Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 20+ airports across Australia
Queensland's scenic drives and coastal adventures await your exploration
Queensland captivates visitors with its stunning coastline stretching from the Gold Coast to the tropical far north, vibrant cities, and world-renowned natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests. You'll discover that booking a car opens up endless possibilities to explore this diverse state at your own pace, from navigating Brisbane's urban landscape to cruising along coastal highways. The freedom to venture between bustling cities, pristine beaches, and remote wilderness areas makes road trips the ideal way to experience Queensland's contrasts. You can easily access hidden gems, secluded beaches, and mountain retreats that public transport simply cannot reach. A rental car transforms your Queensland adventure into a personalised journey of discovery.
Great Barrier Reef gateway through Cairns and Port Douglas
Cairns serves as your primary gateway to the world's largest coral reef system, offering snorkelling tours, diving expeditions, and scenic helicopter flights over this UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll appreciate the flexibility of driving between Cairns and the nearby coastal town of Port Douglas, where Four Mile Beach and the Daintree Rainforest await exploration. Ample parking is available at most reef tour departure points, and the coastal drive north reveals stunning tropical scenery.
Gold Coast theme parks and pristine surfing beaches
The Gold Coast combines world-class theme parks like Sea World and Movie World with some of Australia's most famous surfing beaches, creating the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Your rental car provides easy access between attractions, from the high-rise hotels of Surfers Paradise to the quieter southern beaches of Currumbin and Burleigh Heads. Free parking is readily available at most beaches, while theme parks offer convenient paid parking facilities.
Brisbane's South Bank and Story Bridge climbing adventures
Brisbane's South Bank precinct features world-class museums, riverside dining, and the popular Streets Beach lagoon, all easily accessible from the city's well-connected road network. You can park at South Bank's underground facilities and explore the Queensland Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, and weekend markets on foot. The iconic Story Bridge climb offers panoramic city views, with convenient parking available nearby for those seeking this unique Brisbane experience.
Sunshine Coast hinterland and Noosa National Park
The Sunshine Coast hinterland reveals charming mountain villages, glass house mountains, and lush rainforest walks that contrast beautifully with the coastal beaches below. You'll find that driving through towns like Maleny and Montville offers stunning panoramic views, local markets, and artisan shops nestled among rolling green hills. Noosa National Park provides excellent walking trails and secluded beaches, with parking available at the main entrance near Noosa Heads.
Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach coastal paradise
Airlie Beach serves as the mainland gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands, where you can book sailing trips, scenic flights, and island-hopping adventures to pristine beaches. The town itself offers vibrant nightlife, waterfront dining, and the popular Airlie Beach Lagoon for swimming and relaxation. Parking is available throughout the town centre, making it easy to explore local shops, restaurants, and tour operators before embarking on your island adventures.
Fraser Island and Hervey Bay whale watching experiences
Hervey Bay provides the perfect base for exploring Fraser Island's unique sand formations, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife, while also serving as Australia's whale watching capital during migration season. You can easily drive to various whale watching tour departure points along the Hervey Bay waterfront, where humpback whales can be observed from July to November. The town offers convenient parking near the marina and esplanade, allowing you to combine Fraser Island day trips with memorable whale encounters.
Frequently asked questions in Queensland
Why rent a car in Queensland?
Queensland offers diverse landscapes from the Gold Coast beaches to Cairns airport region, making car hire essential for exploring beyond Brisbane city limits. A rental car provides freedom to discover the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Hervey Bay, and Townsville at your own pace. The state's vast distances and scattered attractions make having your own vehicle the most practical way to experience Queensland's natural beauty.
Are there toll roads in Queensland?
Queensland has several toll roads, particularly around Brisbane and the Gold Coast, including major routes connecting Brisbane airport to the city centre. Most toll roads use electronic payment systems, so ensure your rental car is equipped with the necessary transponder or payment method. The east coast highways generally don't have tolls, making road trips along the coast more straightforward for travellers.
What occasions can I rent a car for in Queensland?
Car hire in Queensland suits beach holidays along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, business trips requiring Brisbane airport transfers, and family adventures to Cairns. A rental car enables wedding guests to travel between venues, festival-goers to reach remote locations, and nature enthusiasts to explore national parks. Whether visiting for Oct school holidays or year-round tourism, having your own vehicle enhances any Queensland experience.
What are the most popular road trip routes in Queensland?
The east coast drive from Brisbane to Cairns airport showcases Queensland's most scenic coastal regions, passing through the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Hervey Bay. Brisbane to Townsville offers stunning ocean views and charming coastal towns perfect for extended exploration. The Sunshine Coast hinterland route provides mountain scenery and rainforest experiences, while the Brisbane to Gold Coast corridor remains a favourite for quick coastal getaways.
What are pleasant driving routes in Queensland?
The coastal highway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast offers ocean vistas and beach town charm throughout the journey. Driving through the Sunshine Coast hinterland reveals rolling hills, quaint villages, and lush landscapes perfect for leisurely exploration. The route from Townsville towards Cairns provides tropical scenery and access to reef departure points, while Brisbane to Hervey Bay showcases Queensland's diverse coastal environments.
How do I plan a road trip in Queensland?
Start by booking your car rental in advance, especially during peak periods like Oct school holidays when demand increases across Queensland. Plan fuel stops between major centres like Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns airport, and Townsville, as distances can be substantial. Research accommodation options along your route, particularly in smaller towns between Brisbane and Hervey Bay or along the Sunshine Coast.
How do I prepare for long-distance driving in Queensland?
Ensure your rental car has sufficient fuel capacity for long stretches, particularly when travelling between Brisbane and Cairns airport or exploring remote areas. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as petrol stations can be sparse between major centres like Townsville and smaller coastal communities. Check weather conditions before departing, especially during Queensland's wet season, and inform someone of your planned route through areas like the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
What protection plan options does Turo offer?
When booking a car in Australia, you'll choose between the Premier (if available), Standard, and Minimum protection plans. Each plan includes varying limits on financial responsibility for damage to a host's vehicle. All trips include up to $20,000,000 (per event) in legal liability protection. Legal liability protection protects against damage to other people's property and death or bodily injury (where the legal liability is not covered or capable of being covered by any statutory or compulsory scheme) as a result of an accident involving the vehicle. All protection is provided by Turo Travels Mutual.*
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To book a car on Turo in Australia, you must create a Turo account, be 21 years old or older, have a valid driver's licence, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's licence and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for every future road trip, business trip, and family holiday!
Do I need my own insurance?
You don't need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan. Review the Guest Product Disclosure Statement for more information.