Car & Van Hire in Sunshine Coast

As the name suggests, the Sunshine Coast is an ideal destination for beach lovers. With car rental on the Sunshine Coast, you'll have the beach trip of a lifetime! With around 60 km of coastline to explore, the Sunshine Coast has a wealth of beaches, from large expanses of white sand to tiny secluded coves. Rainbow Beach, Peregian Beach and Mudjimba Beach are among the best-known, but visitors should feel free to explore the coast and discover a personal favourite. You'll never be short of options, whether you want to just relax on the sand or you feel like surfing, snorkelling or trying exciting new watersports.

Car or van rental on the Sunshine Coast is a great way to get around. You can start by visiting the town of Noosa, famous for its laid-back vibes and great beaches. When you're tired of the beach, take a stroll through the town centre, where you'll find charming boutiques and great restaurants. Other towns to visit include Mooloolaba, which is a haven for foodies, and Eumundi, home to some fabulous markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Noosa National Park sprawls over 4,000 hectares and is divided into four distinct zones. It's perfect for hiking. In particular, be sure to visit Dolphin Point, where you'll have excellent views of dolphins playing in the surf below. If you're visiting in spring, don't miss the Peregrian section of the national park, which will be filled with colourful wildflowers.

While the beaches are a major draw for Sunshine Coast visitors, don't neglect the hinterland. As soon as you head a little way inland, you'll trade white sand beaches for lush rainforests, a landscape that is totally different but just as beautiful. Kondalilla Falls National Park is one of the true highlights of the region. You can walk the Kondalilla Falls Circuit to admire the waterfalls first from the floor of the valley and then from a number of different viewpoints as you ascend along the trail.

For something entirely different, visit the Glass House Mountains, a series of thirteen volcanic peaks. These eerie mountains are entirely different from anything else nearby. There are some paths that give you closer views of the mountains, but check the trail rating before starting out. Some are for seasoned hikers only and should not be tackled if you're travelling solo. If you're new to Australian bushwalking, you might want to start in an easier location, like one of the national parks in the area.

The Sunshine Coast is a zone largely dedicated to tourism. As such, you won't experience major rush hour traffic on weekdays, but you can expect some congestion at weekends or over public holidays. It's common for people to travel from Brisbane for the weekend, so watch out for traffic on Fridays and Sunday evenings.

There are some toll roads in Queensland, but most are concentrated in and around Brisbane. If you're travelling to the state capital, be prepared to either pay a toll or seek out an alternative route. The Sunshine Motorway, which connects many towns in the area, has had its toll booths removed after public protests and is now free. When driving on the Sunshine Motorway, be aware that it features a dramatic change of direction at the Nicklin Way interchange, with traffic going from east-west to north-south.

As with any rainforest zone, Queensland is prone to extreme weather. If you are travelling between October and April, take care. This is the wet season when torrential rains are common. Rainstorms can occur without warning, sometimes causing flash flooding. Roads will be closed in the event of a flood. If a road is closed, you will need to find an alternative route. Under no circumstances should you try to enter a closed road. It's extremely dangerous to attempt to drive into floodwaters. Bushfires are also a hazard, particularly if you are driving into the hinterland. Check the local weather reports regularly. It's a good idea to carry maps in order to seek out different routes where necessary. Use paper maps rather than relying on a mobile connection, which can be spotty outside of towns.

One of the most common causes of road accidents in Australia is wildlife. In particular, kangaroos can be extremely hazardous. They are very common in Queensland, so don't be surprised to see groups of them hopping across the countryside as you drive. You will need to be cautious if they approach the road, though. Like most marsupials, kangaroos are most active at night time. Visitors are advised not to drive outside urban areas between dusk and dawn to avoid potential accidents.

If your visit to Queensland is part of a larger road trip, take care with distances. Driver fatigue can be a serious problem on Australia's long roads. Plan your days carefully, and always allow yourself the chance to take a break.