Tara Brown murder trial to begin

One of Queensland's biggest trials of the year will get underway on Monday when a man fronts court accused of murdering his former partner in a public assault on the Gold Coast.

Lionel John Patea is alleged to have murdered Tara Brown, a 24-year-old New Zealander, after running her car off a suburban street in Molendinar in September 2015.

Ms Brown suffered critical head injuries during the alleged attack and died in hospital the following day.

Hundreds of people - including her three-year-old daughter - turned out for Ms Brown's funeral, remembering her as a "beautiful" woman who loved rugby and touch football.

Patea is facing three charges: murder as a domestic violence offence, dangerous operation of a vehicle as a domestic violence offence and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

His eight-day trial begins before Justice Debra Mullins in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday.

National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.