Australia road trip: From sea to rainforest in Queensland

Australia's on the other side of the world – a fact made ever more clear by the long journey there. At the other end, the rainforest, beaches and whales of the east coast await. But first, it's time for take-off. 

With the green hills on the horizon and the skyline out in front, Brisbane welcomes you like no other city on the east coast.

You pick up your hire car, reach your accommodation and settle in. Be it between skyscrapers and colonial buildings in the city centre, by the river in South Bank or among Fortitude Valley's lively bar scene, you're staying right in the part of Brisbane that you most want to see.

The skyline in the central business district, parks on the riverbanks, ferries crossing over the water – the urban sprawl stretches along both sides of the Brisbane River, yet despite being a big city, it feels laid-back and tropically warm.

And what you do next is up to you. The iconic Story Bridge spans the river and, come evening, the whole thing lights up in brilliant colours. South Bank lies just upstream around the bend, boasting the lush greenery of the Parklands and the Streets Beach artificial lagoon with skyline views. And Eagle Street Pier is home to restaurants overlooking the water. Get exploring or simply ring out the day relaxing. After all, this trip is all yours. 

Brisbane's green side is at its best early in the morning. The City Botanic Gardens right by the river boast a mix of bamboo, ornamental ponds, turtles and enchanting fairy light trees, with gnarled roots crawling over the ground. Above, flying foxes hang from the branches, huge and loud.

And it's only 15 minutes by car to Mt Coot-tha. With a viewpoint at 940 feet above the city, it's much quieter here, and Brisbane spreads out down below as far as Moreton Bay. On the mountainside, the botanic gardens showcase subtropical and tropical plants from all over the world.

Another highlight is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, seven miles to the south. Founded in 1927, it's Australia's oldest koala sanctuary and home to over 130 koalas, kangaroos that you can feed and platypuses.

From Brisbane, you can also head out onto the water. North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island are just off the coast, and ferries glide across to beaches, sand dunes and turquoise waters. Snorkel, surf or simply feel the sand beneath your feet. How much of Brisbane you check out today is totally up to you. 

From Brisbane, you venture into the green hinterland, past hills and farms, until Lamington National Park spreads out before you – subtropical rainforest in every direction. This park belongs to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest rainforests in the world. After checking in for your stay, you're free as a bird.

The Tree Top Walk takes you through the leafy canopy, 50 feet above the forest floor. The Elabana Falls cascade over mossy rocks, and at the Bellbird Lookout, the green valley stretches out below you all the way the horizon. Here, you can spot birds that can't be seen anywhere else and experience silence that lingers.

Alternatively, you can just drive on. O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat serves up coffee with a view, and small roads lead to places that aren't on every map. In your hire car, you set the pace – no plans, just possibilities.