Self Drive

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If you're not keen on flying, Queensland’s wide open spaces make it ideal for exploration by car. The roads are high quality and well-signed so getting here is easy.

Driving is a great way to experience the changing landscape and rich variety of the Australian landscape on your way to Queensland. Remember that Queensland is a huge state, so you won’t run out of destinations, diversions and things to see and do.

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Self Drive Driving Times

Sydney to Brisbane: 9 hours 
Melbourne to Brisbane: 21 hours 
Adelaide to Brisbane: 25 hours 
Darwin to Brisbane: 35-40 hours

The drive from Melbourne is ideally covered over two days (minimum), and Sydney to Brisbane can be driven in about nine hours.

View our Queensland Road Distances Table below which shows the distances between popular destinations throughout Queensland.

Queensland Driving Distances Chart


Download Road Distances Table

Self Drive Suggested Routes

  • From Melbourne or Sydney, take the coastal Pacific Highway (1); the more inland New England Highway (15) through NSW; or the inland A32 from Adelaide which also goes through NSW. 
  • If you have time up your sleeve, you can continue taking the coastal route (the Bruce Highway, A1) all the way north to Cairns. The highway is scenic, comfortable to drive and offers plenty of attractions along the way; but you’ll need to allow two to three days for the journey from Brisbane.
  • For an alternative entry into Queensland, drive up from New South Wales via the New England Highway (15) through the Southern Downs. This will take you through Warwick and Toowoomba, towns rich in pioneer history. From here you can continue north to the vineyards of the Granite Belt and South Burnett regions. 
  • South East Queensland is well-connected with freeways and distributor roads, from the Gold Coast all the way up to the Sunshine Coast.
  • Serious outback travellers heading east from the Northern Territory can enter Queensland via Mount Isa on the Barkly Highway (A2); or drive up from South Australia via the Birdsville Track (an old stock route and now a dirt track) and on to Longreach. You might want to consider taking a four-wheel drive vehicle though!

Like anywhere in the world, make sure you plan your journey and make time for stops both during the day and overnight. Please consult the safety driving information to find out more.

The RACQ also has a helpful trip planner.

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SeaLink Queensland

Townsville, Townsville Area
From AU$33 - 33
SeaLink Queensland is your one-stop-shop for your visit to North Queensland. From day tours, accommodation, transport and activities, specialising in Townsville and Magnetic Island, SeaLink Queensland can help you plan the ultimate Aussie adventure from Fraser Island to Cape Tribulation!

Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi

Mission Beach, Cassowary Coast Area
From AU$40 - 50
Having been in operation since 1975, the Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi offers transfers daily to one of Australia's most beautiful tropical island destinations, Dunk Island. Simply a short 10 minute ride in their fully enclosed 10 metre vessel, over azure blue waters of the Coral Sea and you can sink your feet into the sand and enjoy this remarkable island for the day.

Fantasea Cruising Magnetic

South Townsville, Townsville Area
From AU$28 - 212
Take in the stunning views while cruising on Magnetic Island's only passenger and car ferry service. With eight return trips daily, they welcome you aboard Fantasea as they make their way to Magnetic Island where you can enjoy magnificent weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and activities almost too numerous to mention.

Noosa Ferry Cruise Company

Tewantin, Noosa Area
From AU$25.00 - 49.00
The beautiful ferry boats are now available for a number of products, departing Tewantin, Noosaville, Noosa Sound and Noosa Heads. Discover the beautiful waterway and its townships at a leisurely pace.

Redspot Car Rentals - Cairns City

Cairns, Cairns Area
Redspot operates a large Australian network of airport and downtown rental car locations with a wide variety of new age rental vehicles available at competitive prices. Redspot, founded in 1989 is the only Australian owned and operated car rental company with desks at all major Australian airports.

Redspot Car Rentals - Gold Coast Airport

Bilinga, Gold Coast Area
Redspot operates a large Australian network of airport and downtown rental car locations with a wide variety of new age rental vehicles available at competitive prices. Redspot, founded in 1989 is the only Australian owned and operated car rental company with desks at all major Australian airports.

JUCY Rentals Brisbane

Brisbane City, Brisbane Area
From AU$20 - 350
JUCY stands for fun, adventure and the spirit of travelling. They pride themselves on offering unique and exciting solutions in every market they enter. Pick up your JUCY wheels in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Brisbane or Cairns and get amazing service before you get out on the road.

Gallivanting Oz

Brisbane City, Brisbane Area
From AU$55 - 350
Gallivanting Oz assists with campervan hire and motorhome rental in Australia, as well as escorted motorhome tours. They know Australia; they know the vehicles and believe in good old fashioned service.

Avis Australia

Multiple Locations
From AU$50 - 150
Avis is the leading car rental company in Australia, operating at more than 240 conveniently located rental facilities, including all major airports. With a long history of innovation in the car rental industry, their 'We Try Harder' approach to service makes Avis one of the world's best-known car rental brands.

Airlink Transfers

Pomona, Noosa Area
From AU$65 - 230
Airlink Transfers is a locally owned and operated Sunshine Coast business, offering door to door premium transfers between the Coast, Hinterland and Brisbane 24 hours a day. Airlink Transfers uses eight seat, air conditioned Tarago vans, with child restraints and luggage trailer available if required.
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