Can you rent a car from Brisbane to The Sunshine Coast?
Of course! Heading from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast? Redspot’s got your back (and your boot) with our flexible one-way car rentals. Simply pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Sunshine Coast branch, subject to availability. Whether you’re planning a beachside getaway or a quick trip up the coast, there’s no need to worry about the return drive! Get in touch with our friendly team by phone, email or online contact form to get your travel plans underway.
One way rental Brisbane to The Sunshine Coast
Make your way from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals! Pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Sunshine Coast branch, subject to availability. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach holiday, visiting family or relocating up the coast, you can enjoy the freedom to explore without the hassle of driving all the way back. Simply head to the Extras section of your online booking form, tick the ‘One Way Fee’ box, and you’re ready to hit the road! Keep your Brisbane to Sunshine Coast journey running smoothly with our flexible refuelling options. Choose to pre-pay, post-pay or fill up the tank yourself before returning your vehicle. We also offer handy rental extras, including child seat hire and Toll Road Waivers, to make travelling with the whole family more comfortable, particularly if you’re using Brisbane’s toll roads. With unlimited kilometres on standard passenger and leisure vehicles across Australia, you can make the most of your time exploring southeast Queensland. Take a scenic detour through the Glass House Mountains, visit Australia Zoo or enjoy the beaches of Mooloolaba and Noosa before returning your vehicle. Kilometre restrictions may apply to vans, trucks and utes, so give our friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to confirm your options before booking. Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless otherwise specified. After-hours pickups are available on request, subject to availability.
Booking is simple. When you make your reservation online, head to the Extras section and select the One Way Fee. That is all it takes to lock it in.
Sort fuel your way with Redspot refuel options to match your plans. Pre-pay, post-pay, or refill it yourself before drop-off. You can also add handy extras like baby seats or a Toll Pass Waiver to keep things running smoothly on the road.
Unlimited km is included on standard passenger and leisure vehicles, so the road trip won’t be a problem at all. If you are hiring a van, truck, or ute, km limits may apply. Give the friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to double-check before you set off.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless stated otherwise. After-hours pick-up can be arranged on request, subject to availability.
Pick up in Brisbane:
Drop off in The Sunshine Coast:
Meet Our Fleet
Make your journey from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast easier with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals! Whether you’re heading north for a beachside getaway, visiting family or planning a relaxing weekend away, our friendly local team is here to help you get on the road with ease. Choose from our range of rental vehicles to suit your travel plans, with convenient pickup locations across Brisbane and drop-off on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy the freedom to explore the Glass House Mountains, charming hinterland towns and beautiful coastal beaches along the way, without the hassle of a return drive!
Get ready for your Brisbane to Sunshine Coast getaway with Redspot’s handy rental car add-ons, designed to make your journey north more comfortable and hassle-free! Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire helps keep your youngest passengers safe and secure throughout the drive. You can also add our Toll Road Waiver to take the hassle out of Brisbane’s toll roads, leaving you more time to enjoy the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions and scenic hinterland along the way!
Small Car Hire
From economy and compacts to intermediate cars like the Toyota Corolla, you can’t go past our diverse small car fleet! These affordable, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for solo travellers and small groups.
Sedan Hire
Spot your road trip with our range of versatile sedans, featuring a rotation of your fave brands. Get rolling to Australia’s vibrant coffee capital in the reliable 5-seater car we all know and love.
Minibus and Minivan Hire
Round up your crew and hit the road with our spacious 8–12 seater minibus and minivan hire. Whether you’re on a family getaway or group adventure, we’ve got the right ride to back it.
Baby Seats & Other Accessories
We’ll have you fully loaded with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your travels between A & B a smooth ride from start to finish!
Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire will keep your kids safely strapped in for the journey. Plus, our convenient Toll Road Waiver makes it easy to navigate the tolls along the way, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Whether you need a spacious SUV for extra luggage or a reliable sedan for your everyday essentials, we’ve got rental options to help make your relocation easier. Simply pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches, load up your belongings and head north towards your new home on the Sunshine Coast. Once you arrive, return your vehicle to our friendly team at our Sunshine Coast branch and get straight into unpacking, settling in and enjoying your new coastal lifestyle!
Is it better to fly or drive from Brisbane to The Sunshine Coast?
Driving from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast? With the two destinations just over an hour apart by car, hitting the road is a convenient way to make the trip! Enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace, take in the stunning Glass House Mountains or stop at charming hinterland towns before reaching the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful beaches. Plus, driving means you can skip airport queues, baggage checks and the hassle of arranging transport when you arrive. With plenty of coastal attractions, national parks and scenic lookouts to explore, having a rental car gives you more flexibility throughout your trip. We might be a little biased, but with over 35 years of experience in Aussie car rentals, we reckon the drive from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast is well worth the journey!
Redspot Driver Facts.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21 (mine-spec and commercial vehicles included).
Maximum Age is No Barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light for leisure, commercial and mine-spec vehicles – one of the few Aussie companies that do!
Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Overseas visitors welcome:
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Family-friendly car hire:
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Credit Card Condition:
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Fuel Flexibility:
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Maximum age is no barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Toll-road Tricks:
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on.
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 40 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
For over 35 years, Redspot has provided smooth rides for our local and international customers with top-notch leisure and commercial vehicles. Buckle up and explore their road-worthy experiences here:
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
6 Popular Stops From Brisbane to The Sunshine Coast
Caboolture
Kick off your Brisbane to Sunshine Coast road trip with a stop in Caboolture, a historic town just north of Brisbane. Visit the Caboolture Historical Village to explore heritage buildings, vintage machinery and displays of Queensland’s pioneering past. History lovers can also explore the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, home to fascinating collections from around the world. With local cafés and plenty of family-friendly attractions, Caboolture is a great first stop before heading further north.
