With so much goodness packed into Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast being close by, renting a car here for your next visit will allow you to see it all.
Watch out for peak times when driving in Brisbane and south-east Queensland. With a lot of workers commuting between Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, the highways leading to and from Brisbane can become congested.
If you’re planning to travel out of Brisbane, be sure to take plenty of breaks as distances between locations can be substantial in Australia, especially in Queensland.
Gympie Road will take you north from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, while the Pacific Motorway (M3) is the most direct route for driving to the Gold Coast.
There are a few toll roads in Brisbane that require payment to use, so be sure to ask your rental provider about toll payment.
There’s plenty of parking within Brisbane’s CBD and inner suburbs, but most parking will require payment. Some curbside parking may be free, but you’ll need to refer to the signage.
Where To Drive Your Rental Car in Brisbane
The CBD: The heart of Brisbane is packed to the brim with great restaurants, shopping, and markets. It’s also not as stressful to park here as it is in Sydney and Melbourne, so feel free to drive in.
South Bank: One of Brisbane's most popular areas, South Bank is home to beautiful gardens and parklands, as well as Brisbane’s Cremorne Theatre, Gallery of Modern Art, and even a man-made beach.
Kangaroo Point: For great views and quiet walking trails, there’s no better place in Brisbane than Kangaroo Point. You can even try abseiling down the cliff walls.
Fortitude Valley: The entertainment hub of Brisbane is located just north of the city. With vintage shops and multicultural dining options, the area is also home to Brisbane’s Chinatown.
Milton: For any football fans, a visit to Milton is a must, home to Queensland's iconic Suncorp Stadium. VroomVroomVroom’s head office is also based here!
Toll Roads in Brisbane
To drive your rental car on the toll roads in Brisbane, you’ll need to have an e-Tag. These tags are generally already fitted into rental vehicles, but we recommend checking with your rental provider about toll payment. Usually, a rental supplier will deduct the toll amounts from your nominated credit card.
The toll roads in Brisbane include the Gateway Motorway, Logan Motorway, Clem7 Tunnel, AirportLinkM7, the Go Between Bridge, and Legacy Way.
Parking in Brisbane
There are plenty of secure parking options in Brisbane, with many flat-fee garage locations conveniently situated throughout the city. If you’re parking on the street, you’ll need to pay at the meter and adhere to the time limits displayed. You might also find discounted parking by booking online.
If you’re after parking at Brisbane Airport, check out our parking deals page.
Before you return your rental car to the depot, you’ll need to make sure the tank is full. You could face additional charges if you return the car without a full tank of fuel. Here are a few centrally-located Brisbane petrol stations.
There’s so much to see in Brisbane. We suggest shopping at Queen Street Mall, checking out the Queensland Museum and Gallery of Modern Art at South Bank, and taking a cruise along the Brisbane River.
Highlights
