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Car hire in Brisbane – Discovering Queensland
One of the world's most exciting, upcoming cities, Brisbane is perfectly positioned for travellers exploring Australia's idyllic east coast. Proud capital of the state of Queensland, it is a rich patchwork of different neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctly unique urban characteristics. It's difficult for first-visitors to know where to start, with some opting for the inner city suburbs of Fortitude Valley, The West End, Paddington and New Farm, all of which have become the main focus of Brisbane's thriving café, restaurant, bar and night-life scene in recent years.
Nestling along both banks of the Brisbane River, the city has in the past been somewhat overshadowed by Sydney and Melbourne, but not anymore. Booming with style and innovation, Brisbane today boasts an ever-expanding array of museums, galleries and other first-rate cultural attractions. Its manageable size and proximity to the world-famous Gold and Sunshine Coasts also make it the ideal base from which to explore the very best that Queensland has to offer. The Brisbane River shapes much of the city's landscape and lifestyle and 25km from the city centre flows into Moreton Bay, a top tourist attraction and popular day-trip option for people staying in the city. The gentle waters of the bay are home to some of the world's largest sand islands, such as Moreton, North Stradbroke and Bribie, as well as several quaint little seaside villages where visitors can dine on the freshest fish and seafood imaginable.
Brisbane lies on the eastern coast of Australia and is the most historic city in Queensland. It was actually founded by the British as a double-plus-penal colony – meaning that convicts who were exiled to Australia and then committed even further crimes were sent to Brisbane. Nowadays, the city's shady past serves only to provide it with a richer and more intriguing history – with most of the key sights from that era easily explored via one of the many heritage walking trails that criss-cross Brisbane. Many remnants of this period are still visible, such as the Old Windmill and Commissariat Store, both built by convicts.
With a car hire in Brisbane you can see all the city's top sights (such as the City Botanic Gardens, Museum of Brisbane and Gallery of Modern Art, etc.) before heading into the interior or exploring its two wonderful stretches of coastline to the north and south. There are several national parks surrounding the Brisbane metropolitan area which are very popular recreational areas for people touring the area with their own transport, most notably D'Aguilar National Park (30 minutes to the west), Glass House Mountains National Park (an hour's drive north) and Tamborine National Park (an hour's drive south).
Founded in 1954, Auto Europe is a major international car rental company offering its customers the best service at the lowest prices on the market. We collaborate with all the world's most prestigious local and international car hire suppliers to provide the largest fleet of vehicles available, including luxury cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. If you have any questions or would like some help with your booking, please contact our award-winning rental agents for assistance and they will be happy to find you the best deal for your next low-cost car rental in Brisbane. Please also check out the user ratings and comments posted by previous Auto Europe customers in the city on our Brisbane car hire reviews page.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Brisbane, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
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Where to pick up a car hire in Brisbane
A leading car rental company, Auto Europe offers its customers a wide selection of different locations in and around Brisbane. You can pick up your vehicle in the heart of the city centre of collect it at the airport if you so wish. Besides the many car hire companies operating at Brisbane Airport, there are several conveniently-located suppliers' offices in other parts of the city, most of which are in close proximity to Brisbane's top tourist attractions, such as the City Botanic Gardens. Our booking engine is specially designed to help you make the right choice through an extensive search to find the best vehicle at the lowest price. Once you've keyed in your preferences, an interactive map will come up with all the available locations for cheap car hire in Brisbane.
Brisbane Airport
Located less than a half-hour drive from the city centre, Brisbane Airport is the main international airport of Australia's third-largest city (after Melbourne and Sydney). The airport has two large terminals - Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic services. It is well located close to the centre and easily accessible by public transport (for instance, the popular Airtrain service connects the airport and the Brisbane city centre in around 20 minutes outside the rush hour). It's quick and easy picking up a car hire at Brisbane Airport because many of the world's most prestigious suppliers have offices on the premises (Arrivals Hall on Level 2 of the International terminal and Level 1 of the Domestic terminal). Please make sure you have all the necessary documents ready when you arrive in order to speed up the collection process.
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Website: bne.com.au
Address: 11 The Circuit, Brisbane Airport QLD 4008, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 3406 3000
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Brisbane
Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 190 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Brisbane
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Brisbane. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please contact our reservations team for assistance and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Brisbane?
