection to Country and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Traditional Owner acknowledgement to be confirmed prior to publication.
Approximate drive times from Sunshine Coast Airport
| Destination | Drive Time |
| Mooloolaba | 15 minutes |
| Noosa Heads | 30 minutes |
| Eumundi | 30 minutes |
| Australia Zoo | 40 minutes |
| Glass House Mountains | 45 minutes |
| Maleny & Montville | 50 minutes |
| Rainbow Beach | 2 hours |
| Brisbane | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Drive times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Keep exploring the Sunshine Coast
Ready to keep planning?
Discover even more inspiration with:
- The Ultimate Sunshine Coast Weekend Itinerary
- Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast
- Family-Friendly Sunshine Coast Adventures
- Scenic Hinterland Drives
- Road Trips from the Sunshine Coast
→ Book your Sunshine Coast hire car
Tropical North Queensland
Some places deserve more than a quick visit.
Tropical North Queensland is one of those places.
People come for the Great Barrier Reef – and rightly so – but that’s only the beginning. Beyond the reef lies the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest, winding coastal roads, hidden swimming holes, spectacular waterfalls and small towns where slowing down isn’t just encouraged, it’s unavoidable.
Great Barrier Reef, Tropical North Queensland.
If you’re picking up your hire car in Cairns, don’t rush. Some of Queensland’s most unforgettable experiences begin once you leave the city behind.
Worth the drive
Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas
If there’s one drive that deserves a spot on every Queensland itinerary, this is it. Hugging the coastline between Cairns and Port Douglas, the Captain Cook Highway delivers incredible ocean views, rainforest scenery and plenty of places to pull over along the way.
Don’t miss Rex Lookout for one of the best photo stops on the journey.
Mossman Gorge & the Daintree Rainforest
Where else can you stand in the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest one day and explore the Great Barrier Reef the next?
Cross the Daintree River by ferry and discover ancient rainforest, boardwalks, crystal-clear creeks and Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage-listed wonders meet.
Atherton Tablelands
Waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, rolling farmland and charming country towns make the Atherton Tablelands one of Tropical North Queensland’s best-kept secrets.
Atherton Tablelands, Tropical North Queensland.
Pack your swimmers – you’ll probably end up stopping at more than one waterfall.
Kuranda
Just thirty minutes from Cairns, Kuranda offers rainforest markets, wildlife experiences and spectacular scenery. Drive up, or combine your visit with the famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway for a memorable day out.
Palm Cove
Palm Cove, Tropical North Queensland.
Only twenty minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove is the perfect place to slow down after your flight. Palm-lined beaches, waterfront cafés and a relaxed village atmosphere make it an easy favourite.
Eat local. Shop local.
Some of the best flavours in Tropical North Queensland come straight from the people who grow, roast and create them.
Our favourites include:
- Rusty’s Markets for tropical fruit, local produce and weekend browsing.
- Coffee Works and Skybury Coffee for a taste of the Atherton Tablelands.
- Port Douglas Markets for local stalls by the waterfront.
- The Cairns Esplanade for fresh seafood, casual dining and sunset views.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences
Tropical North Queensland offers some of Australia’s most meaningful Aboriginal cultural experiences.
Join Traditional Owners on Country to learn about ancient stories, bush foods, rainforest knowledge and the deep connection between people and place. Whether you’re exploring Mossman Gorge, the Daintree or Cairns, these experiences provide a richer understanding of the region long before it became a holiday destination.
Traditional Owner acknowledgement to be confirmed prior to publication.
Approximate drive from Cairns Airport
| Destination | Drive Time |
| Cairns CBD | 10 minutes |
| Palm Cove | 20 minutes |
| Kuranda | 30 minutes |
| Port Douglas | 1 hour |
| Atherton | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Mossman Gorge | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Cape Tribulation | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Drive times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Keep exploring Tropical North Queensland
Looking for even more adventure?
Captain Cook Highway, Tropical North Queensland.
Continue planning your trip with:
- The Ultimate Cairns Road Trip Guide
- Driving the Captain Cook Highway
- Exploring the Atherton Tablelands
- Discovering the Daintree Rainforest
- Family Adventures in Tropical North Queensland
→ Book your Cairns hire car
Every branch is a starting point
The best holidays aren’t measured by how many kilometres you drive – they’re measured by the places you discover along the way.
Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, chasing waterfalls, winding through rainforest or pulling over at a country bakery because someone told you it was worth the stop, Queensland is full of experiences waiting beyond the airport.
Wherever you’re starting your journey, we’ll help you get there.
Explore all our locations | Book your hire car today