One of the great pleasures of a Queensland driving holiday is the freedom you experience when you are one withe the road. And taking in the beautiful stretch of coast. There is no need for schedules , making up the rules as you go is all the and it allows you to get off the highways and exploring the little nooks that make this place so memorable and discover the hidden secrets.

The best way to explore Queensland is driving on your own or with the family. Queensland has so much to do and see, one must take the time to see it all. Weather you are in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Cairns and Beyond, and driving is the experience all there is to see. The conditions of roads are great and, routes and signage are very comprehensive and straight forward.

Brisbane is simply a pleasure to drive around. A great start-off point it has excellent lookouts of Brisbane city. On a clear day you can see the all the way to Stradbroke islands and the Glass House Mountains to the north, and down to the mountains behind the Gold Coast in the south. Brisbane has the river winding through, at your feet. Move along to Kangaroo Point, a narrow finger of land east of the city, dominated by the Story Bridge, where you can catch a good view of the city's skyline and the Brisbane River.

Take a drive down Edward Street to Alice Street to the more upmarket part of Brisbane through to the Botanic Gardens and Parliament House. Drive down on William Street towards the Treasury Casino and cross over the Victoria Bridge and take Grey Street to south bank which has a man made beach lovely gardens and fantastic markets in the evening.

The Sunshine Coast's has beautiful white surf beaches stretch for about forty miles, it is a fantastic drive from Brisbane. Coastal townships like Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum and Noosa are a must see with plenty to see and do.

In the green, subtropical hills behind the Sunshine Coast, drive among the pineapple and sugar cane farms. Drive and see old pubs with open verandas that overlook green valleys.Or drive and see some of the many look outs and take in the tranquillity, the easy pace and the natural beauty.

Noosa and Noosa National Park are legendary in Australia. The protected cove beach virtually guarantees perfect surf year round and the stroll around the headland through the National Park rewards you with spectacular seascapes. Hastings Street, the hub of Noosa which has wonderful dining and accommodation for both family and singles alike.

In a recent trip I rented a Daihatsu Copen which is a fun and fantastic way do see tropical north Queensland. This yellow little car is totally amazing with a hard top that converts to a convertable in just seconds, with have your hart racing as you burn through the hills along gauges and valleys. this car is like a little go cart and is almost impossible to roll, but do be careful, as once you get the feel for this car you will find it hard not to plant the foot.

The coastal drives are packed with national parks and attractions. There's whale-watching at Hervey Bay. Or take a 15-minute detour from Bundaberg and discover the charming beach side village of Bargara. From Townsville, drive on-board the vehicle ferry and half an hour later you're exploring magnificent Magnetic Island.