Queensland is huge: the Bruce Highway alone runs about 1,671 km from Pine River, north of Brisbane, to Cairns, so choose your pick-up city by the region you want. Brisbane suits the south-east (Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, hinterland), while Cairns, Proserpine, Townsville and Mackay put you in the tropical north. Tolls apply around Brisbane and Toowoomba, and K'gari (Fraser Island) needs a 4WD and a vehicle access permit.
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The search starts at Brisbane Airport [BNE]; change the pick-up to any airport or city. Prices are in Australian dollars.
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A valid overseas licence lets you drive in Queensland. If it is not in English, carry a recognised English translation. You may drive only the class of vehicle it authorises and must show it to police on request. Non-residents can drive as visitors without a time limit; Australian citizens and resident-visa holders lose that authority after three months of living in Queensland.
Austroads says a visitor must carry their overseas licence at all times together with either an international driving permit or an English translation if it is not written in English.
Queensland's seven toll roads are AirportlinkM7, Clem7, Gateway Motorway, Go Between Bridge, Legacy Way, Logan Motorway and the Toowoomba Bypass. Brisbane Airport says most rental companies fit an electronic tag and bill the toll plus a service fee to you.
The national park is accessible by 4WD, and you must book a vehicle access permit through the Queensland Parks booking site before driving there. The conditions report covers tides and beach conditions. Whether a rental company allows its vehicles on the island is set by that company's terms, so do not assume a standard hire car is allowed.
The Daintree River ferry runs daily from 5 am to midnight. You can pay online in advance, or by EFTPOS or cash at the ferry.
Tropical north wet season (November to April)
Very hot days, high humidity and monsoonal rain across Tropical North Queensland.
Tropical north dry season (May to October)
Clear blue skies, warm days and cool nights with minimal rain.
Cyclone season (1 November to 30 April)
The official tropical cyclone season in the Australian region, so check road and weather warnings when driving in the north.
Where the answer depends on your rental agreement, we say so rather than guess.
Only if your licence is not in English and you have no English translation. Austroads says you must carry your overseas licence plus either an international driving permit or an English translation.
Visitors without a resident visa can drive on a valid overseas licence indefinitely. Australian citizens and resident-visa holders have their authority withdrawn after three months of living in Queensland.
K'gari is accessible by 4WD and you need a vehicle access permit. Whether a hire company allows its vehicles there is set by its own rental agreement, so confirm it with the company before you book.
The Bruce Highway runs about 1,671 km from Pine River, on Brisbane's northern edge, to Cairns.
Yes, seven: AirportlinkM7, Clem7, Gateway Motorway, Go Between Bridge, Legacy Way, Logan Motorway and the Toowoomba Bypass. Hire cars are usually tagged and the toll plus a service fee is charged to you.
About 66 km south-south-east of central Brisbane.