Can you rent a car from Brisbane to Canberra?
Yes, 100! Planning a one-way road trip from Brisbane to Canberra? Redspot’s got you covered with our flexible one-way car rentals. Pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Canberra branch, subject to availability, without the hassle of driving all the way back. Simply get in touch with our friendly team by phone, email or online contact form to get your interstate travel plans underway!
One way rental Brisbane to Canberra
Make your way from Brisbane to Canberra with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals! Pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Canberra branch. Whether you’re travelling to the nation’s capital for work, relocating interstate or planning a road trip through regional NSW, you can enjoy the freedom to explore without having to drive 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 Canberra 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 family or friends more comfortable, particularly when using toll roads around Brisbane and Sydney. With unlimited kilometres on standard passenger and leisure vehicles across Australia, you can take your time exploring the sights along the way. Stop at Byron Bay, enjoy the beaches of Port Macquarie or explore the charming towns of the Southern Highlands before reaching Canberra. 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 Canberra:
Meet Our Fleet
Make your journey from Brisbane to Canberra easier with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals! Whether you’re heading to the nation’s capital for business, relocating interstate or planning a road trip through NSW, 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 in Canberra. Enjoy the freedom to explore coastal towns, scenic countryside and the Southern Highlands along the way, without the hassle of a return drive!
Get ready for your Brisbane to Canberra road trip with Redspot’s handy rental car add-ons, designed to make your interstate journey 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 toll roads around Brisbane and Sydney, leaving you more time to enjoy the coastal towns, country scenery and roadside attractions on your way to Canberra!
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
Making the move from Brisbane to Canberra? 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 interstate relocation easier. Simply pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches, load up your belongings and head south towards your new home in the nation’s capital. Once you arrive, return your vehicle to our friendly team at our Canberra branch and get straight into unpacking, settling in and exploring everything your new city has to offer!
Is it better to fly or drive from Brisbane to Canberra?
Driving or flying from Brisbane to Canberra? It all depends on your travel plans! Flying is the quicker option, but driving gives you the freedom to explore Australia’s beautiful east coast, from the beaches of northern NSW to the charming country towns and rolling hills of the Southern Highlands. Plus, hitting the road means skipping airport queues, baggage checks and the hassle of arranging transport when you arrive. With a long interstate 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 drive from Brisbane to Canberra is a fantastic way to experience more of Australia!
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 Canberra
Byron Bay
Start your Brisbane to Canberra road trip with a stop in Byron Bay, one of Australia’s favourite beach destinations. Walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse for spectacular ocean views, catch some waves at The Pass or spend a relaxing afternoon on Main Beach. With its boutique shops, beachside cafés and laid-back atmosphere, Byron Bay is a fantastic place to kick off your journey south. Keep an eye out for dolphins offshore and migrating whales during the cooler months!
Coffs Harbour
Continue south to Coffs Harbour for a mix of beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions and rainforest scenery. Snap a photo beside the famous Big Banana, take a stroll along the Coffs Harbour Jetty or head up to Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout for sweeping views across the coastline. If you’ve got extra time, venture inland to Dorrigo National Park for rainforest walks and waterfalls before continuing your trip.
Port Macquarie
Make Port Macquarie your next pit stop for a relaxing break beside the ocean. Follow the scenic Coastal Walk past sandy beaches and rocky headlands, visit the famous Koala Hospital or take in the views from Tacking Point Lighthouse. Enjoy a meal overlooking the Hastings River or spend some time exploring the town’s waterfront attractions. It’s an ideal place to recharge before heading further south.
Newcastle
Add Newcastle to your itinerary for a lively mix of coastal attractions, local history and great places to eat. Walk along the Newcastle Memorial Walk for spectacular ocean views, enjoy a swim at Merewether Ocean Baths or explore the historic buildings around the city centre. With beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants and a lively café scene, Newcastle makes a great stop before heading towards Sydney.
Bowral
Leave the coastline behind and head inland to Bowral, a charming Southern Highlands town surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful gardens. Wander through Corbett Gardens, browse the local boutiques or visit the Bradman Museum to learn about Australia’s cricket history. If you’ve got time for a scenic detour, head to nearby Fitzroy Falls for impressive waterfall views and bushwalking trails. It’s a lovely place to enjoy the cooler country air before continuing towards Canberra.
Goulburn
Before reaching Canberra, stop in Goulburn, a historic country city known for its heritage architecture and famous roadside attractions. Snap a photo beside the Big Merino, explore the town’s historic streets or head to Rocky Hill War Memorial for sweeping views across the countryside. Grab a bite at a local café and stretch your legs before completing the final stretch along the Federal Highway to Australia’s capital!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Brisbane and leave it in Canberra?
Yes! We offer flexible one-way car hire from Brisbane to Canberra, subject to availability. Whether you’re relocating interstate, travelling for business or planning a road trip to the nation’s capital, you can pick up your rental car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Canberra branch. Simply get in touch with our friendly team by phone or email to arrange your booking, and get ready to enjoy the journey south!
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 Canberra?
This depends on your priorities. If you’re short on time, flying from Brisbane to Canberra may be the more practical option. But if beautiful beaches, charming country towns and scenic countryside are more your style, driving is a fantastic way to experience Australia’s east coast. For a scenic road trip from Brisbane to Canberra, we recommend following the Pacific Highway south, stopping at Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie before continuing towards Newcastle. From there, head inland through the Southern Highlands, where you can explore the charming town of Bowral before stopping in historic Goulburn. With plenty of coastal attractions, beautiful countryside and memorable places to visit along the way, why not take your time and enjoy the journey to Australia’s capital?
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 Canberra?
The main roads from Brisbane to Canberra are generally well-maintained, with major highways connecting Queensland, NSW and the ACT. However, roadworks, heavy traffic and changing weather conditions can affect your journey, particularly around Brisbane, Sydney and the Southern Highlands. Before setting off, we recommend checking the latest traffic conditions through Queensland, NSW and ACT government road information services for updates on accidents, road closures and other delays. If you’re planning scenic detours along the NSW coast, allow extra travel time, take regular rest breaks and stick to sealed roads for a safer, more comfortable drive to Canberra.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Brisbane to Canberra car rental.