Jacob Dave Henry Hauraki, 32, has been charged with offences including six counts of rape after the alleged attack that has shocked a community in Brisbane's west.
Hauraki was allegedly driving to work when he saw the 23-year-old woman walking at the semi-rural suburb of Brookfield about 6.30am on Thursday.
He is accused of approaching the woman from behind, dragging her into nearby bushes and assaulting her for "some time" before going to work.
"We will then allege that when he completed work for the day he drove back past the crime scene," Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham told reporters on Friday.
Hauraki's vehicle was identified by police at the scene and he was arrested at a nearby street.
"We're fairly familiar with offenders sometimes returning to the scene for different reasons," Det Massingham said.
The victim made it through an adjoining creek and bushland towards the Brookfield Showgrounds where she called for help, police say.
Det Massingham acknowledged the woman's bravery after she came forward and reported the incident.
"This is a horrific and confronting incident that no one should ever experience," he said.
The woman had suffered injuries but was being provided the "utmost care medically and psychologically".
"Our officers will continue to ensure that she has support in the days ahead," Det Massingham said.
"Our thoughts are with her, family, and of course the Brookfield community at what is a very difficult time."
The incident had shocked not only the local community but also the wider Brisbane region, police said.
An increased police presence will be in the area over the next few days, with a crime scene set to remain in place for some time.
However Det Massingham said police were not looking for anyone else in connection to the alleged assault.
He thanked the media and community for helping identify the alleged offender, saying two witnesses with dashcam footage came forward after reports on the incident.
"That was the final piece in the puzzle that we needed to solve this horrific crime," Det Massingham said.
Hauraki was also charged with stalking, assault with intent to commit rape, assault occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty.
He did not appear when his matter was briefly mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
It was adjourned until September 18, with no application for bail.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
14°C