Can you rent a car from Brisbane to Whitsundays?
Yes, 100%! Planning a one-way road trip from Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport? 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 Whitsunday Coast Airport branch in Proserpine, subject to availability. No need to worry about the long drive back! Get in touch with our friendly team by phone, email or online contact form to arrange your booking and get your tropical Queensland adventure underway.
One way rental Brisbane to Whitsundays
Take the scenic route from Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals! Pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at Whitsunday Coast Airport. Whether you’re planning a tropical island getaway, relocating to North Queensland or exploring the coast on a road trip, you can enjoy the journey 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! Make your Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport journey easier 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 the drive more comfortable for everyone on board, particularly if you’re travelling through Brisbane’s toll roads. With unlimited kilometres on standard passenger and leisure vehicles across Australia, you can take your time exploring Queensland’s beautiful coastline. Stop for a swim on the Sunshine Coast, explore the coastal attractions of Bundaberg or visit Rockhampton and Mackay before reaching the Whitsundays. 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 Whitsundays:
Meet Our Fleet
Make your journey from Brisbane to Whitsundays easier with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals! Whether you’re heading north for a tropical island getaway, relocating to Queensland or planning a coastal road trip, 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 at Whitsunday Coast Airport. Enjoy the freedom to explore Queensland’s beautiful beaches, coastal towns and tropical attractions along the way, without the hassle of a return drive!
Gear up for your Brisbane to Whitsundays road trip with Redspot’s handy rental car add-ons, helping make your journey along Queensland’s coast more comfortable and hassle-free! Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire helps keep your youngest passengers safe and secure throughout the long drive north. 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 beautiful beaches, coastal towns and tropical scenery on your way to Whitsunday Coast Airport!
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 in tropical Queensland. Once you arrive, return your vehicle to our friendly team at Whitsunday Coast Airport and get straight into unpacking, settling in and enjoying your new coastal lifestyle!
Is it better to fly or drive from Brisbane to Whitsundays?
Driving or flying from Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport? It all depends on your travel plans! Flying is the faster option, but driving gives you the freedom to explore Queensland’s beautiful coastline, from the golden beaches of the Sunshine Coast to the charming coastal towns of Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Mackay. Plus, hitting the road means skipping airport queues, baggage checks and the hassle of arranging transport between destinations. With a long journey ahead, we recommend comparing both options to see what works best for your time and budget. We might be a little biased, but with over 35 years of experience in Aussie car rentals, we reckon the scenic drive to the Whitsundays is a fantastic way to make the journey part of your tropical getaway!
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 Whitsundays
Eumundi
Start your Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport road trip with a stop in Eumundi, a charming Sunshine Coast hinterland town known for its famous markets and creative atmosphere. Browse the Eumundi Markets for handmade gifts, local artwork and fresh produce, or grab a coffee at one of the town’s welcoming cafés. With its heritage buildings, boutique shops and relaxed country feel, Eumundi is a great place to stretch your legs before continuing north. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, the famous markets are well worth exploring!
Rainbow Beach
Take a scenic detour to Rainbow Beach, a laid-back coastal town famous for its colourful sand cliffs and beautiful natural surroundings. Head to Carlo Sand Blow for sweeping views across the coastline, enjoy a walk along the beach or explore the local cafés and shops. If you’ve got extra time, visit nearby Inskip Point for views towards K’gari. With its coastal scenery and relaxed atmosphere, Rainbow Beach is a lovely place to spend a few hours before heading back towards the Bruce Highway.
Agnes Water and Town of 1770
Add Agnes Water and the neighbouring Town of 1770 to your itinerary for a quieter coastal escape. Catch some waves at Agnes Water Beach, enjoy the sunset views over Bustard Bay or join a guided LARC tour to explore the area’s beaches and waterways. Nature lovers can also take a boat trip to Lady Musgrave Island for snorkelling and marine wildlife experiences on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It’s a fantastic stop if you’ve got an extra day to enjoy Queensland’s coastline.
Rockhampton
Continue north to Rockhampton, a historic regional city known as Australia’s beef capital and the gateway to the Capricorn Coast. Explore the beautiful Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, wander past the heritage buildings along Quay Street or visit the nearby Capricorn Caves for a guided underground tour. For a classic Aussie roadside photo, stop beside one of the city’s famous bull statues. With plenty of restaurants, cafés and accommodation options, Rockhampton is a handy place to recharge before the next stretch.
Sarina
Make your way to Sarina, a friendly country town surrounded by sugarcane fields just south of Mackay. Stop by the Sarina Sugar Shed for a guided tour of the region’s sugar industry, where you can learn how sugarcane is processed and sample locally made treats. Wander through the historic Field of Dreams precinct or take a short detour to Sarina Beach for ocean views and some fresh coastal air. It’s a great place to break up the drive before continuing north.
Mackay
Before reaching Whitsundays Airport, spend some time exploring Mackay, a tropical city surrounded by beautiful beaches and green countryside. Follow the Bluewater Trail along the Pioneer River, cool off at Bluewater Lagoon or wander through the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. If you’re keen to explore further, head to the nearby Northern Beaches for coastal views and local cafés. From Mackay, continue north along the Bruce Highway towards Proserpine and Whitsunday Coast Airport, ready to begin your Whitsundays getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Brisbane and leave it in Whitsundays?
Yes! We offer flexible one-way car hire from Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport, subject to availability. Whether you’re planning a tropical island getaway, relocating to North Queensland or exploring the coast on a road trip, you can pick up your rental car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine. Simply get in touch with our friendly team by phone or email to arrange your booking, and get ready to enjoy the scenic journey 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 Whitsundays?
It all depends on your travel plans! If you’re short on time, flying from Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport may be the more practical option. But if beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns and tropical scenery are more your style, driving is a fantastic way to experience Queensland’s natural beauty. For a scenic road trip from Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport, we recommend heading north along the Bruce Highway, starting with a stop in Eumundi before taking a coastal detour to Rainbow Beach. From there, explore Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 before continuing through Rockhampton, Sarina and Mackay. Finally, make your way to Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine, where your tropical getaway awaits. With plenty of coastal attractions, country towns and memorable experiences along the way, why not take your time and enjoy the journey north?
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 Whitsundays?
The main roads from Brisbane to Whitsundays Airport are generally well-maintained, with the Bruce Highway (A1) providing the primary route north towards Proserpine. However, roadworks, heavy traffic and changing weather conditions can affect your journey, particularly through Central Queensland, where heavy rainfall and flooding may cause delays or road closures. Before setting off, we recommend checking the latest road conditions through Queensland government traffic information services for updates on accidents, roadworks and other disruptions. If you’re planning scenic detours through Rainbow Beach, Agnes Water or other coastal towns, allow extra travel time, plan regular rest stops and stick to permitted sealed roads for a safer, more comfortable drive to Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Brisbane to Whitsundays car rental.