Self Drive

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  2. Travel Information
  3. Getting Here
  4. Self Drive
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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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.

Con-X-ion Airport Transfers Gold Coast

Molendinar, Gold Coast Area
From AU$15 - 68
Con-X-ion are leaders in the field of transportation, specialising in door to door airport and cruise transfer services, theme park and attraction transfers and group charter services. With over 30 years of experience they are a trusted and reliable source for all of your transportation needs.

Cruisin Motorhomes Cairns

Cairns North, Cairns Area
From AU$45 - 500
Campervan Hire in Cairns, Queensland Hire a campervan in Cairns, Australia’s laid-back city in tropical North Queensland, and gateway to the world’s largest coral reef system – the Great Barrier Reef!

Network Rentals Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Area
At Network Rentals Surfers Paradise, they're challenging the rental car norm because they refuse to be average at what they do! They're determined to simplify your experience, and make your Gold Coast rental car booking as easy and affordable as possible.

Exemplar Coaches and Limousines

Craiglie, Douglas Area
From AU$16 - 824
Exemplar Coaches and Limousines is a boutique transfer provider, with modern limousines and coaches. They specialise in linking Cairns Airport with Palm Cove and Port Douglas and are the preferred transport provider to the majority of the accommodation houses in these areas.

JUCY Rentals Brisbane

Eagle Farm, Brisbane Area
From AU$20 - 350
JUCY stands for fun, adventure and the spirit of travelling. JUCY Australia provides plentiful options of cars and custom built campervans for the budget-conscious traveller. Exploring Brisbane and the majestic natural sights of Queensland is best done on your own agenda.

Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre 4wd Hire

Rainbow Beach, Gympie Area
Your off-road adventure starts here! Drive on the largest sand Island in the world-Fraser Island! Experience the Great Beach Drive and the stunning coloured sands of Rainbow Beach! Whether one day or multiple days Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre 4wd Hire specialises in Toyota 100 Series Land Cruiser self drive hire.

Cruisin Motorhomes

Eagle Farm, Brisbane Area
From AU$45 - 500
At Cruisin' Motorhomes they are proud to keep well presented vehicles for travellers to enjoy road trips and self drive holidays all around Australia. Choose the perfect motorhome to suit all of your travel needs from the expanding fleet of self-contained two, three, four or six berth vehicles.

Whitsundays 2 Everywhere

Cannonvale, Whitsunday Area
From AU$15 - 36
Whitsundays 2 Everywhere is a family operated dedicated airport transfer company offering affordable, friendly and personalised airport transfer services to/ from the Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP Airport) and the resort/hotels/ Air BNBS or private addresses in the Whitsundays Region.

Noosa Ferry and Cruise Company

Tewantin, Noosa Area
From AU$25.00 - 49.00
They offer a scheduled ferry service from Hastings Street to Tewantin in addition to Sunset and Eco Cruises. The Noosa Ferry Classic Cruise, operates every day of the week with seven stops along the Noosa River - no need to book.
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