Explore these spectacular Queensland national parks by 4WD

The favourite weekend getaway for Brisbane locals, Moreton Island is a 4WD’s playground. In fact, you need one to reach many of the campsites or to explore the remote sides of the national park.

The ferry drops you right on the sand, so leave the crowds of Tangalooma behind and embark on a journey of your own. Moreton Island offers a world class 4WD experience, with 420km of unsealed tracks to explore. They lead to remote coves and beaches, and even a lighthouse – so sight see or take a dip in freshwater Blue Lagoon, which is naturally infused with tea tree oil.  

Camp at Cowan Cowan for the brightest sunsets you’ll ever see: this is the where you’ll witness real magic of Moreton.

Brush up on these beach driving tips before you jump in the car and if you have a weekend, follow this itinerary. You’ll need to book your campsite and vehicle permit through QPWS before you arrive. 

Fraser Island 

Welcome to K’gari, the world’s largest sand island; and undisputedly one of Queensland’s best national parks to explore by 4WD.

It’s time to immerse yourself in one of the most special places on earth. Waiting for you is 75 miles of beach highway, ancient rainforest, freshwater lakes and rock pools to swim in. It’s also a hot spot for tailor fishing, so find your own quiet spot on the beach and cast a line.

Here’s everything you need to know about camping on Fraser Island. If you’re a beginner, Fraser Island is a great spot to learn how to 4WD on the beach.

And if you fall in love with island camping, there’s plenty more places to pitch your tent in Queensland.

D’Aguilar National Park

Looking for a 4WD day trip rather than an overnight adventure? Steer your wheel towards D’Aguilar National Park outside of Brisbane: there’s an exhilarating forest road network in the northern section of the park.

Not just home to great picnic spots, take a scenic drive through towering trees and lush subtropical rainforest, to rocky escarpments with expansive views. Rumble along one of three popular routes on offer—the Western escarpment forest drive, Mount Mee forest drive and Range Road forest drive. Stop along the way for a bite to eat, stretch your legs on a bushwalk at Falls lookout track or Mill rainforest walk, or cool your feet in the waterholes at Rocky Hole track or Broadwater.

If you do want to camp, stay overnight at Neurum Creek camping area or Archer camping area, accessible from the Mount Mee forest drive. 

Great Sandy National Park

Windows open to the salt air, driving beside the breaking water. Ditch the bitumen for a sand highway in Great Sandy National Park. It’s north of Noosa, but a world away from the bustling cafes.

Whether you’re seeing the highlights in a day, camping overnight at Teewah or Inskip Point, or exploring as part of a five day road trip on the Great Beach Drive, your 4WD will take you to some unforgettable sights.

This is beach driving at its best – and most scenic. Make stops at the technicolour sands of Rainbow Beach, rugged Double Island Point, wander to Carlo Sand Blow, or pull up for a picnic and a swim at Teewah Beach.

Byfield National Park

Make tracks inland to a 4×4 paradise at Byfield National Park, 30 minutes from Yeppoon, where sand dune trails and rugged pinnacles lead to long sandy beaches. Pack your tent for a remote camping experience, your kayak to paddle along Water Park Creek, and hiking shoes to explore the area up close along the many trails. 

Think you can’t have turquoise blue waters in the middle of bushland? Head to Stony Creek. This tranquil swimming hole is perfect for dip, even if you’ve got the family with you. To access the waterhole, take an easy 15 minute trek through the bush.

The national park can be accessed by standard vehicles, however you’ll need a 4WD if you’re beach driving. The more demanding 4WD tracks are in the park’s north.

Cape York

Get off the beaten track and onto one of Australia’s best 4WD-only routes, with challenging river crossings and nights spent under the stars.

There’s 1200km of 4WD tracks and roads to cover between Cairns and The Tip, so settle in for the adventure of a lifetime. Cape York is an untamed wilderness area rich with Aboriginal culture and Australian pioneering history, and spectacular natural scenery.

Frenchmans Track is a fan favourite, stretching 180km from Archer River Roadhouse to Moreton Telegraph Station. It’s here you’ll access Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, long beaches and rocky outcrops home to four camping grounds, numerous walking tracks and freshwater rivers.

And while this is croc-country, you’ll be able to take a well-earned dip at Fruit Bat Falls on the Old Telegraph Track.

Here’s some tips for your journey to Australia’s tip.

Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill) (currently closed)

Have you ever seen ancient red sandstone gorges tower above winding emerald waters? It sounds like something from a fantasy film, but for intrepid travellers it’s just a 4WD adventure into the outback.

Boodjamulla National Park might be one of the most under-the-radar Queensland national parks, but what it lacks in self-promotion it makes up for in dramatic landscapes and historical significance. Spanning across 28,000 hectares, Boodjamulla is home to Riversleigh World Heritage Site which, David Attenborough named one of the top four most important deposits in the world. You’ll find fossils here dating back 15-25 million years.

Hike the many walking trails, take a kayak out on the water, swim and camp within the park.

Here’s how to experience the best of the national park, and a few other iconic outback spots too.

Birdsville Track, Outback Queensland

Buckle your seatbelt for the most iconic dirt road trip in Australia: the Birdsville Track.

Sandwiched between three deserts and plenty of national park, the Birdsville Track is Queensland’s ultimate off road adventure. It’s isolated, rocky, with even a few sand dunes to cross in your vehicle, and proves it really is about the journey.

Though the destination is pretty great too. Once you cross the desert to reach Birdsville, say hello to Big Red, grab a schooner at the Birdsville Hotel, and if you’ve timed it right – soak up the atmosphere of the Birdsville Races or Big Red Bash.

Here’s how to do the Birdsville Track from Brisbane in eight days.

Queensland is rich in rugged natural beauty, so make sure you leave it unspoilt for others to enjoy. Read up on Leave No Trace principles before you head off on your 4WD adventure, and take special care of our beach and bushland.

A vehicle access permit is required in most national parks. If you are driving as part of an organised group, an organised event permit may be required.