2WD verdict
Yes, Brisbane is easy in a 2WD van. Everything in this guide is on sealed roads, including the drive up Mt Coot-tha and down to Simpson Falls. The trick is to park the van once and use the ferries, buses and rideshare to get around the centre.
Key points
- Stay close and leave the van. We stayed at El Encanto, a gated van stop on an industrial estate near the centre, and got a rideshare in.
- Ride the CityCat. Public transport in Queensland is a flat 50 cents a trip, ferries included.
- South Bank is free to wander, with a riverside rainforest walk, gardens and an artificial beach.
- Felons Brewery at Howard Smith Wharves was the best pizza we'd had in Australia.
- The skyline view at The Star was free when we went, glass floor and all.
- Go up Mt Coot-tha early, and walk down to Simpson Falls afterwards.
Where we stayed: a van stop near the city
We stayed at El Encanto, an old restaurant turned into a small campsite, Airbnb and trucking yard on an industrial estate close to the centre (see it in our video). It's gated, has the facilities you need and you camp in what used to be the car park. For us that wasn't a bad thing: we were there to explore the city, and the location is what makes it. The owner was lovely and gave us loads of Brisbane tips.
Not available on your dates? Our van life apps guide covers how we find paid and free spots near cities.
Our 24 hours in Brisbane
It was a Sunday and there was no bus from our stop, so we got a rideshare into South Bank (see it in our video). Here's how the day went, in order.
- South Bank. A minute's walk off the street and you're by the river, with ferries going past, live music and food stalls. We stumbled onto a truck show and shine and spent far too long admiring the trucks (see it in our video).
- The Plough Inn. It was rammed because of the truck show, so no Sunday roast, but we had a drink and enjoyed the live music (see it in our video). It's a proper pint, but it isn't cheap.
- The garden and the rainforest walk. There's an edible garden where we learned what rocket looks like growing, then a coffee van, then a boardwalk through what feels like rainforest right in the middle of the city (see it in our video).
- The ferry to Riverside. It only took about 10 minutes. We got off a stop early and walked along the river with views of the Story Bridge (see it in our video).
- Felons Brewery. Wood-fired garlic bread and pizza by the river, under the bridge. It was probably the best pizza we'd had since arriving in Australia, so if you've never been, go (see it in our video).
- The Star viewing platform. We went up to the top of The Star for sunset and it was free. There's a glass floor over the road if you're brave. Ashleigh did it, after a lot of persuading (see it in our video).
- The casino downstairs, briefly (we didn't win), then back to the van.
Getting around: 50 cent ferries
The ferry was 50 cents a ride when we went, which is an absolute bargain. The big ones are CityCats and the little ones are KittyCats, which we loved (see it in our video). We'd highly recommend them for getting around.
Mt Coot-tha and Simpson Falls
Two Brisbane locals told us to go up Mt Coot-tha, and they were right. We drove Ron up on a Monday morning and it wasn't too busy. The view is like a drone shot without the drone, and we wished we'd brought Paul up there (see it in our video). We had coffee, carrot cake and an almond croissant at the Summit Cafe; there's a smarter restaurant there too (see it in our video).
Afterwards we took the scenic drive and parked at Simpson Falls, then walked about 15 minutes through the forest (see it in our video). The falls were smaller than we'd imagined, but it's a lovely spot for a picnic or a family weekend.
CMC Rocks: camping at the festival
CMC Rocks QLD, near Ipswich, was the reason for our big drive north. We had two days to cover more than 20 hours of driving from Warrnambool (see it in our video). It was even more special because we did it with Paul: it was his first taste of Australia, and he landed and got an Uber straight to the festival to meet us. We camped in Ron for the festival, and it was incredible. It reminded us of our favourite festival at home, The Long Road.
- Expect a van search on the way in. There were several bays of staff who looked in the back and asked questions (see it in our video). It was daunting but fine.
- Check what's banned. Knives and glass aren't allowed, which is tricky when you live in a van, and we heard of people having alcohol taken off them (see it in our video).
- Cameras. We couldn't take the camera in, so there's no festival footage.
More popular things to do in Brisbane
We only had 24 hours, so here's what other travellers love that we'd add next time.
Leaving Brisbane
- North or south: our East Coast in a 2WD campervan guide covers Sydney to Cairns, with Brisbane in the middle.
- Further south: after Brisbane we spent about three weeks driving down the coast to Sydney with Paul, then went south on our Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive.
FAQs
Where can you stay in a campervan near Brisbane city?
We stayed at El Encanto, a small gated van stop on an industrial estate near the centre, and got a rideshare in. It's for campervans and motorhomes only and has no dump point, so book ahead and empty your tanks first.
How much is the ferry in Brisbane?
It was 50 cents a ride when we went. Translink says fares are a flat 50 cents on its Queensland network, including Brisbane City ferries, buses and trains, but not Airtrain.
Is the viewing platform at The Star Brisbane free?
It was free when we went at sunset, including the glass floor. Check before you go, as access can change.
Can you drive a campervan up Mt Coot-tha?
Yes. We drove our 2WD van up on a sealed road on a Monday morning and it wasn't too busy. The lookout is open 24 hours, with a cafe.
Is Simpson Falls worth it?
It's a pretty 15-minute forest walk from the car park and a nice picnic spot, but the falls were smaller than we expected.
Can you camp at CMC Rocks in a campervan?
We camped in our van at CMC Rocks QLD near Ipswich. Expect a vehicle check on the way in, and check the festival's banned items, such as glass and knives.
How many days do you need in Brisbane?
We did South Bank, the river, The Star and Mt Coot-tha in 24 hours. Two or three days lets you add D'Aguilar National Park or a day trip by train.
Sources
Our own experience comes from our time in Brisbane and at CMC Rocks, and the videos linked above. Official and other travellers' information was checked on 4 November 2026. Fares, opening hours and site rules change, so check before you go.