Discovery is all about taking a step into the unknown. If you’re curious to see what it feels like to go off-road, but do not know where to start, this guide is for you.
FleetCrew’s Guide to five great 4WD tracks in South East Queensland provides drives that range from easy to medium, and are in close proximity to Brisbane.
The top five 4WD tracks near Brisbane:
You will find more information about our favourite and highly recommended 4WD tracks near Brisbane below.
Distance from Brisbane: 50 minute drive & 45 minute ferry ride
Skill level: Treks of varying skill levels across the Island.
This popular destination is one of the three famous sand dune islands off the coast of Queensland. North Stradbroke is a favourite Aussie destination because it has great beach fishing, camping and four-wheel driving all set against a magnificent backdrop. From views of migrating whales on the headlands to lush forests and endless powdery beaches, North Stradbroke is a total stunner.
The island can be reached by driving your 4WD onto a Stradbroke Ferry from Cleveland. Cleveland is a quiet bay-side city that’s 50 minutes from Brisbane. Remember to purchase a Vehicle Access Permit before you do any four-wheel driving on Stradbroke.
Flinders Beach and Main Beach are the best spots for beach driving. There are good fishing spots along both beaches, which is great for anglers who wish to wet the lines and try some beach fishing. Many campsites are scattered around the island.
If school holidays are on, be sure to book in advance because they do sell out.
If you would like to go camping on a remote beach, preparation is key. You will not have the luxury of amenities, fires, or toilets. However, it’s going to be a rare opportunity to camp where it is truly remote, quiet, and peaceful and it will make it all worthwhile. Camping and permits of the Minjerrabah recreation area is managed by Straddie Camping. You can find a map of amenities, treks, and roads on North Stradbroke Island here.
Want to try 4WDing on a tropical island that looks like paradise? Read our article, “Top 10 things to do on Stradbroke Island” to learn more about everything there is to see and do on Straddie!
As beach driving is different than road driving, it is best to know a few tips before you embark on your journey. For a quick rundown on the essentials of beach driving, check out our guide on safe beach driving.
Distance from Brisbane: 57 km (entering from Laceys Creek)
Trek Distance: 59.7km (Starting at Laceys Creek, heading to Somerset Lookout and ending at Archer camping area)
Skill level: Easy – if you stick to the main 4WD tracks and conditions are dry. There are smaller off road treks that are moderate to difficult
Boiling Billy’s 4WD guide, ‘4WD Treks Close to Brisbane’, says D’Aguilar National Park is “one of the best bush four-wheel drives close to Brisbane.” This trek is close enough to the city to be a day trip, but is well worth staying for the weekend. The park’s Forest Drives are easy when dry and will take you to waterfalls, pools, gorges, rainforests, historical landmarks, and spectacular views.
The park starts behind Mount-Cootha, with the closest sections of the park only 13 km from the Brisbane CBD. The park consists of two areas: South D’Aguilar and Mount Mee. Mount Mee is where the four-wheel driving treks can be found, and is an hour’s drive from Brisbane. You can access all forest drives of Mount Mee, unless signage says otherwise. Bonus: you do not need a vehicle permit for this track.
Use a map of the area and the Department of National Parks, Sports and Racing driving guide of D’Aguilar National Park to plan your route. A trek that is recommended is heading to Dayboro via (45 min from Brisbane) and entering D’Aguilar National Park through Laceys Creek Road and exiting the track through Rasmussen Road at the Archer camping area.
If there has been heavy rain, double check to see if roads are closed by looking up park alerts. This will inform you of up-to-date information about park access, closures and road conditions. For more information about the D’Aguilar Range, take a look at this Park Guide.
With fun driving tracks for all skill sets, camping, beautiful scenery, and lots of fun activities, Mount Mee D’Aguilar National Park is an ideal place to go and explore for the day or the weekend.
Distance from Brisbane: 40 km
Trek Distance: 38 km
Skill level: Tracks of varying levels across the island
Check @Guillaumecornetfilms & @emmaceolin on their Morteton Island Adventure with FleetCrew. Sun baking, turtle spotting, snorkeling and of course off-road driving on the rugged sand tracks!
