Back on track: discover the best Queensland 4WD driving

You don’t have to travel far from town to find great 4WD tracks around Brisbane. North Stradbroke and South Stradbroke are a short hop across the Bay, Booloumba Creek, Canungra and the Gold Coast are a short drive south, the 4WD tracks at Conondale National Park and Kenilworth are only two hours north, and there’s plenty to explore west of Brisbane.   

D’Aguilar National Park

Starting on the outskirts of Brisbane and continuing north to Woodford and Villeneuve, D’Aguilar National Park is an ideal destination for a 4WD day trip. Camping is available at Neurum Creek and Archer Campsite if you fancy spending the night. The three most popular tracks in the national park are Mount Mee forest drive, Range Road forest drive and the Western escarpment forest drive. Be sure to plan your drive — there’s amazing swimming here.

Moreton Island National Park

With around 420 kilometres of unsealed tracks awaiting you, it’s easy to see why Moreton Island National Park is one of the top weekend getaways for Brisbane 4WD enthusiasts. Along with the Wrecks — the island’s most visited attraction — top spots include Champagne Pools, Blue Lagoon and Honeymoon Bay. Beach camping on Moreton is highly recommended. Don’t forget to pack firewood.

Condamine

The Condamine Gorge “14 River Crossing” in Killarney’s Cambanoora Gorge is one of the best-loved 4WD trails in Southeast Queensland. Located just two hours’ drive from Brisbane, this muddy, bouncy and seriously fun track is named after the 14 river crossings you need to make. A great off-road track for first-time 4WDers, the river crossings are shallow in normal weather conditions but can be hazardous during wet weather. Check the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) website or the Warwick Visitor Information Centre before driving out.

Sunshine Coast and Central QLD 

No visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a 4WD beach driving experience. Bribie Island, Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach, Cooloola, Double Island Point and the Noosa North are all top spots for 4WD adventures. The Sunshine Coast hinterland is also ideal with plenty of great 4x4 tracks to explore at the national parks around Conondale, Kenilworth, Imbil and Gympie. 

K'gari (Fraser Island)

Scenic K'gari is so renowned for off-road adventures that 4WD commercials are often filmed there. The world’s largest sand island is only accessible by 4x4, so if you’re nervous about hitting the sand the first time, book a slot and learn 4WD basics with Australian Offroad Academy on the island’s coastal and inland tracks.

You’ll need to be mindful of the tides, distances and slippery sand on K'gari, but there’s so much to experience here. Our top picks for 4WD adventures? 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie and Central Station, Eurong, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck.

Great Sandy National Park

Located a little north of Noosa at Cooloola, Great Sandy National Park seems a million miles away from trendy Hastings Street and Noosa Heads Main Beach. Part of the Great Beach Drive which connects the Sunshine Coast, Gympie region and Fraser Island, Great Sandy NP is a 4WD haven with plenty of beachside camping available at Inskip Point and Rainbow Beach. Don’t miss the amazing coloured sand at Rainbow Beach, Carlo Sand Blow with its unique “moonscape” and the family-friendly swimming at Teewah Beach.  

Byfield National Park

A short drive from coastal Yeppoon, Byfield National Park is one of the best-loved 4WD havens in Queensland. While much of the park and state forest is 2WD-accessible, you’ll need a 4WD with raised suspension, a rescue kit and plenty of off-road experience if you’re heading for the beaches within the national park. Long, sandy tracks and perilous dunes await those heading for Five Rocks Beach — this isn’t a track for the faint-hearted.

North Queensland 

Some of the state’s most rugged 4x4 tracks are found in North Queensland. Many tracks should only be attempted by experienced off-roaders, but 4WD tours are available at most national parks with off-road access.

Cape York

One of Australia’s most famous 4WD-only tracks, Cape York boasts over 1,200km of tracks and roads, many with challenging river crossings. This is untamed Australia at its most beautiful. Witness the region’s spectacular scenery while exploring Frenchmans Track (180km) and Old Telegraph Track (350km). You don’t need to be self-contained — there are four campgrounds — but it’s advantageous if you want to get off the beaten track.

Paluma Range Bluewater (PRB) Track

Around 65 km east of Townsville, the Paluma Range National Park is home to a multitude of 4WD tracks, including the Paluma Range Bluewater Track. Characterised by endless mud and rainforest, the 54km track takes 2-3 days to complete. Not recommended for beginners. 

Outback Queensland 

The rugged Queensland outback with its deserted landscapes is a paradise for off-road enthusiasts. You’ll need a 4WD to visit many of the most spectacular national parks, including Expedition National Park, Hell Hole Gorge National Park and Boodjamulla National Park (currently closed), one of Queensland’s most overlooked national parks.

Birdsville Track

With good road conditions, the Birdsville Track is traversable in a 2WD with good clearance but it’s advisable to tackle the 517km track with a 4WD. No permits are required but you’ll have to prepare for the 10-hour trip and bring along your own fuel as there’s only one fuel stop along the way. It is, however, well worth the effort. You’ll be rewarded with technicolour sunsets, stunning landscapes and fantastic country watering holes!   

Driving tips and safety information 

Driving on sand, in mud and on rocky trails requires skills that can only be developed with practice and guidance from experienced off-road drivers. Inexperienced drivers are the most at risk of accidents and getting stuck. But everyone who gets behind the wheel is at risk, including seasoned 4WDers — be careful and stay safe.

Driving on sand

Sand driving looks easy, but it’s just the opposite: difficult and often dangerous. It's important to understand where you can drive legally and where the firmest sand is located. This is usually between the waterline and the high tide mark. Unlike driving on the road, don’t use the brakes but instead allow your vehicle to come to a stop by taking your foot off the accelerator. This helps to avoid making a deep rut that’s difficult to get out of. Here’s a few beach driving tips to get you started.

Driving in mud

It looks fun, but driving in mud is more difficult than it looks. Even in a raised 4x4 with off-road tyres. In fact, most 4WDers won’t drive in mud unless absolutely necessary. When driving through mud, slow and steady is the way to go, maintaining control at all times. Always check the mud level and ruts and engage the 4WD lock.  

Driving in water

You’ve seen the ads: if it’s flooded, forget it. Don’t attempt to cross flooded or fast-moving creeks, even if other drivers are crossing it. Getting stuck may be the least of your worries; even heavy vehicles get washed away. This not only puts you and your passengers at risk, but also emergency workers and passers-by trying to help.

Driving on rocks

One of the most exhilarating off-road experiences, driving over rocks is a challenge you must take seriously. No matter how many times you’ve gone over similar terrains before. Switch to low range and deflate your tyres to 20-25psi to avoid punctures. You may need to use loose rocks to build a track to drive over, and clear obstructions that may damage the undercarriage. Ideally, have someone stand at a safe distance and guide you. 

Take lessons

If you’re new to off-roading but feel it’s something you’d like to do more of, why not take a few 4WD lessons? Along with K'gari/Fraser Island’s Australian Offroad Academy, there are 4x4 off-road skills courses available across the state which teach you about your 4x4’s features and how to get the most from them on off-road terrain.