Melbourne → Brisbane one-way car rental

1,670 km, 18–19 h. Compare fees, routes and total price.

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One-way car rental from Melbourne → Brisbane

The inland Newell Highway is the most direct link between Melbourne and Brisbane, through farming towns and outback edge country. Allow at least two nights.

Distance

About 1,670 km via the Newell Highway.

Driving time

18–19 h without long breaks.

Minimum hire

Often 4 days or more.

Typical one-way fee

A$300–500, depending on supplier and season.

Indicative figures only. The final fee is shown before you pay.

Melbourne → Brisbane route planner

Two ways to drive it. Pick a route to see every stop with its distance from Melbourne, driving time, the leg that follows and a day plan.

Best for the most direct crossing

Fastest / Newell Highway

Goulburn Valley and Newell highways through inland NSW.

DistanceAbout 1,670 km
Driving timeAbout 18–19 h
Stops6 on the way
  1. A

    Melbourne Pick-up

    Leave via the Hume Freeway.

    0 kmStart
    Next: Shepparton · 190 km · about 2 h 15 min
  2. 1

    Shepparton Fuel & coffee

    Fuel and coffee in the Goulburn Valley.

    190 kmAbout 2 h 15 min
    Next: Forbes · 410 km · about 4 h 15 min
  3. 2

    Forbes Overnight option

    Overnight option on the Lachlan River.

    600 kmAbout 6 h 30 min
    Next: Dubbo · 200 km · about 2 h 15 min
  4. 3

    Dubbo Overnight option

    Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Good overnight stop.

    800 kmAbout 8 h 45 min
    Next: Moree · 360 km · about 3 h 45 min
  5. 4

    Moree Sightseeing

    Artesian hot baths.

    1,160 kmAbout 12 h 30 min
    Next: Goondiwindi · 130 km · about 1 h 30 min
  6. 5

    Goondiwindi Fuel & coffee

    Cross into Queensland.

    1,290 kmAbout 14 h
    Next: Toowoomba · 250 km · about 2 h 45 min
  7. 6

    Toowoomba Meal stop

    Last big break before the range descent.

    1,540 kmAbout 16 h 45 min
    Next: Brisbane · 130 km · about 1 h 45 min
  8. B

    Brisbane Drop-off

    Return at the airport or CBD.

    1,670 kmAbout 18 h 30 min

Approximate distances and times without long breaks. Driving times vary with traffic, roadworks and weather.

How Much Does a One-Way Car Rental Cost?

Your total is the rental price plus the one-way fee and any optional extras you choose. The exact amounts appear in your quote for your dates, car and locations.

Rental priceBased on your dates and car type
One-way feeShown before you payCharged for dropping the car in a different city
Optional extrasOptionalOnly what you choose to add
Typical one-way fee on this route A$300–500 indicativeFees vary by supplier, vehicle, locations and travel dates.
What affects the one-way fee?
  • The rental supplier
  • The vehicle category
  • Your pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Availability on your dates

How much is a one-way car rental fee in Australia?

A one-way fee is added when you drop the car in a different city. For Melbourne to Brisbane it is usually higher than for short regional routes, and it changes by supplier and season.

CategoryDaily rate fromTypical one-way fee
EconomyA$39A$300–470
CompactA$46A$300–480
SUVA$68A$330–500
VanA$95A$370–550

Estimate your total

Indicative only. The final fee is shown before you pay. Relocation deals can reduce or remove it.

Melbourne → Brisbane Driving Essentials

Four things worth knowing before you set off.

Keep Left

Australia drives on the left, including at roundabouts and when you pull back onto the road after a stop.

Watch Your Speed

Follow posted limits and changing road conditions. Speed limits vary by state, road type and area, so always follow the signs.

Plan Fuel Stops

Don't rely on finding fuel exactly when your tank is low. Fill up in larger towns, and check the fuel policy in your rental agreement.

Take Breaks

Long-distance driving requires regular rest. Share the driving if you can, and stop when you feel tired.

Important: Speed limits are determined by road signage and conditions; always follow the current posted limit.

Smart Tips for a Melbourne → Brisbane Road Trip

Practical checks travellers often make too late.

Check the return location

Drop-off locations in Brisbane may have different operating arrangements. Pick the one that suits your arrival.

Confirm the one-way fee

Don't compare only the daily rental rate. Compare the total price with the one-way fee included.

Check after-hours return

Particularly important if your arrival time is late. Confirm how and where to return the car and the keys.

Check kilometre limits

A 1,670 km trip can use a lot of your allowance once you add side trips. Check what your rental includes.

Allow extra time for stops

The direct drive is about 18–19 h. Stops, meals and fuel breaks add up, so plan your days to match.

Check vehicle restrictions

Some vehicle categories may have different one-way rules. Check before you confirm a category.

Photograph the vehicle at pickup

Record existing damage before leaving, and make sure it is noted on your paperwork.

Keep the rental agreement accessible

Keep a copy on your phone and the paper copy in the car, in case you are asked for it.

Traveller questions

Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.

How long does the drive from Melbourne to Brisbane take?

About 18–19 h on the Newell Highway, without long breaks.

Driving Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can I drop the car at Brisbane after driving from Melbourne?

Often yes, at an airport or city depot in Brisbane. Confirm the drop-off hours and any surcharge.

One-way Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Are there tolls between Melbourne and Brisbane?

Tolls around Melbourne and Brisbane (and Sydney on the coastal option).

Costs & fees Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can I save money on the Melbourne to Brisbane one-way fee?

Compare suppliers, flexible dates, both directions and relocation deals.

Costs & fees Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can I rent a car one-way from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Yes. Many suppliers allow different pickup and drop-off locations, and a one-way charge may apply.

One-way Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

How much does a one-way rental cost from Melbourne to Brisbane?

It varies by supplier, route, vehicle and dates. Any one-way charge is shown before you book.

Costs & fees Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Are tolls included on a Melbourne to Brisbane one-way trip?

Usually not. Tolls are typically charged separately.

Costs & fees Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can I drive on unsealed roads on a Melbourne to Brisbane one-way trip?

Many agreements restrict or exclude them. Check your conditions before you go.

Driving Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can I take a rental car on a ferry on a Melbourne to Brisbane one-way trip?

Often restricted. Check terms, including for Tasmania ferries.

Driving Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

What is the excess on a Melbourne to Brisbane one-way trip?

The maximum you may pay for damage unless you reduce it. It varies by supplier and vehicle.

Costs & fees Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can I add another driver on a Melbourne to Brisbane one-way trip?

Usually, if they meet age and licence rules. A fee may apply.

Booking Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can I return the car after hours on a Melbourne to Brisbane one-way trip?

Some locations allow it with a key drop. Confirm before you book.

Booking Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Can international visitors rent a car from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Generally yes with a valid licence. An English translation or permit may be needed.

Booking Applies to: Melbourne → Brisbane

Other one-way trips

All one-way routes and fees