Brisbane—or “Brissie” to the locals—is one of Australia’s most underrated cities. Near-perfect weather and a splendid natural setting promote active, outdoorsy lifestyles. And although short on iconic sights, city dwellers will adore soaking up the city’s lively cosmopolitan vibes.
The perpetually sunny state capital also serves as a strategic starting point to explore South East Queensland and beyond in a campervan rental. A string of pristine golden beaches lies along the state’s picture-perfect coastline. Quaint historic towns, gorgeous offshore islands, and verdant hinterlands abound.
With such immense natural beauty, Queensland has become one of Australia’s most sought-after campervan rental destinations. World-class RV infrastructure makes van life a breeze—think dump stations, water refills, and campgrounds galore. Campervan-friendly campsites range from swanky beachfront spots to rustic rural farm stays.
Exploring Queensland without a decked-out campervan is an expensive endeavor. High hotel rates and vast distances decimate even the cushiest travel budget. Not only is motorhome rental the more cost-effective approach, but it’s also the most convenient—no more circling back to your hotel each day.
Discover Australia your way by choosing a class of campervan that suits your travel needs.
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A decked-out campervan is the best way to explore Brisbane and beyond. For a reasonable daily rate, you'll cruise between jaw-dropping natural attractions and sleep in spectacular campsites.
While sightseeing within city limits doesn't require a campervan, a cozy van is the best way to explore the outlying region. Here's why:
Affordable: With your accommodation and transport rolled into one, you'll save big bucks on hotel and rental car expenses.
Self-catering: Eating out is expensive in Australia. As any good campervan comes with a well-equipped kitchen, you can save stacks of cash by cooking on the go.
Convenience: No need to swing back to Brisbane after a long day of sightseeing. A motorhome lets you plan a time-efficient route and camp near those must-visit sites.
Freedom: Forget about pre-booking hotels and setting strict itineraries. The campervan lets you wander around Queensland on a whim.
Amenities: Your kitchen, charging points, toilet, and shower are always within easy reach.
Remember these helpful tips when driving around Brisbane in a campervan rental:
Are there toll roads in Brisbane?
Tolls apply to the following roads:
These toll roads are equipped with electronic tolling systems, such as the e-tag or e-toll, which automatically deduct the toll amount from a linked account as vehicles pass through. It is important to be aware of the tolls and associated payment methods when driving in Brisbane.
Despite being Australia’s third largest city, Brisbane remains famously laid back. Unpretentious inhabitants and unhurried lifestyles differentiate the state capital from its southern rivals.
Yet the River City is far from sleepy. Its bustling downtown brims with suit-clad corporate types, while nearby Fortitude Valley teems with sleek restaurants and bars. Trendy riverfront suburbs like New Farm and Teneriffe have become a mecca for hip young upstarts.
Brisbane is a brilliant place to get outdoors, thanks to its warm year-round weather. A string of scenic parklands straddles the South Bank, perfect for cycling and strolls (don’t miss the Roma Street Parkland, too). Mt. Coot-tha has hilly hikes with panoramic lookouts, plus luscious Botanic Gardens bursting with subtropical flora.
Still, need more ideas? Cuddle cute critters at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, savor sweeping views on a Story Bridge Climb, or cruise the winding Brisbane River on a CityCat Ferry.
Foodies mustn’t miss the vibrant Eat Street Northshore, a buzzing riverfront container village flogging flavorful international street food. Quench your thirst at one of Brisbane's finest breweries with a waterfront view at the Howard Smith Wharves.
While Brisbane boasts great attractions, most campervan itineraries focus on the outlying region.
A quick one-hour trip south leads to Tamborine Mountain, a lush hilltop famed for its waterfalls, wineries, and rainforest-shrouded walks. Further south, Lamington National Park boasts tree-studded ridge hikes and gorgeous campsites. The nearby Springbrook National Park features a cascade-eroded basalt cavern named the Natural Bridge, plus many more stunning waterfall hikes.
The coastal route south leads you through Australia’s most famous tourism destination: the Gold Coast. Home to booming surf breaks, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly theme parks, this glitzy city has something for every taste.
Over the NSW border, the Northern Rivers broods with natural beauty. RV-friendly national parks include the Border Ranges, Nightcap, Wollumbin, and Mount Jerusalem—most have campsites and jaw-dropping trails.
If surfing—or plain-old beach bumming—is more your jam, cruise down the coast towards seaside hamlets like Brunswick Heads, Ballina, and the perennially popular Byron Bay. Quaint Tweed Hinterland villages like Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Bangalow, and Nimbin nestle amid verdant hills.
