Please familiarize yourself with the content of this page if you are hiring a vehicle from us.

You will sign (on the contract), that you have read this page and that you have watched the safety video’s. This is to ensure that you have the necessary information / knowledge to undertake a save and enjoyable trip.

Four Wheel Drive Hire Fraser island

Please contact us if you are still unsure about anything involving your trip after you watched and studied the content on this page.

At Four wheel drive hire Fraser Island we want you to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Please read the recommendations on this page carefully and make sure you understand what you are reading.

Things to consider when sand driving on Island (This is applicable for Fraser, Moreton, Bribie and Stradbroke Island(s))

  1. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and properly equipped for off-road driving, with a high-clearance 4WD and good tire tread.
  2. 30 Kmh on inland tracks and 60 kmh on beaches.
  3. Reduce your tire pressure to around 15 PSI to increase traction on soft sand. We will inform you of the correct pressure for your vehicle before your trip.
  4. Use a low gear and keep a steady pace to maintain momentum and avoid getting bogged down.
  5. Use the highest 4WD setting for deep sand and avoid making sharp turns, which can cause you to lose traction and bury your tires.
  6. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be aware of your surroundings, including any obstacles, cave ins or hazards in the sand.
  7. When driving up and down dunes, approach them at an angle to reduce the risk of rollover. In most cases this is not even allowed (dune driving)
  8. Don’t drive too fast, as this can cause you to lose control and cause damage to your vehicle and the environment. Tyres might pop off rums if you are driving too fast etc.
  9. Always follow marked trails and designated driving areas to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem.
  10. Be prepared for emergency situations, such as getting stuck or breaking down, by carrying a first-aid kit, spare tire, tools, recovery tracks and a reliable form of communication.
  11. Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings at all times to avoid accidents.
  12. Plan your route in advance and allow plenty of time to reach your destination, as sand driving can be slower than driving on a paved road.
  13. Always respect the rules and regulations in place on the Island, and follow the guidelines of any tour operators or local authorities.
  14. Use caution when driving near wildlife, as the island is home to a variety of native animals that may be present on the roads.
  15. Remember to bring plenty of water and other supplies with you, as there are limited amenities on the island.
  16. Lastly, be mindful of the local culture and customs, and respect the rights of other visitors and residents of the Island.

General detail

Island’s beaches and sand tracks are rough and only suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles with low range capacity. All-wheel drive vehicles are not recommended and will land you in trouble.

Four wheel driving on Island can be dangerous.  Please take sand driving seriously. Have a look at this blog for more detail.

Make sure you are prepared and that you have at least a basic understanding of tide times, tyre pressure requirements, recovery gear usage safe driving guidelines and requirements.

Familiarize yourself with Island restrictions and requirements before undertaking your trip.

Where am I allowed to drive

4wd Fraser Island
Applicable to Fraser Island only

Never drive on dunes, drive on the harder sand between the waterline and the high tide mark for the firmest surface. Try to follow tyre tracks of vehicles that drove before you.

Remember that other people use the beach, so stay alert, follow the normal road rules and drive carefully! Use only designated access points to the beach and keep off the sand dunes.

Always be alert and watch out for children on beaches. Waves mute out the sound of vehicle(s) and therefore people might not be aware of oncoming vehicle(s). Its your responsibility to be on the lookout of pedestrians at all times.

Make sure you know any local rules about using vehicles on beaches. Do the right thing and other drivers will follow your good example.

Where am I not allowed to drive ?

Keep off sand dunes except at designated crossing points for access to and from the beach. Driving on dunes will get you stuck and also leads to corrosion and hefty fines when you get caught.

Never drive on the sandy areas along the debris or drift lines as these are potential sites for the formation of new dunes. Plants growing on or near these lines trap windblown sand to form new dunes.

Please drive only where signage allows you. Beaches are usually well marked. Normal road rules applies on the Island.

