Experience Brisbane in 24 hours
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 11 Nov 2024
From its vibrant cityscapes to its gorgeous natural wonders and laid back vibes, Brisbane is an essential place to stop by, explore and traverse on your Aussie adventure. Short on time? It’s possible to revel in Brisbane’s gorgeous surrounds for just 24 hours.
Fly into Brisbane Airport, pick up your car rental, and start your road trip. Before you do, take a look below at some awe-inspiring highlights to suit your interests and see what this city has on offer.
Map of the highlights of Brisbane
Recommended car
The great thing about Brisbane is that everything is pretty central and easy to get to. With that said, we recommend you rent a compact car, as with that you’ll be able to navigate the city with ease and drive to other locations with no hassle. A compact car is also a lot more fuel-efficient in comparison to bigger cars, and this will save you money.
Useful tips
When you return your rental car, make sure that you return it with a full tank of fuel.
When you are in Brisbane, some roads and tunnels will have a toll charge. Keep this in mind when you are driving.
Nearby depots in Brisbane
Avis: 53 Albert St, Brisbane City, 4000, Australia.
Brisbane Airport: Terminal Building, Brisbane Airport, Brisbane, 4007, Australia.
Budget: 53 Albert St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia, Brisbane City, 4000, Australia.
Dollar: 55 Charlotte St, Brisbane, 4000, Australia.
East Coast Car Rentals: 13 Warner St, Fortitude Valley, 4006, Australia.
Enterprise: 46 Charlotte St, Brisbane City, 4000, Australia.
Europcar: 249 Turbot St, Brisbane, 4000, Australia.
Hertz: 55 Charlotte St, Brisbane, 4000, Australia.
Sixt: 49 Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley, 4006, Australia.
Thrifty: 55 Charlotte St, Brisbane, 4000, Australia.
Mount Coot-tha
Start off your morning by driving your rental car to the gorgeous Mount Coot-tha. It lies just a ten-minute drive from the CBD and offers stunning views of the city which are sure to impress. Mount Coot-tha is also an amazing place to go for a hike, and the Summit Circuit is a favourite with locals. The circuit takes you from the JC Slaughter Falls to Mount Coot-tha Lookout. After your walk, you can stop at the cafe at the lookout, relax, and enjoy the views.
New Farm Park
Perfect for families, New Farm Park is set on the Brisbane River. With rose gardens, open grassy spaces and a terrific playground for the kids, this place is a great location for a picnic — and there are plenty of places to park your rental car. Once you are done at New Farm Park, jump on the free City Hopper ferry which will take you to South Bank.
South Bank Parklands
Littered with tree-lined streets, endless restaurants, bars and of course green and nature, the South Bank Parklands are home to gorgeous views of the city — the perfect place to end your nature-filled day. On Sundays, there are usually events such as markets and music.
West End markets
Open every Saturday morning, the West End markets are an awesome way to start your morning. Filled with fresh produce, mouth-watering food and the best vibes, this place has it all, including an open field to sit in the sun and relax.
Botanic gardens
You will find the botanic gardens right next to the city and the Queensland University of Technology. Walk through the gardens and follow the river around to the city for a scenic walk.
James Street
Treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy at the stunning James Street. You’ll find this iconic street on the cusp of Fortitude Valley and New Farm. From designer brands to gorgeous restaurants, this place really has it all.
Art Gallery and Museum
From The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) to the multilevel museum, this place is where art and history intersect. There’s always an interesting exhibition happening, plus the architecture is noteworthy.
Roma Street Parklands
It’s hard to believe that there are gardens as beautiful as the ones at Roma Street Parklands, so close to the city. The juxtaposition between the city and nature is an amazing experience.
Queen Street Mall
A popular area in the city is Queen Street Mall, and not far away lies King George Square which is where you can find the City Hall. There are tours up the clock tower which are well worth doing.
Howard Smith Wharves
One of the newest additions to Brisbane is the Howard Smith Wharves (HSW). Located under the Story Bridge, the HSW are where you will find bars, restaurants, and stunning views of the city. It’s set right on the river and is a hub of nightlife and culture.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
