Planning your 4X4 Car Hire adventure to Fraser Island is the first step to ensure a successful enjoyable journey. Any 4Wd adventure to secluded destinations, where resources is limited, needs to be well planned.
Please follow the guidelines in this page to help you prepare and plan your 4wd adventure.
Make sure the 4×4 vehicle you are going to use is well suited for the task at hand.
Please feel free to Contact Us if you need more advice or want to book a reliable vehicle.
Before you go
- Ensure you are proficient in 4WDing—try driving with an experienced four-wheel driver if you’re a novice.
- Make sure you have max tracks or snatch rope.
- Check that your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
- Make sure you deflate tyres to the provided PSI level usually 16PSI for our vehicles.
- Check which roads or tracks you are allowed to drive on. Google maps are ot accurate and should not be seen as accurate.
- Plan your trip thoroughly—calculate driving distances, check refuelling points and allow plenty of travelling time.
- Prepare for the conditions of the region you are travelling to—where possible get local advice.
- Pack detailed paper maps—GPS or other navigational devices are good but may stop working in some conditions.
- Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Stick to the rules
- All Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches—police patrol anytime, anywhere.
- A vehicle access permit must be purchased before driving on Bribie Island, K’Gari (Fraser Island), Morton Island, Cooloola and Minjerribah recreation areas.
- Watch out for, and give way to, walkers, cyclists and horseriders.
- Park visitors’ vehicles are required to be fully road registered. There are limited exceptions for non-standard, conditionally registered vehicles, but written authorisation is required in each case.
Prepare for camping
- Research the best campsites and make a reservation in advance, as some campsites may have limited space and can fill up quickly.
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, with warm clothing for cooler evenings and rain gear in case of wet conditions.
- Bring a tent that is appropriate for the weather and environment on the Island, as well as a sleeping bag, pad, and other comfortable bedding.
- Pack plenty of food and water, including non-perishable items and a cooler with ice for storing perishable items. We do hire freezers with solar power and deep cycle batteries.
- Bring cooking equipment, such as a stove and pots, as well as utensils and other supplies for preparing and eating meals.
- Don’t forget essential items like a flashlight, first-aid kit, and a map of the island.
- Pack clothes and shoes that are suitable for the beach and off-road driving, as well as any other activities you plan to do on Fraser Island.
- Consider bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, and other personal care products to protect yourself from the elements.
- If you plan to go fishing, make sure you have a valid license and all the necessary gear.
- Finally, be mindful of the local environment and leave no trace of your campsite by properly disposing of trash and respecting the island’s natural resources.
Driving on sand
When driving on sand you require particular driving skills.
- Only use existing tracks to travel to and from the beaches.
- Use passing bays on inland two way tracks, when encountering oncoming traffic.
- On the beaches:
- Park away from busy traffic areas.
- Park at an angle to the water so that drivers can see that you have stopped.
- Watch out for people. children and animals—they may not be able to hear your vehicle over the sound of the surf and wind.
- Stay away from nesting birds. If disturbed, adult birds can abandon their nests leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to heat, cold and predation.
Plan ahead
Check what facilities are provided in the area you are planning to visit. Also make sure what activities are allowed. This will dictate what you need to bring with in order to survive etc.
Always a good idea to let someone know where you are heading to and when you are planning to return.
Please have a look at the following links to stay informed.
Visit Safely
Please make sure that you visit the Triple Zero Website before visiting one of the Islands. You can also download the Triple Zero App to help you during a Island visit.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have mobile reception you wont be able to reach emergency services. Make sure where you have reception on the Island so you can reach these services when you need to.
Take a first aid kit with and make sure you know how to use the content etc.
Make sure you walk with care and know your limitations
Make sure you bring enough food and water with on your trip.
Always use sun screen and be sun-smart.
Never feed or play with wild animals, be wildlife aware.
Use insect repellent to protect you against insect bites and stings.
Visit Softly
Please make sure you are aware of smoking restrictions in the area you are visiting.
Always remove all your rubbish when you leave. Leave only footprints behind.
Chainsaws are not allowed.
Make sure you camp with care. Look after the surroundings and yourself.
Respect the islands and the environment.
Make sure you are pest free
Pest plants and animals will hitch a ride on your footwear, clothing, boats, vehicles, tents and gear.
Invisible pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, are transported in soil and mud and can kill native plants and animals.
Make sure you check your camping gear carefully as pests love to hide in stored camping gear. Take vehicles for under carriage washes before you return.
Be wild live aware
Animal encounters are always exciting and sometimes even the highlight of your Island adventure(s). Some of these animals can be dangerous and you need to be aware of this.
- Never feed handle of play with wild animals
- Don’t approach a distressed animal. Report injured sick or orphaned animals to the Wildlife Hotline 1300130372
Snakes
Do not provoke snakes. They might feel threatened and will become defensive.
If you see a snake back of slowly and allow it to move away. Don’t corner snakes or try to pick it up etc.
Make sure you know how to treat snake bites.
Sea snakes does wash up on beaches from time to time. Please don’t try to help it back into the ocean these snakes are highly venomous and should be left alone.
Marine Stingers
Marine stingers might be present in the waters around the Islands. They do occur more commonly in warmer summer month conditions.
Stingers have potent toxic stings that can cause serious illness and in some cases death.
Visit Beachsafe for safety and first aid information.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles have been spotted in Fraser island waters. Please make sure you are aware of this and keep out of the water.
Check these tips on how to be croc wise.
Report crocodile soghtings to CrocWatch
Dingoes
- Dingoes have the potential to be dangerous to humans.
- The risk of dangerous behaviour is greatly increased in dingoes that have become habituated to humans through feeding or other encouragement.
- If you feel threatened by a dingo:
- stand up to your full height
- face the dingo
- fold your arms and keep eye contact
- calmly back away
- if in pairs, stand back to back
- confidently call for help
- do not run or wave your arms.
- Read more about how to be dingo-safe on K’gari (Fraser Island).
