Brisbane Airport Car Hire

Queensland is a vast and varied area to explore with its stunning coastline, beautiful national parks, scenic lakes and dramatic mountains. But you don't have to travel too far from Brisbane to see some of those sights, and hiring a car provides you with the freedom to experience what South-East Queensland has to offer.

At Brisbane Airport, the main car rental offices are located in the arrivals areas on level 2 of the international terminal and on level 1 of the domestic terminal. Other companies have off-site locations and operate a free shuttle bus service from the airport.

By booking your car hire online, as far in advance as possible, you will usually get the best price and guarantee that the class of car you want is available. Most of the car rental companies at Brisbane Airport have a 'full to full' fuel policy which means that you only pay for the fuel you use. However, if you do not return the car with a full tank, you will be charged for the missing fuel at a premium rate plus a service charge.

The insurance cover provided is usually the minimum level required and you will have a large deposit secured against your credit card to cover the excess in the event of any damage. The company will try to sell you comprehensive cover when you collect the car, but you can get this cheaper at the time of booking. A better option is to take out your own rental car excess insurance, either for a single hire or an annual policy.

Some of the cheaper car hire deals will have limited mileage so, if you're planning some long-distance journeys, check first what the extra kilometres cost.

Documentation Required

When you arrive to collect your hire car, if you booked in advance, you will be asked for the booking voucher, your passport and a credit card in the driver's name.

For UK drivers, since the abolition of the paper counterpart licence, you may be asked for a code with which your driving record can be checked. The full details of how to obtain the code are on the UK government website here.

Before Driving

You will probably just want to get going when you get your rental car, particularly if you've had a long flight, but it's worth taking some time to inspect the car inside and out. Note down on the rental form any scratches, dents and stains. Pay special attention to the wheels, lights and windows. Take pictures of all damage as, in the event of any queries, you'll have evidence that it was pre-existing, which saves a lot of hassle.

Give yourself time to get used to the controls and set the seat and mirrors in the right position. Make sure you know which way you're going when you leave the airport.

Days Out Near to Brisbane

Head out to Mount Tamborine, inland from the Gold Coast. Here you'll find bush walks, a skywalk through the rainforest canopy, glow worm caves, wineries and a distillery (no sampling for the driver!).

Lake Macdonald, close to the Sunshine Coast, provides the opportunity for some water sports. There are also some great walking and biking trails and the botanic gardens. Or you can just chill out with a picnic and watch the wildlife.

Just 46 km inland from Brisbane is the former mining city of Ipswich, which has reinvented itself as a must-see location. With its historic buildings, museums, parks and the trendy cafés and shops it has a lot to offer. Climb the water towers at the old mines for amazing views over the city and beyond.

The Springbrook National Park is around a ninety-minute drive from Brisbane and is a vast area with rainforest, deep, rocky gorges, waterfalls and peaks with incredaible views.

These are just a taste of what South-East Queensland has to offer for the adventurous traveller.