Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Brisbane

Brisbane rewards anyone willing to get off the footpath. Cross the Story Bridge at sunset with the city lights coming up around you, then push out to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for a skyline view straight back across the river — it's a ten-minute ride that feels like the whole reason to visit. Head further and the D'Aguilar Range opens up into proper twisty roads through rainforest, the kind you don't get on a bicycle or in a rental car.

The CBD's one-way loops, river crossings and tunnel network make a motorcycle or scooter genuinely faster to park and thread through than a car, while the hinterland just west and south of the city — Mount Glorious, Mount Tamborine, Springbrook — is stacked with the sort of mountain curves that riders plan whole weekends around. Nothing here is more than a couple of hours out, which suits a nimble mid-size bike far better than four wheels.

Top 10 things to see in Brisbane by motorcycle

1. Mount Coot-tha Lookout — a winding climb from the city centre to a panoramic Brisbane skyline view, a favourite short evening ride.
2. Kangaroo Point Cliffs — riverside cliffs facing the CBD, an easy loop with skyline and river views.
3. Story Bridge — the city's iconic steel crossing, a must-ride through the heart of Brisbane.
4. Mount Glorious (via Gap Creek Road) — a classic twisty rainforest road through the D'Aguilar Range.
5. Mount Nebo — a neighbouring ridge road, often paired with Mount Glorious for a full loop.
6. South Bank Parklands — a central riverside precinct, an easy stop close to the CBD.
7. Wynnum Foreshore, Moreton Bay — a flat coastal esplanade with sea views and a relaxed pace.
8. Mount Tamborine — a popular hinterland village south of the city with rainforest curves and lookouts.
9. Springbrook National Park — waterfalls and dense rainforest roads, ideal for a longer weekend ride.
10. Maleny (Sunshine Coast Hinterland) — rolling green roads north of Brisbane, popular with tourers.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Brisbane?

Australia doesn't let a car licence cover you here — you'll need a valid motorcycle licence or learner permit, and if you're on a learner or provisional licence, the bike has to be LAMS-approved (capped around 660cc). Riders are usually expected to be at least 18, older still for bigger-capacity machines. Operators typically hold a deposit as a credit-card pre-authorisation in your own name, with the amount depending on the bike class. An International Driving Permit isn't required, but bring your home licence along with it if you have one.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Brisbane?

Expect around AUD 25-35 per day for a scooter or small-capacity motorcycle in low season, rising to AUD 45-70 in high season. Larger touring or performance machines run AUD 90-150+ per day.

• Prices climb during December-January and again around September-October, when school and summer holidays push demand up.
• June-August is the cheapest stretch, with winter keeping tourist numbers — and rates — down.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Brisbane?

If you want the best rate, aim for the winter months of June to August, when fleets are fuller and demand is lowest. December-January and September-October are Brisbane's busiest and priciest windows, so booking a couple of weeks ahead is worth it if your trip lands then. Outside those peaks, a few days' notice is usually plenty.

Local traffic rules in Brisbane

Australia drives on the left, and Brisbane's roundabouts and give-way rules follow that logic throughout. Helmets are compulsory for every rider, and standard speed limits sit at 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100-110 km/h on highways, enforced heavily by speed cameras. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05 for full licence holders but strictly zero for learner and provisional riders, and random breath testing is common, so plan accordingly. Ride with your headlight on — most modern bikes handle this automatically — and keep your phone out of hand while moving.

Ready to explore? Use the search form at the top of the page to rent a motorcycle in Brisbane and start planning your ride. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!