The exposed side of Moreton Island spans 38 km from North to South and is a haven of 4WD only tracks. Located approximately 40 km from Brisbane, the island is great for a wide range of day trips, family excursions or adrenaline-filled adventures.
Getting to Moreton Island with your 4WD is as simple as driving onto a ferry such as the MICAT. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Brisbane. Once aboard, many 4WD drivers find it helpful to lower their tyre pressure to suit the conditions expected on the island. Moreton is entirely made up of sand and is particularly well-known for its bare sand areas.
If you are keen on camping, plenty of sites are located on the beach and have water views and shade. Ranging from surf beach to calm water, there is an ideal camping spot no matter what your needs are!
Moreton Island, originally called Mulgumpin meaning the “place of sand hills,” is the Indigenous name for this island. The island itself is 95% National Park and holds a rich history of cultural heritage, beautiful scenery and a variety of wildlife. Whether you are watching the whales pass by, heading out to soak in the natural tea tree oil in the Blue Lagoon or taking a dive to look at a sunken ship, there is much to choose from when exploring this diverse area!
As this island is 4WD only, it is important to consider bringing along a few safety and vehicle supplies such as a shovel, a towrope and a tyre compressor. If you want a vehicle that comes already prepared for your 4WD getaway, check out our range of recreational 4WD hire vehicles.
Distance from Brisbane: 85.7 km to Boonah
Trek Distance: 85 km (approx.)
Skill level: Medium
Looking to step up your game and challenge yourself with some river crossings? Try this track! The Condamine River Track is popular amongst four-wheel drivers.
Because it follows an old bullock wagon track that crosses the Condamine River 14 times! You will drive through rainforests and valleys and you will pass plenty of swimming holes, grassy picnic spots and waterfalls.
The most famous spot along the track is Queen Mary Falls. To see water plummeting 400 metres from a cliff is well worth the 2km long walk. Daggs Falls, Dolly on the Rock and Paddy’s Knob are all also worth a stop and gander.
The track runs from Boonah to Killarney and can be started from either end. Much of the track is bordered by private property and amenities or camping grounds are hard to find around here. Camping spots can be found at Queen Mary Falls and Koreelah Creek (a few kilometres off the track).
Heading south on Boonah-Rathdowney Road then:
Rainforest are closed on rainy days. Along with heavy rain comes the potential for rapidly rising water levels. The Condamine River can go from almost four inches of water to well over the bonnet of a 4WD.
With plenty of river crossings and spectacular scenery, the Condamine “14 Rivers Run” is most definitely worth a visit.
Distance from Brisbane: 158 km
Trek Distance: 200 km total
Skill level: Easy to Difficult
Landcruiser Mountain Park (LMP) is a 10,000-acre wilderness designed for camping and 4WD off-road enthusiasts. Conveniently located near Jimna, Queensland, the park is suitable for both amateurs and professionals four-wheel drivers. LMP has over 200 km of 4WD specifically-designed trails, from water crossings to deep gullies.
The park is a working cattle property and Queensland’s first private wilderness park for those who love 4WDing and bush camping. You can camp anywhere on the property. With plenty of quiet, shaded and grassy areas to camp, it is rated one of the top ten camping areas of Southeast Queensland!
The park is privately owned and should be viewed as a wilderness area. Camping facilities are simple and basic. Whenever you go off-roading, be sure to bring along basic safety supplies, such as a first aid kit, shovel and tow rope.
Also, with the park’s rural wilderness comes an abundance of “wildlife along with freshwater fishing, swimming, bushwalking, mountain climbing, bird watching and picturesque scenery”. With exceptionally fun driving tracks and awesome camping, LandCruiser Mountain Park is an off-roader’s dream location. Find all the information you need about the LandCruiser Mountain Park here.
In short, South East Queensland offers endless wilderness to explore, from beaches to waterfalls and mountaintop views. So rent a 4WD to see why so many Australians love the adventure of off-roading! Not sure what will be the best trip for you? Ask the staff at FleetCrew and they will be happy to advise on the best treks to match your vehicle, goals, and driving skills. Our Brisbane branch is conveniently situated close to all these fantastic 4WD tracks in the area.
Let the adventure begin!
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