Always indicate with your flicker light on which side you are planning to cross path with oncoming traffic.

Watch out for oncoming traffic on the inland tracks. Always drive slowly especially around corners and in areas where visibility is restricted. Give way if you are closest to the allowed pull of areas.

Beware of tour busses and other bigger vehicle(s). Give them the additional space they might require. 

Sand driving

  • Deflating of your tyres to the correct PSI setting for the terrain  you are traveling on will lead to 90% of your success or failure.
  • We will give you the correct PSI level for the vehicle you will be traveling with. We will also show you how to use the deflating tool(s) to ensure all four your tyres are on the same PSI level
  • Four wheel driving on sand is different to driving on tar roads and handling can be difficult. Basically slow down, pack light, be alert  and store gear inside the 4×4.
  • Stick to the speed limit. In good conditions, 60km/hr on the beach and 30km/hr on inland tracks. Remember: slower is safer. Please adapt  speed according to driving conditions.
  • Do not drive along the fore dunes to avoid the high tides. Your vehicle can subside in the softer sands, become unstable and roll-over causing serious injury or death.

Beach Rules for safe travel

Be considerate to others. many people may object to vehicles on beaches, because of noise disturbance to wildlife, and danger to other beach users.

By following these tips you will help protect our beaches and  ensure that your four wheel drive hire experience on the Island will be safe and enjoyable.

  • Observe all the laws and regulations relating to the use of vehicles on beaches.
  • Drive on the harder sand between the waterline and the high tide mark for the firmest surface.
  • Keep off sand dunes except at designated crossing points for access to and from the beach.
  • Vegetated sand dunes are easily damaged. Strictly avoid these areas.
  • Recognize the right of others to use the beach. Be alert and drive slowly and carefully.
  • Do not drive when you are tired.
  • Do not drink and drive.
  • Respect the wildlife—animals are easily disturbed. Disturbance can affect their survival.
  • Carry your rubbish home. If others have left a mess, consider cleaning it up.
  • Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound before your visit.
  • Reduce your tyre pressure when driving on soft sand but keep within the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Ensure your vehicle is in 4WD when on sand.
  • Always carry a tyre gauge, air pump, towrope, first-aid kit, adequate water, food, fuel and spares on all trips. At four wheel drive hire Fraser island we supply you with all of these items.
  • Ensure you have a valid vehicle permit for those areas where a permit is required.
  • In remote beach areas travel with at least one other vehicle(s) to reduce the risk in case of trouble. And let a responsible person know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Helpful hints

  • Always travel at low tide, or within three hours either side. We will give you the tide times you are allowed on beaches
  • Never travel when the tide is coming in. If you get stuck the sea will take hold of your vehicle.
  • Deflate your tyres according to the instructions we will provide you. 
  • We will provide you with a airShark tool to ensure deflating accuracy of tyres. You need to get the PSI level equal on al four tyres.
  • Don’t forget to consider the load your vehicle is carrying, pack light and stow gear low inside your vehicle. Top heavy vehicles topple more easily.
  • Reduced tyre pressure will affect your vehicle’s performance. Remember to avoid sharp turns, sudden braking, high-speeds and driving over rough surfaces. Tyres have been known to come off their rims. Serious accidents have occurred.
  • Be prepared and carry a shovel, tow rope, snatch strap or traction aids in case you get bogged — and know how to use them.

4x4 Car Hire Fraser Island

Safety guides and material

 Safety video clips

Safety video clips

  • Drive to survive on Fraser Island
  • Driving on sand (Southern Cooloola, Northern Cooloola, Inskip Peninsula, Fraser Island, Burrum Coast, Moreton Island, Bribie Island)
  • Slow is safe (Southern Cooloola, Northern Cooloola, Inskip Peninsula, Fraser Island and Great Sandy Marine Park)
  • Fish bright at night (Southern Cooloola, Northern Cooloola, Inskip Peninsula, Fraser Island and Great Sandy Marine Park)

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