Planning a family holiday in Brisbane is thrilling, whether it is taking in the culture and attractions of South Bank or taking day trips to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or hinterlands.
However, when you have children or multiple family members, probably the most crucial decision you’ll need to make is how you’re going to get around. Being supplied with a reliable, spacious, and family-friendly hire car can make or break the trip.
1. Prioritize Space and Comfort
When it comes to family travel, there is no discussion about space. Whether you have strollers, travel cots, toys, or luggage, your hire car needs to have room for it all, whilst also making it comfortable for passengers, especially if it is a long drive!
Be on the lookout for vehicles that will offer:
- Large boot space for bags, groceries, and gear.
- Flexible seat arrangements, such as foldable rear seats or third-row options.
- Sufficient leg room for front and back passenger seats.
SUVs and minivans provide families with the best combination for comfort and cargo space, and families visiting Brisbane continue to opt for the Toyota Kluger or Kia Carnival because of their spacious interiors and smooth drive.
2. Check for Child-Friendly Features
When traveling with toddlers or young children, you want a vehicle that won’t just be larger than average, but rather a vehicle with safety and convenience. Be sure to choose a car rental that features all of the child-friendly essentials.
Look for:
- Child safety seats (infant, toddler, and booster)
- Rear-seat entertainment systems/USB ports for charging tablets
- Tinted windows (for sun protection)
- Child locks on rear doors
Most Brisbane car rental companies will have the option of a child seat available as an add-on; however, be aware that car rental companies may have limited seats during peak seasons. Be sure to book your child’s seats in advance!
3. Choose Reliability Over Style
Though a sporty convertible car may seem appealing, the desire for functionality and reliability takes precedence on a family trip.
The last situation you want is to be inoperable while driving with beautiful scenery or on your way to a theme park.
Look for vendors that offer you:
- Recent model options
- Properly serviced and maintained vehicles
- 24/7 breakdown assistance
Also, look for customer acceptance to evaluate how reliable the fleet of the rental vendor is! When reliability is a desire is in your control, there is less grief and more time available to enjoy the company of your family!
4. Consider Pickup and Drop-off Convenience
Time is important when traveling with family. Arranging a shuttle or managing luggage while wrangling children can be stressful, which is why convenient pickup and drop-off options can be invaluable.
Check to see if your rental provider:
- Offers airport pickup at Brisbane Airport
- Allows pickup and drop-off hours to suit your needs
- Allows one-way rentals if you want to commence in one city and finish in another
- Offers help with loading/unloading your luggage
Some providers even offer contactless pickup, which can save time and lead to a more enjoyable start to your holiday.
5. Know Your Rental Car Insurance Options
When you’re with family on the road, you want peace of mind. Rental car insurance offers protection against expensive repairs or liabilities if you have an incident or damage.
Ensure your rental provides or offers:
- Collision damage waiver (CDW)
- Third-party liability insurance
- Theft coverage
Also, check if your travel insurance or credit card covers car rentals. Verify all coverage, terms, and excess fees before you arrive to avoid surprises at the counter.
6. Plan for Day Trips Around Brisbane
The biggest benefit of hiring a family car in Brisbane is having the freedom to explore. With your car, you can go as far as you want at your own pace.
Here are some family destinations that you can drive to:
- Australia Zoo (1 hour north) – Ideal for kids who love animals.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (20 mins away) – Cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos.
- Gold Coast Theme Parks (1–1.5 hours south) – Dreamworld, Movie World, and Sea World.
- Tamborine Mountain (1 hour) – Rainforests with glow worm caves and tree-top walks.
When you have the right car, your road trips become part of the fun, not a stressful requirement.
7. Recommended Provider: Viz Car Rentals
If you are after a reputable family-friendly rental car provider in Brisbane, then Viz Car Rentals is a great option. They are known for service that is reliable, and you will be greeted by clean, roomy cars as well. They have designed their service to meet the needs of families on holiday.
Anywhere from an SUV to 7-seaters with child safety seats, their fleet has your interests covered for comfort and safety to get you and your family wherever safely.
Wrapping It Up
A family trip should be full of fun, exploration, and connection – not stress over transportation. Finding the right rental vehicle that has all of the features your family needs will help you focus on what really matters: spending time together.
Just remember to book early, think about safety and space, and work with a company you trust.
