From the iconic Surfers Paradise beach to Main Beach and Broadbeach precincts, the Gold Coast is renowned for its white sand beaches stretching across the coastline. Once you’ve had your fill of sun, sea and sand, head to the hills and drive through the tangle of roads dotted with vineyards, waterfalls, and lush, green hinterland. A one-way car hire road trip around the Gold Coast region offers you the best of both worlds.
How Far is Brisbane From the Gold Coast?
Brisbane is 77 km from the Gold Coast. There is a train network that links the two cities. However, there are few direct transportation links if you choose to get around the city and region of the Gold Coast or if you want to commute from the airport.
Why Should You Choose a One-Way Rental Car From the Gold Coast to Brisbane?
Commuting from the Gold Coast to Brisbane can be expensive if you plan to make a single one-way trip. A taxi costs around $200 for a one-way journey but offers the quickest mode of transport from the Gold Coast. If you decide to take public transportation, it is much cheaper if you travel alone. However, it is very slow. There are only a few direct connections from Gold Coast airport, and there are quite a few transportation links that you will have to make if you want to get around on the Gold Coast before getting on the train to Brisbane.
There are a few fascinating places that you can visit on the way to Brisbane. There’s the opportunity to stop at several towns, roadhouses and landmarks. However, the most significant benefit is that you will be able to save money by driving with a small group rather than taking the public transport.
How Does the Relocation Fee Work?
This term varies depending on your rental company. Some companies might be happy to include the one-way fee as a part of their car hire package. On the other hand, some add a surcharge to cover the expenses of returning the vehicle to its original car rental depot.
Which Car Rental Companies on the Gold Coast Offer Way Car Rental to Brisbane?
Changes can occur with suppliers and the availability of their rental packages when it comes to one-way car hire, so it always pays to compare. With Car Hire and Rental, you can instantly compare top car rental companies that service Gold Coast and Brisbane (both city and airport locations), including
- Budget
- Avis
- Hertz
- Keddy
- Europcar
Are There Other Modes of Transportation From Gold Coast to Brisbane?
Yes, there are. However, a car is the best option to explore the Gold Coast region and Brisbane. There are also advantages, especially if you travel in a group.
Below is a quick comparison of what you would pay compared to a one-way rental car.
| Mode of Transportation | Estimated Price |
| Car hire (Full day with unlimited driving ability) | $107+ |
| Taxi (1-hour drive – direct) | $200 |
| Uber (1-hour drive – direct) | $150-200 |
| Airport shuttle (Per group booking – direct) | $160-300 |
| Bus (Per person) | $9-26 |
| Train (Per person) | $15.20 |
It’s a no-brainer if you prefer to explore or travel with a group. Renting a car is the best option if you want the luxury of time and the convenience of exploring on your way to Brisbane.
What to See and Do Along the Way?
There are many things and activities that you can experience if you hire a car from Brisbane to Gold Coast. The Scenic Rim is an inland route, taking in spectacular rural scenery and diverse communities. The eastern scenic rim tour visits Tamborine Mountain, Canungra, Beechmont and Springbrook National Park, adding on Lamington National Park if you have time, and makes a pleasant day trip. Some of these destinations include the following:
Tamborine Mountain
The Tamborine communities of North Tamborine, Eagles Heights and Tamborine Mountain are spread around a volcanic peak with a 360-degree view of the Gold Coast, Pacific Ocean, mountains and countryside.
Narrow country lanes meander by splendid old houses with lush gardens, local markets selling organic produce, boutique wineries, a distillery, a brewery, and historic pubs. There is also Gallery Walk that features a line of restaurants, shops, cafes, wineries, a Belgian chocolate shop, a cheese factory, and art galleries,.
Canungra
The meandering Tamborine Mountain Road links Tamborine Mountain to Canungra, home to wineries and a historic Tudor-style pub if you prefer a break. There are some adorable cafes to take a break with home-baked organic food, chai, teas and healthy snacks.
Springbrook National Park
It is worth stopping at for its waterfalls, lookouts, and walking tracks. Walks not to miss include:
- The lookout gives you views of the coast and of Mt Warning.
- Twin Falls Circuit takes you through mossy rock gorges, under rocky overhangs, behind two waterfalls, through a valley of magnificent trees, and rising to the edge of a plateau where you can look down on where you have just walked.
- Natural Bridge Circuit takes you into a cave through which a waterfall flows.
Lamington National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site of rainforest, giant trees, streams, deep valleys, and spectacular views, Lamington National Park has 160 km of walking tracks.
There are two ways to get into Lamington National Park. The first is via Canungra, Beechmont, and the second is by Binnu Burra. Both have campervan-friendly campsites if you prefer to spend the night.
From Canungra, continue twisting carefully along Lamington National Park Road to O’Reilly’s, where you can spend the day walking the trails, touring glow worm caves, and enjoying the heights from the tree tops suspension bridge. There is a rooftop bar with a wraparound veranda where you can drink a cold beer and appreciate the views of Mount Warning.
The parrots here love to interact with humans and are quite friendly. You can buy birdseed from the cafe. They provide you with a bowl. The birds will fly to your head, then climb to your shoulders and arms, so have your cameras ready!
Check out Lamington National Park car hire.
Binna Burra
Beechmont Road loops its way over rivers through the small village of Beechmont, where you turn off to Binna Burra, an alternative gateway to the Lamington National Park. The Binna Burra Information Centre can provide you with walking maps.
Book Your One-Way Gold Coast to Brisbane Trip at Car Hire and Rental Today!
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