There’s perhaps no better way to capture the best of Queensland in one drive than by venturing to the Whitsundays from Brisbane. This route takes you from city streets to coral seas, passing charming towns along the way. With a Hertz rental car, you’ll have the freedom to jump in when you’re ready, take a turn when scenery strikes, and make your way to the mighty Whitsundays with the comfort and convenience you deserve. Here’s how to elevate your next Queensland road trip, one indulgent stop at a time.
Brisbane
Begin your trip in Brisbane, the subtropical city with endless energy. Check into a riverside hotel in South Bank or Howard Smith Wharves and spend the morning braving the well-deserved queues at Lune Croissanterie, then walk off your breakfast at Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). For lunch or dinner, head to Supernormal for refined east-Asian plates, or Agnes for creative wood-fired cuisine. As evening falls, rooftop bars like Iris and The Terrace at Emporium South Bank serve cocktails with a view, giving you a moment to stop and reflect on the day before the journey ahead. 
Sunshine Coast
An easy drive north takes you to the Sunshine Coast, where golden beaches and lush hinterland are never far apart. Make sure to spend time in Noosa, where you can stroll along Hastings Street browsing boutique stores and immersing yourself in beachfront cafes and restaurants. For something scenic, explore the coastal boardwalk through Noosa National Park, and for something more secluded, head inland to the Blackall Range. In Montville or Maleny, you’ll find boutique wineries, local art galleries and charming retreats with views that stretch to the sea.
Fraser Coast
Continue in your rental car to the Fraser Coast, where nature and history meet in equal measure. Hervey Bay is the gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re ready for a treat, opt for guided day tours or helicopter transfers that showcase the island’s pristine lakes and long, empty beaches from above. Back on the mainland, Hervey Bay offers relaxed waterfront dining and calm beaches perfect for a late-afternoon swim.
Capricorn Coast
The drive between Bundaberg and Yeppoon unfolds through sugarcane fields, fruit farms and quiet coastal villages. Stop by Mon Repos Beach, and keep an eye out for nesting turtles between November and March. Further north, Yeppoon provides a dose of understated luxury with oceanfront resorts and the Keppel Kraken Lagoon for a refreshing swim. From here, you can take a boat to Great Keppel Island, where crystal waters and coral reefs rival those of the Whitsundays. 
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Arriving in Airlie Beach feels like reaching the gateway to paradise. The town has evolved from a backpacker hub into a destination for discerning travellers, with boutique stays and upscale dining now part of its charm. Take a sunset sail through the Whitsunday Passage or book a scenic flight over Heart Reef, and make sure to visit Whitehaven Beach, which has been voted as the best in the world. Whether you stay on the mainland or island-hop, the Whitsundays offer a sense of arrival that feels truly world-class.
A Drive Worth Savouring, With Hertz
The beauty of a Queensland road trip lies in the balance of beauty, from the million dollar views that won’t cost a thing, to the treats worth every cent. In the end, as long as you have a Hertz rental car, no destination is off limits, and no journey compromises comfort.