Yes. Travellers will always be required to present a valid credit card in the name of the main driver when they rent a car in Brisbane. This is because the local vehicle rental company will need to place a hold on the value of the deductible for the vehicle they rent you whilst travelling in and around the city, the amount of which is duly refunded once the vehicle has been returned intact. Please note that it is not possible to present a debit or pre-paid card because only a credit card can cover the cost of any damage that might be cause to the vehicle during the rental period. It's also worth knowing that the rental of premium- or luxury-category cars are often subject to the requirement of a second major credit card (ie Visa, Mastercard, Diners and American Express) at the time of pick-up, also in the name of the main driver. It's easy to check which cards (and what types of card) will be acceptable when you arrive to pick up your car; all you need to do is click on the blue and white info icon (i) after making a quick search in the Auto Europe booking engine and the necessary details will pop up. Please note that when booking the car hire online, Auto Europe accepts both credit and debit cards as payment methods for all pre-paid reservations. For more useful tips and advice on the use of credit cards, please follow the link to our related page providing info on the six most important things to know about credit cards and deposits before embarking on your trip. More info on credit cards can be found on this special blog post on the subject.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Brisbane?
When searching for low-cost car hire in Brisbane through the Auto Europe booking engine, you will find that our quoted rates always include liability insurance, comprising the minimum legally-required coverage and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), either with or without excess, depending on the car rental company. Please note that that there are certain parts of the vehicle that CDW doesn't cover, which means that it is advisable to take out Auto Europe’s very popular Full Damage & Theft Protection coverage for added peace of mind when driving around Brisbane and the rest of Queensland. Once again, all the details you need regarding coverage can be easily found when making a search through the Auto Europe booking engine simply by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) where you will find the amount of the CDW Deductible, Theft Insurance Deductible and Liability Insurance, etc. Please note that the same info is also included in the Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking. For more related information, please consult our dedicated blog posts where you will find plenty of tips and suggestions about car hire coverage, along with an in-depth explanation in our special car hire insurance blog post.
How is the traffic in Brisbane?
Driving in Brisbane is similar to driving in any large Australian city in that it's always best to plan your rute ahead and avoid the rush hour, if possible. Parking in the city's Central Business District (CBD) is not cheap during the week (ie Monday to Friday) but afterhours and on weekends you can get cheaper parking at some of the city's main car parks, such as the one located at King George Square. As Australia’s third largest city and the capital of the state of Queensland, Brisbane has a very well-organised road system and an excellent supporting infrastructure. The city’s most convenient feature for motorists is the various tunnels (most of which are tolled) that allow quick and easy access to the main tourist areas of the city. Short-term pre-paid passes are available to purchase, which can be handy for visitors who choose to book a car rental in Brisbane in order to explore the city and its surroundings. Please check out our Australia Driving Guide for lots of useful information relating to getting around Brisbane and the rest of the country by car.
Where can I park my car hire in Brisbane?
The inner city offers a wealth of parking possibilities, especially in the Central Business District (CBD) where it is possible to find zones that offer short periods of free parking sponsored by the City Council at their Wickham Terrace and King George Square car parks. The CBD also has a dozen or so private car parks, while the rest of the city is well serviced by paid on-street parking spaces. Throughout most of the city, you can park for up to two hours in undesignated areas, but make sure to check meters and parking signs that denote information specific to place. Make sure you plan before parking your car hire in Brisbane in order save time and money and check for road closures when large-scale events are taking place such as concerts, cricket matches, etc. Take note of the street address where you are parked the operating hours in the case of a car park because not all of them are open 24/7.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Brisbane?
Yes. There are a few toll roads around Brisbane payable with electronic toll-pass detection. You can organise a toll-pass through your rental company, and please note that you'll be in for a hefty fine if you don't pay the tolls. You can also pay online within three days of driving on a toll road. As with the rest of Australia, a considerable number of tunnels have been tolled in Brisbane in recent years. For more information about tolls here in Brisbane, please visit the Linkt toll payment website..
Do I need an international driving license to hire a car in Brisbane?
Yes, but only if your driving licence is not in the English language, in which case you must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued from your country of residence or present a translation issued by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Please note that your original driver's licence must also be presented along with the translation or International Driving Permit.
Can I drive my car in Brisbane on unsealed roads and beaches?
No, in general this is not allowed and the client will be fully responsibile for any damages caused to the vehicle whilst driving on unsealed roads or any roads exposed to water. Some car categories are allowed on unsealed roads (usually 4x4) but this needs to be checked with the supplier and will usually incur an extra fee as well as written consent prior to departure. Please note that the local supplier called Bargain Car Rental does allow travel on unsealed roads (gravel roads) provided that they are properly laid and not merely four-wheel-drive tracks or washed out. Europcar also allows travel on gazetted roads (ie a sealed road or an unsealed road regularly maintained by Queensland state or the local authorities) but only with four-wheel-drive rentals and subject to the purchase of additional coverage with written consent from the local supplier.
Brisbane Travel Guide
An eclectic mix of parks, historic buildings and some of the most interesting attractions in Australia, Brisbane is a fascinating city and one of the country's must-visit tourist destinations. There's so much to see and do, both in the city and along its two wonderful stretches of sandy coastline that one visit probably won't be enough.