It’s all too easy to taste a slice of the island life from Brisbane. Car ferries can whisk your camper to North Stradbroke Island, AKA “Straddie,” a sprawling sand island famed for its secluded beaches. Nearby Moreton Island requires a 4WD to explore in-depth, though you can find water sports and resorts at Tangalooma Beach. Closer to the coast, Bribie Island has chilled-out towns, beautiful beaches, and scenic canals.
The Sunshine Coast is the sparkling diamond in South East Queensland’s jewel-encrusted crown. Long sandy stretches interconnect via breezy oceanfront footpaths, with plenty of lofty lookouts to admire the view. Beachfront towns range from flashy (Noosa Heads) to casual (Coolum) and hip (Mooloolaba). Don’t leave without wandering around the breathtaking Noosa National Park.
Venturing inland leads you to the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, a prime agricultural zone framed by verdant undulating hills. Rural villages like Maleny, Conondale, and Kenilworth showcase top-shelf produce through colorful markets and dairy farms. Hit Mapleton Falls National Park for easy-going trails or the Glass House Mountains to scale jagged, vertigo-inducing peaks.
Central Queensland sits within easy reach for campervanners with time up their sleeve. Fraser Island (K’gari) is home to picture-perfect lagoons and staggeringly tall trees—jump on a 4WD tour from the resort.
Further north, inland towns like Maryborough and Childers ooze with old-world architectural charm. Back on the coast, Harvey Bay is a humpback whale-watching hotspot. Nuzzling a panoramic peninsula, Seventeen Seventy is a gorgeous coastal town with an unspoiled, easy-going vibe—get in quick; some say it’s the next Byron Bay.
Laidback Yeppoon is a chilled Capricorn Coast town. Use it as a base to explore the sugary white sands of Great Keppel Island or the thick forests of Byfield National Park.
Further up the Bruce Highway, you’ll find Airlie Beach, the glamorous gateway to the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. Ditch the van for a day (or more) and jump on a sailing tour to cruise between these mind-blowing squeaky white isles—Whitehaven Beach is heavenly.
Still, got some lingering wanderlust?
Hit Eungella National Park to spot playful platypi, Cape Hillsborough to watch the sunrise alongside kangaroos on the beach or Bowen for otherworldly horseshoe-shaped coves.
Need more Brisbane and Queensland travel inspiration? Here are the top 10 spots to visit.
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we take you on a 7-day journey through Brisbane and beyond. From cuddling with koalas to sipping wine in the countryside, we've got it all covered. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for some serious fun!
MORE: 7-Day Brisbane ItineraryEmbark on an unforgettable journey through Australia's diverse landscapes with this popular itinerary that takes you from the verdant rainforests of the Northern Rivers to the pristine shores of Byron Bay and Port Macquarie. Traverse the picturesque countryside at your leisure, uncover charming villages, and indulge in delicious food and wine, all while marveling at the unparalleled beauty of Australia's famous coastlines.
MORE: Brisbane to Sydney ItineraryThis itinerary follows the coastline between the two major Queensland cities of Brisbane and Cairns and covers a distance of over 1,800 km. What will thrill you the most? Spectacular white-sand beaches? Outstanding mountain scenery? Unique Australian wildlife? In tropical Far North Queensland, the rainforest meets the Reef, so get ready for an epic road trip across one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia.
MORE: Brisbane to Cairns ItineraryAustralian residents need a valid class C (car) license to hire a campervan or motorhome in Brisbane. Learners, provisional (Ps), and probationary licenses aren’t accepted. Foreign travellers need an International Driver's Permit (IDP) or an official English translation of a comparable overseas car license. Most campervan rental companies won’t rent vehicles to anyone aged under 21. Drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge.
If you wish to stay in Brisbane for a while to explore the city, you’ll find several caravan parks and camping sites just a short drive from the city center. Popular holiday parks include the Brisbane Holiday Village, Galaxy Caravan Park, and Brisbane Gateway Resort.
Commonly visited Brisbane attractions include Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, South Bank Parklands, and cruises along the Brisbane River.
No, most rental companies in Australia list Fraser Island as a restricted area. 4WD campers are also included in this restriction and are not allowed on the island under any circumstances. Check with your rental company for any questions regarding restricted areas.
No, most rental companies in Australia list Moreton Island as a restricted area. 4WD campervans are also included in this restriction and are not allowed on Moreton Island under any circumstances. Check with your rental company for any questions regarding restricted areas.
Yes, a large number of rental companies allow for one-way rentals. Our comparison tool will show you availability on your preferred route and automatically factor in any one-way fees charged by the campervan rental company.
Popular destinations for a one-way road trip along the East Coast starting in Brisbane include Cairns, the Gold Coast, and Sydney.
Most major campervan rental brands in South East Queensland are located in Brisbane.The majority of these have their Brisbane branch located near the airport and do not have a separate Sunshine Coast rental center.