The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year for travel in Australia — and nowhere is that more true than in sunny Brisbane. Whether you’re heading to the Gold Coast, exploring Queensland’s hinterlands, or driving north for a tropical Christmas, having a reliable vehicle is essential.
Yet, as demand spikes during Christmas and New Year, rental fleets shrink, prices climb, and options become limited. That’s why the smartest travellers book their car hire early — not just to save money but to ensure flexibility and peace of mind.
With Trend Rentals, you can plan ahead and find the perfect car, SUV, or mine-spec vehicle to suit your family or business needs this festive season.
👉 Explore Brisbane Car Hire Options with Trend Rentals
🚗 Why Demand Surges at Christmas & New Year
During December and January, car hire demand skyrockets due to:
- Family holidays and reunions – Australians love a summer road trip.
- Tourism influx – Domestic and international visitors flock to Queensland.
- Limited public transport availability – Especially around public holidays.
- Business closures and mine-site shutdowns – Contractors and teams relocate.
The result? Last-minute rentals are scarce and costly.
Booking your Brisbane car hire in advance ensures you get the best price, the best model, and the least hassle.
👉 Learn more about vehicle hire in Brisbane
🎅 Benefits of Booking Your Car Hire Early
Early booking offers multiple advantages:
- Better rates – Prices are lower before the festive rush.
- Greater choice – Pick your ideal vehicle (SUV, ute, 4WD, or passenger van).
- Less stress – No frantic searching at the last minute.
- Flexible travel planning – Lock in your itinerary early.
- Availability for add-ons – Such as GPS, child seats, or roof racks.
🌞 Top Car Hire Tips for Brisbane’s Festive Season
- Compare prices early – Use trusted providers like Trend Rentals.
- Choose the right vehicle size – Small car for couples, SUV for families.
- Opt for unlimited kilometres if you plan to travel long distances.
- Avoid airport surcharges – Consider off-airport pickup locations.
- Check fuel policies – “Full to full” usually offers best value.
- Review insurance options carefully – Add peace of mind for long trips.
- Inspect the vehicle before driving – Use a checklist or photos for security.
- Plan your return date – Avoid New Year’s Day closures and peak traffic.
🏖️ Best Christmas & New Year Road Trips from Brisbane
1. Brisbane to Gold Coast (1 hour)
Enjoy festive lights, beaches, and family attractions like Sea World and Movie World.
2. Brisbane to Sunshine Coast (1.5 hours)
Ideal for a peaceful coastal retreat — perfect for Christmas lunch with ocean views.
3. Brisbane to Byron Bay (2 hours)
Ring in the New Year with music, culture, and coastal charm.
4. Brisbane to Noosa (2 hours)
For luxury stays, boutique dining, and holiday serenity.
5. Brisbane to Toowoomba (2 hours)
For a quiet countryside escape and family picnics under summer skies.
All these routes are perfect for family SUVs or hybrid vehicles available via Trend Rentals’ fleet.
🎁 Save More with Trend Rentals’ Holiday Offers
Trend Rentals often provides seasonal discounts and loyalty rewards during the festive period. Booking directly via the official Trend Rentals website ensures:
- Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
- Comprehensive insurance options
- Local support from Brisbane-based staff
- Modern, well-maintained vehicles
Sign up for updates to get early-bird Christmas hire deals.
⚡ Electric & Hybrid Options for Eco-Friendly Festive Travel
If you want to make your holiday more sustainable, consider electric or hybrid vehicles.
Benefits include:
- Lower fuel costs
- Quieter rides
- Reduced emissions
Trend Rentals’ expanding eco-friendly fleet ensures comfort and performance for long drives.
🎄 Family Travel Tips for the Holidays
Travelling with kids? Here are some essential tips to make the drive smoother:
- Pack snacks, games, and water bottles.
- Choose cars with ample boot space and rear A/C vents.
- Make regular stops for breaks and sightseeing.
- Use child safety seats that meet Australian standards.
- Plan ahead using a vehicle handover checklist to avoid delays.
👉 Handy guide: How to Run a Safe Vehicle Handover Process for Rotating Shift Crews
🎉 Avoid Last-Minute Rental Mistakes
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Booking too late | High costs, limited options | Book 4–6 weeks early |
| Ignoring mileage limits | Extra charges | Choose unlimited km plan |
| Overlooking insurance | Expensive repairs | Add full coverage |
| Not inspecting car | Disputes | Use a vehicle handover checklist |
| Returning car dirty | Cleaning fee | Clean before return |
Avoiding these can save you hundreds of dollars and unnecessary headaches.
🌅 Why Choose Trend Rentals for Brisbane Holiday Car Hire
✅ Wide Fleet Selection – From compact cars to family SUVs and mine-spec 4WDs.
✅ Flexible Hire Options – Short-term or long-term rentals to suit your itinerary.
✅ Transparent Pricing – No hidden extras or surprise fees.
✅ Local Expertise – Brisbane-based team ready to assist.
✅ Eco Options – Hybrid and electric vehicles available.
Whether you’re visiting relatives or exploring Queensland, Trend Rentals makes festive travel seamless and affordable.
👉 Book Your Christmas Car Hire in Brisbane Today
🏆 Bonus: Insider Tips for a Stress-Free Car Hire Experience
- Check opening hours – Some depots close on Christmas Day.
- Confirm your booking – Call 48 hours before pickup.
- Bring your driver’s licence and ID – Must match the booking name.
- Have a credit card ready – Required for the bond.
- Plan pickup timing – Early morning pickups beat traffic and heat.
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your Christmas and New Year road trip runs smoothly.
🌟 Conclusion
The holidays are meant for joy, relaxation, and memorable journeys — not last-minute car hire stress.
By booking your Brisbane car hire early with Trend Rentals, you can secure the perfect vehicle, enjoy unbeatable rates, and hit the road ready for festive adventure. Whether you’re driving to the coast, the countryside, or a Christmas barbecue, Trend Rentals has the perfect solution for your needs.
Book early. Save more. Drive happy.