Best day trips with my car rental in Brisbane
From its long sandy beaches and large swathes of rainforest to the many lakes, rivers and wildlife attractions on offer, Brisbane is one of the most complete tourist destinations in Australia. Many visitors who book a car rental in Brisbane head for its two glorious stretches of coastline, namely the Sunshine Coast to the north and the Gold Coast to the south. The city is also within short driving distance of several national parks, each offering a wide selection of attractions and activities for travellers. With Auto Europe you can go further to Melbourne or Sydney with a one-way car hire which allows drivers to pick the vehicle up in one place and drop it off somewhere else. You can also share the driving with a friend or family member with one of our regular Free Additional Driver offers for extra freedom and flexibility.
Sunshine Coast
Located 100km (62 miles) north of the centre of Brisbane, Australia's Sunshine Coast is a must for visitors touring the area on four wheels. Here you can explore the ancient peaks of the Glass House Mountains and discover no less than three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves which exist side by side. There are several other attractions in the glorious Sunshine Coast region, including Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo and the excellent UnderWater World marine park. The area is also the official home of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples who are commonly regarded the Traditional Custodians of this part of Queensland.
D'Aguilar National Park
Situated between 10km and 35km to the north-west of Brisbane, D'Aguilar National Park is accessible by car via two very scenic routes, namely the Mount Nebo Road and Mount Glorious Road. Here you can discover remote gorges, pockets of subtropical rainforest and panoramic views over Moreton Bay. Don't miss the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre where you can pick up a picnic hamper and explore the park's winding footpaths before enjoying a refreshig swim in the cool waters of the Enoggera Reservoir..
Australia Zoo
A very pleasant 60-minute drive north of the city centre via the Bruce Highway brings you to Australia Zoo, one of the best attractions of its kind in Australasia. Visitors can experience dozens of exhilarating encounters, be a zoo keeper for a day, explore their habitats, enjoy conservation shows and take some of the best wildlife photos they never thought they'd ever be able to take. Highlights include the Wildlife Warriors Show at the Crocoseum, Roo Heaven, Bindi's Island, Tiger Temple, African Savannah and the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
Gold Coast
About an hour's drive from the centre of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is a favourite day-trip destination (particularly for families) with plenty of tourist interest, such as the popular theme parks of SeaWorld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld, not to mention the the excellent Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Renowned for its a warm subtropical climate and world-class surfing conditions, it receives more than 10 million visitors every year who are attracted by its fine beaches, laid-back atmosphere and many excellent fish and seafood restaurants.
What to do in Brisbane
As Queensland's bustling capital, Brisbane is a vibrant, trendy city with a thriving arts and cultural scene. Contemporary but at the same time traditional, the city still has one foot firmly tied to its Aboriginal roots which is often evident from many of the special events organised in and around town throughout the year. Here we list a selection of some of the places you might like to visit in Brisbane, although there are many more things to see and do for people of all agaes.
- City Botanic Gardens: Once used a facility centre for convicts, the City Botanic Gardens precinct today ranks as Brisbane's number one leisure attraction. Located right in the heart of the city centre, locals and tourists alike hed for this wonderful green space in large numbers for picnics and long periods of relaxation. Besides the Brisbane Riverside Market held every Sunday, visitors can also enjoy a free guided tour of the gardens before dining in one of its cafés and restaurants.
- Museum of Brisbane: Located inside Brisbane's magnificent City Hall building, this wonderfully interactive museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into the city's past and present, with the bulk of its collection comprises artworks and objects that reflect the stories and people of Brisbane. Since opening in 1859, it has grown to have more than 9,000 items, including commissioned works by local artists, the largest textile collection from designers Easton Pearson and many important historical objects.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Housed in an 18-hectare (44-acre) estate, the wonderful Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers people the chance to connect with this cuddly creature like never before. The largest and oldest attraction of its kind anywhere in the world, visitors can hold a kaola bear in their arms and have their photograph taken for a fee. The sanctuary also features many other types of animal, including wombats, kangaroos and Tasmanian devils.
- Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art: Established in 1895, the combined Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a major tourist attraction located in he heart of Brisbane. The gallery's highlights include many valuable paintings, including Picasso's much-admired La Belle Hollandaise and Under the Jacaranda by Richard Godfrey Rivers. Besides its vast permanent collection of artworks from Australia and around the world, the venue hosts a succession of temporary exhibitions right through the year.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb: One of Brisbane's best-loved landmarks, Story Bridge Adventure Climb caters for more energetic visitors also looking to enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city. One of only three such bridge climbs in the world after Auckland and Sydney, it was constructed during the Great Depression of the 1930s and today receives visitors from all four corners of the world
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