Glass House Mountains
Take a scenic detour through the Glass House Mountains, where towering volcanic peaks create one of Queensland’s most recognisable natural backdrops. Stop at the Glass House Mountains Lookout for sweeping views across the region, enjoy a picnic surrounded by native bushland or explore the walking trails around Mount Ngungun. With spectacular mountain scenery and plenty of opportunities to spot native wildlife, it’s a fantastic place to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors.
Australia Zoo
Add Australia Zoo to your road trip itinerary for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Located in Beerwah, this famous attraction is home to crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos and animals from around the world. Catch one of the live wildlife presentations, explore the park’s animal habitats or learn about the conservation work inspired by the late Steve Irwin. With plenty of interactive experiences and family-friendly activities, Australia Zoo is well worth setting aside a few hours to explore.
Maleny
Head into the Sunshine Coast hinterland and spend some time in Maleny, a charming country town surrounded by rolling green hills and lush rainforest. Visit the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, explore the walking trails at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve or enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the local cafés. For beautiful views of the Glass House Mountains, stop at one of the scenic lookouts around town. It’s an ideal spot to slow down and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Montville
Continue through the hinterland to Montville, a picturesque mountain village known for its boutique shops, art galleries and sweeping coastal views. Wander along the charming main street, browse handcrafted gifts or stop for a coffee and something sweet at a local café. Nature lovers can also explore nearby Kondalilla National Park, where rainforest walking trails lead to waterfalls and scenic lookouts. With its relaxed village atmosphere, Montville is a lovely stop before heading back towards the coast.
Caloundra
Before continuing to your Sunshine Coast destination, make time for Caloundra, a beautiful coastal town known for its sandy beaches and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Take a refreshing swim at Kings Beach, enjoy a walk along the coastal pathway or explore the calm waters of the Pumicestone Passage at Golden Beach. With waterfront cafés, family-friendly swimming spots and plenty of coastal scenery, Caloundra is a fantastic place to finish your road trip before exploring the rest of the Sunshine Coast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Brisbane and leave it in The Sunshine Coast?
Yes, absolutely! We offer flexible one-way car hire from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, subject to availability. Whether you’re heading north for a beachside getaway, visiting family or planning a move up the coast, you can pick up your rental car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Sunshine Coast branch. Simply get in touch with our friendly team by phone or email to arrange your booking, and get ready to enjoy the scenic drive north!
Is it more expensive to rent a car one way in Australia?
When it comes to one-way rentals, fees will vary depending on factors including the requested pick-up and drop-off locations, plus vehicle availability. The one-way fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its original location. Typically, the further you want to travel, the more one-way rentals can save you on time and fuel costs that you’d otherwise spend heading back to your journey’s starting point!
We recommend comparing your total trip costs if you choose one-way vs standard returns. With Redspot, you can check rates and vehicle availability through our online booking tool so you can determine what’s best for your plans.
How many kilometres can I drive in a day in a Redspot car hire?
For maximum freedom, there are no km limits for our standard car rentals including compact, sedans, hybrids, and SUVs.
However, as Australia is such a big and beautiful country (bigger than Europe in land mass!), there are some instances where we have to impose a km limit to help maintain our vehicles:
- If you need a van, truck, or ute for a business car hire
- If you head to remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
Is it worth it to drive from Brisbane to The Sunshine Coast?
With Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast just over an hour apart by car, driving is a convenient way to make the trip. Plus, if scenic mountain views, charming hinterland towns and beautiful beaches are your style, taking the road gives you the freedom to explore southeast Queensland at your own pace. For a scenic drive from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, we recommend heading north through Caboolture before taking a detour to the Glass House Mountains for spectacular views. From there, visit Australia Zoo in Beerwah, explore the charming hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville, then make your way towards the coast for a relaxing stop in Caloundra. With plenty of wildlife encounters, rainforest walks and coastal attractions along the way, why not turn the short drive into a memorable day out?
What is the oldest age to drive a rental car?
At Redspot, there’s no maximum age limit! We say that age is just a number. Whether you’re a retiree, hold a seniors card, or you’re just young at heart, we welcome anyone over 21 to rent with us and keep their adventures rolling.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with Redspot?
For most Aussie car rental companies, the minimum age is 25. However, with Redspot, we don’t think age should keep you from getting the job done! Drivers from 21 years old are welcome to rent with us, including commercial and mine-spec vehicles.
Check out our Young Drivers guide for all the details to get you rolling. (Note: Vehicle size restrictions for Young Drivers do not apply to mine-spec and commercial vehicles. Speak with your employer to confirm details.)
What are the road conditions between Brisbane and The Sunshine Coast?
The main roads from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast are generally well-maintained and easy to drive, with the Bruce Highway (M1) providing a direct route north. However, heavy traffic, roadworks and changing weather conditions can cause delays, particularly during peak hours, weekends and school holidays. Before setting off, we recommend checking the latest road conditions through Queensland government traffic information services for updates on accidents, road closures and other disruptions. If you’re planning scenic detours through the Glass House Mountains, Maleny or Montville, allow extra travel time, take care on winding hinterland roads and stick to permitted sealed roads for a safer, more comfortable journey to the Sunshine Coast.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Brisbane to The Sunshine Coast car rental.