If your feed is currently filled with Euro summer snaps but your bank balance is screaming “nope,” we have good news for the wanderlust-seekers out there. Our backyard is a wonderland of pristine islands, white sand beaches and rainforests older than the Amazon, that will have you saying Puglia who?
In partnership with Europcar, we’re bringing the best of Europe closer to home with a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Greek Islands and beyond. Because exploring your own backyard in a freshly hired whip can be just as fun as adventuring abroad.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour 25 minutes | 98km
With winding country roads that twist through rainforest-cloaked mountains and postcard-perfect villages dotted along the way, a drive through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland can feel like you’ve been dropped into the heart of Tuscany. Luckily, this dreamy escape is just a short, scenic drive from Brisbane.
Up here, Mother Nature is always putting on a show. Let her wow you with a visit to the Glass House Mountains—these Jurassic Park-worthy peaks are volcanic relics loaded with walking tracks and epic lookouts. Post exploration, jump back in the car and refuel with craft beers at farm-to-table eats at Brouhaha Brewery, perched above Obi Obi Creek in Maleny. Then it’s just a short drive to Round Hill Retreat, your digs for the night, where you can soak under the stars in your outdoor tub. Bliss!
Noosa
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour 45 minutes | 139km
Make like you’re on the Cote d'Azur with a sun-drenched road trip to Noosa. Set your GPS for Hastings Street and arrive hungry. Sunshine Coast’s seaside jewel is brimming with incredible culinary offerings, case in point–Bistro C. Nestled on the edge of Laguna Bay, you’ll have front-row seats to the waves kissing the sugar-white sand—all while you dig into chargrilled octopus and ice-cold sips.
Keep those holiday vibes rolling with a meander down Hastings Street, where you can give your credit card a workout at the designer boutiques, or immerse yourself in nature with a hike through Noosa National Park—the 5.4km coastal-hugging path will reward you with primo vistas of the ocean (and a dolphin sighting or two). In the evening park up at Netanya Noosa for laidback luxury on the beachfront.
The Daintree Coast
Distance from Cairns Airport: 30 minutes–3 hours | 25–140km
Rugged coastlines, balmy days and succulent food trails—if you’ve been sleeping on Tropical North Queensland, consider it your next roadie. Kick off your vacay in Palm Cove, more specifically at Nu Nu, an award-winning sun-drenched eatery set among dreamy coconut palms with a mission to showcase the bounty of lush produce from the rainforest, reef and outback cattle stations. Think: wok-fried chilli mudcrab with laksa curry and kimchi butter poached reef fish.
When you’re in this region, it would be criminal not to drive to below the ancient treetops of the Daintree Rainforest (it’s older than the Amazon). Hit up the Daintree Discovery Centre and appreciate the lush canopy from the 23m high tower. And for a truly bucket list experience—it’s what holidays are all about—swap four wheels for a horse ride along Cape Tribulation, a breathtaking stretch of coastline where two World Heritage areas meet.
Killarney
Distance from Brisbane: 2 hours 15 minutes | 181km
Perched on the edge of Queensland’s bountiful Scenic Rim, a road trip to Killarney—where rural roads make way for rolling lavender fields—is a truly soul-nourishing experience. Disconnect from the daily grind, and plug into nature with a day spent exploring the magic of this region. Step into the ancient Gondwana rainforest at Main Range National Park, where 40-million-year-old vines frame the breathtaking Queen Mary Falls. Lace up your kicks and hike the scenic 2 km circuit, before rewarding yourself with a sweet treat at The Falls Café. If you’re craving more goosebump-inducing views, drive eight minutes down the road to Carrs Lookout where you can tick off vistas of Head Valley, Mt Superbus, the Scenic Rim and Tamborine Mountain.
Rest your weary muscles at Adjinbilly, a cosy trio of cabins set among a secluded rainforest gorge. With a cascading creek at your doorstep and birdsong in the air, nature provides the perfect soundtrack. By night, sip vino by the campfire or join a guided glow worm walk.
Whitsundays
Distance from Whitsundays Coast Airport: 35 minutes | 39 km
Pristine islands (74 to be exact), sugar white sand beaches and sparkling azure waters—there’s no need to jet to the Greek Islands for Euro summer when this pocket of paradise exists in Queensland. Base yourself in Airlie Beach, set on the edge of the Coral Sea, it’s the perfect launchpad to explore the islands. Check into the Coral Sea Resort, with cabanas, beats and a poolside bar slinging cocktails, it’s giving Mykonos.
You can’t visit the Whitsundays without sinking your toes into the pure silica sand (read: super soft) of Whitehaven Beach. Our fave way to explore it? Climb aboard Ocean Rafting, where you’ll be zipping across turquoise waters to Whitehaven Beach, hiking lush trails, and snorkelling vibrant reefs. Back on the mainland, make sure you carve out some time to drive to Bowen, where a picnic and snorkel at Horseshoe Bay will become a core memory.
Ready to hit the road? Head to Europcar to book your car hire.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Europcar and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Urban List.