Why Brisbane Is Australia’s Best City for a Fly + Drive Escape

There’s a reason Brisbane is quietly becoming one of Australia’s top spots for fly + drive holidays. It might not shout the loudest, but what it offers is something travellers increasingly crave — freedom, flexibility, and a launchpad to explore some of the country’s most stunning regions by road.
Whether you’re flying in for a quick break or planning a longer trip, Brisbane is perfectly placed to turn your arrival into an unforgettable escape — especially with a car waiting for you at the airport.
✈️ The City That’s Close to Everything
Brisbane has what many capital cities don’t — easy access to nature in every direction. With the airport just 20–30 minutes from the CBD and car hire available on-site, it’s one of the few places where you can land in the morning and be sipping wine in the hinterland or swimming at the beach by lunch.
Here’s what’s within a short drive:
- 1 hour south: The Gold Coast’s beaches, cafes, and laid-back surf towns
- 1 hour north: The Sunshine Coast’s scenic coastline, markets and national parks
- 90 mins west: The lush rainforests and wineries of the Scenic Rim and Tamborine Mountain
- 2 hours inland: Toowoomba’s gardens, art scene, and small-town charm
That’s four unique landscapes, all within a half-day’s drive. And a rental car unlocks every one of them.
🚗 Why Car Hire Just Makes Sense
With so many incredible road trip options surrounding the city, hiring a car in Brisbane isn’t just convenient — it’s essential if you want to explore properly.
Here’s why:
- You’re on your own schedule — no waiting on tours, trains, or bus timetables
- Go where the crowds don’t — think hidden waterfalls, roadside produce stalls, unmarked lookouts
- Comfort, especially with bags or kids — no lugging gear around the CBD
- More stops = more memories — sunrise detours, spontaneous swims, photo ops whenever you feel like it
And if you book your Brisbane Airport car hire ahead of time, it’s smooth sailing from the moment you land.
🗺️ Build Your Own Adventure
One of the best things about flying into Brisbane is that you don’t need a strict itinerary. You can wake up and decide: mountain drive or coastal cruise? Picnic in a vineyard or café hop through beach towns?
The city gives you options — and the road gives you freedom.
Thinking of your next great escape? Book youBrisbane Airport car hire and turn a simple flight into a choose-your-own-adventure getaway — no tour buses required.