The capital city of Queensland, Brisbane, is conveniently located for accessing some of Australia’s spectacular beaches. If you rent a car from Viz Car Rentals, you can explore amazing coastlines, beautiful towns by the sea, and stunning coastal locations a few hours away from the city. Brisbane has it all within reach, from surf spots to places for families to swim in, and from quiet retreats to busy relaxation areas.
If you are looking for a perfect day trip or weekend break with your rental car, this is a compilation of the finest beaches in Brisbane.
1. Gold Coast Beaches (1–1.5 hours drive)
Highlights:
- Internationally renowned surfing locations like Snapper Rocks, Surfers Paradise, and Burleigh Heads
- Protected beaches for families
- Shops, restaurants, and nightclubs are located right on the beachfront
The Gold Coast is a paradise for beach lovers, a little more than an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Surfers Paradise is ideal for tourists, while Burleigh Heads is a little more laid back and offers a scenic view with its grassed parks and cafes. Rent a car and travel along the Pacific Motorway (M1) to find endless stretches of sand and crystal clear water.
2. Sunshine Coast Beaches (1.5–2 hours drive)
Highlights:
- Relaxed ambience and picturesque drives
- Remarkable beaches such as Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba, and Coolum
- Coastal walking, swimming, and surfing.
From the southern end of the Bruce Highway, it is easy to access the Sunshine Coast for a day trip. Noosa Main Beach is perfect for taking a dip in the calm waters, while Coolum Beach is great for surfing. Remember to walk along Mooloolaba’s beachfront esplanade, where you’ll find delicious eateries and exquisite beach views.
3. North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) (45 minutes drive + ferry)
Highlights:
- Undisturbed beaches such as Cylinder Beach and Main Beach
- Observe whales from June to November.
Rent a vehicle and head to Cleveland to board a ferry to North Stradbroke Island. You can bring your car on the ferry, or you can rent a vehicle on the island. Families with children will enjoy the safe swimming at Cylinder Beach, while Main Beach caters to surfers and other adrenaline junkies.
4. Bribie Island (1 hour drive)
Highlights:
- 4WD Accessible Beaches
- Perfect for fishing, kayaking, and boating
- National parks and sheltered beaches
This is another stunning Island of Queensland, Australia, connected to the mainland via a bridge. Bribie Island can easily be accessed with your rental car. Surf on the ocean side at Woorim Beach and Bongaree Beach on the side of Pumicestone Passage is calm and perfect for children. If you are planning on staying longer, Bribie’s picnic and camping spots are splendid as well.
5. Shorncliffe and Sandgate Beaches (30 minutes drive)
Highlights:
- Ancient piers and calm strolls
- Ideal for children and easy walkers
- Just north of Brisbane is a simple escape from the city
These nice beaches are a short drive from Brisbane and have gentle waters and a soft vibe. Shorncliffe Pier is great for fishing or taking a walk in the afternoon. It is a quiet place for families and couples. There are many cafes and parks nearby.
6. Wellington Point (40 minutes’ drive)
Highlights:
- Tidal sandbar walk to King Island
- Enjoy beautiful sunsets while paddling out on a kayak
- Shaded BBQ and picnic spots
Wellington Point can be described as an experience rather than just a beach, with a stunning 40-minute drive from Brisbane as its starting point. During low tide, there lies a natural path in the form of a sandbar leading to King Island. Paddle boarding picnics and paddle boarding are some amazing activities to do here.
7. Redcliffe Peninsula (40 minutes drive)
Highlights:
- Suttons Beach is calm and great for kids.
- You can enjoy some delicious fish and chips by the water.
- There are many tracks for cycling, as well as markets on weekends.
The Redcliffe Peninsula has a unique, old-fashioned feel and is perfect for families and anybody wanting a quiet retreat from the city. A fully patrolled swimming beach, Sutton’s Beach has loads of grassy areas to picnic while Scarborough Beach, a snack and swim beach located nearby, is also popular.
Wrapping It Up
The coastal getaways are perfectly accessible with a dependable car from Viz Car Rentals. Brisbane is magnified with spectacular coastal getaways.
With a car, you have complete relaxation and comfort, along with the ability to explore buried gems in Queensland’s coastline that would be unreachable via public transport. So get your car keys, luggage that is bound for the beach, and set yourself up for a memorable road trip.
FAQs
What type of cars can one rent from Viz Car Rentals for beach excursions in the vicinity of Brisbane?
Viz Car Rentals offers a broad selection of vehicles for beach getaways and road trips around Queensland, which include sedans and SUVs.
Is it possible to take the rental car to places such as Bribie Island or North Stradbroke Island?
Yes, several of our cars are allowed on Stradbroke and Bribie Islands, which are accessible via ferry. Be sure to let us know during your booking so we can suggest the correct vehicle.
Should the car be returned with a full tank of gas?
Yes, we recommend that you return the vehicle with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid additional charges for refueling.
