[Updated November 2020]
Now the weather’s warming up, I’m sure some Sunshine Coast beach time is on everyone’s to-do list. It’s also the perfect destination for a 4WD adventure. With numerous tracks that are ideal for beginner drivers. A 4WD is the best way to explore the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland, bush and beach. Go off-road! You’ll be able to reach the best camping and fishing spots that will take your beach getaway to the next level.
Don’t have a 4WD drive? No, problem. Simply hire one from our Brisbane FleetCrew office. Pack the surfboard, esky and some beers or cold drinks and head off on your very own off-roading adventure. With unlimited kilometres included and well-maintained vehicles, FleetCrew’s team will kit you out with exactly what you need for your four wheel driving adventure.
Because we like to make things easy for you, we’ve created a circuit of the best six 4WD tracks near the Sunshine Coast. Whether you select just one circuit or just decide to go for the whole lot, get out there and enjoy this beautiful state we live in!
Distance from Brisbane: 80 kms
Trek Distance: Approximately 30 kms
Skill level: Easy to moderate
On the way to the Sunshine Coast, stop off at Bribie Island for the perfect, relaxed start to your beach and 4WD adventure. Bribie Island is easy to access, joined to the mainland by a bridge and you’ll find pristine white sand, freshwater lagoons, surfing and even some old WWII bunkers.
The Island is quite developed with a range of accommodation options at the southern end including motels, hotels and larger resorts. There’s also camping in the National Park, some of which is only accessible by 4WD for a more remote experience.
As for dining, the options abound with cafes, restaurants, a larger supermarket and even some fast food chains.
Head north for beautiful scenery and bigger surf! There’s even a few inland tracks you can use to explore the bush.
Watch part 2, part 3 & part 4 of the video for complete guide on Bribie Island 4WD tracks and lookout points.\
Distance from Brisbane: 150 kms
Trek Distance: Various
Skill level: Easy to moderate
Spend a couple of nights in Mooloolaba or Noosa on the way and then take the ferry over the Noosa River from Tewatin to the southern end of Cooloola National Park (Great Sandy National Park). Here you’ll find a 50 km stretch of pristine beaches backed by lush national park forest.
There are a number of 4WD tracks of various lengths (some require a permit). Plan to drive on the firm, low-tide sands and head north to discover great fishing, surfing and swimming spots. Camp on the sand, in the bush or stay in privately owned accommodation at Rainbow Beach. Rainbow Beach also has a couple of small supermarkets and a few clothing shops to stock up on supplies.
The impressive Coloured Sands (200m high dunes with 72 differently coloured sands) are a must see!
Distance from Brisbane: 350 kms
Trek Distance: Various up to 120 kms
Skill level: Easy to difficult
K’gari (Fraser Island) is the world’s largest sand island! You can drive right onto the island, making it a very popular 4WD destination. With numerous tracks including the famous, 75 Mile Beach Highway that runs the entire surf side length of the island (120kms), K’gari (Fraser Island) is best done with an off-road vehicle!
As well as almost endless 4WDing, it’s a world heritage site that’s famous for its wildlife. You’ll find great fishing, impressive sand dunes and even a wreaked ship along the way. Make sure you visit 75 mile beach, the sandstone Red Canyon and tranquil swimming holes at the Champagne Pools.
The island has plenty of choice for accommodation, from National Park Service camping, to your own beach house and even larger, luxury resorts.
You’ll find a small supermarket at Eurong beach along with a bakery and pub. We’d recommend taking most of your supplies with you although there are a few upscale dining options too!
Spend at least 2 days on K’gari (Fraser Island) and even longer if you want to explore inland.
If you are planning to go for weekend holiday then please read our two-part guide on K’gari (Fraser Island) with details on checklist getting to Fraser and best spots on Fraser. Emma & Guillaume went to Fraser and caught their adventures on film. Watch their FleetCrew trip in the short video:
Distance from Brisbane: 430 kms
Trek Distance: Various
Skill level: Moderate to difficult
Once you’ve satisfied your beach 4WDing on K’gari (Fraser Island), keep heading north to the Kalpowar State Forest for some of the best off-road driving around Gladstone!
Here, you’ll be able to explore dense rainforest with no other vehicles in site. Tracks start from a moderate difficulty so make sure you’ve got some experience and bring a good map.
Campsite bookings can be made online. Facilities are basic but there are vault toilets and fire pits. The water within the park MUST be boiled or treated before drinking. Bring your own firewood and/or a portable gas camp stove for cooking.
The nearest town of Monto, is at least 37 kms away and doesn’t offer much in the way of choice. We’d recommend stocking up on supplies early.
Distance from Brisbane: 585 kms
Trek Distance: Various up to 55 kms
Skill level: Easy to difficult
A little bit further north from the Kolpowar State Park you’ll find the Kroombit Tops National Park. It’s a stunning 4WDing experience that’s perfect for every level of off-roading experience! Here you’ll find breath-taking views, rocky inclines and blue gum forests along with the solitude you’d expect from this inland location.
Camping within the park must be booked through the National Park Service before you arrive. There are NO facilities within the park including showers and toilets. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water, food, rubbish bags, fuel, firewood for cooking and anything else you might need. Fires are permitted in the designated fire rings EXCEPT when fire restrictions are in place. We’d recommend using a portable gas cooker instead.
The nearest town, Calliope, is a 45-minute drive away and will be your last stop to top up supplies and fill up your petrol tanks.
Don’t miss the 4WD track to a wrecked WWII Liberator Bomber; 20 kms or 2 hours one way.
Distance from Brisbane: 70 kms
Trek Distance: Various
Skill level: Easy, moderate and difficult
Take a last, but definitely not the least, stop on your way home to Brisbane at the Glasshouse Mountains. Here, there are countless tracks that’ll let you explore dense rainforest and gorges.
If you love muddy holes, steep ascents, creek crossings and red earth, this is the place for you! Getting lost is quite easy so make sure you know where you’re going and have planned to be out well before dark. Don’t miss the Powerline Track if you’re an experienced 4WDer.
If you want to camp in the area, check out the Glasshouse Mountains website for the major campsites here. Most of the other accommodation options in the area are upscale B&Bs, retreats and ecolodges. You’ll find more budget friendly hotels and motels, back towards the Sunshine Coast.
While there are a few good cafes and restaurants in the area, you might prefer to pack some food to avoid having to detour from your 4WDing route during the day.
Distance from Brisbane: 160 kms
Trek Distance: Various
Skill level: Easy, moderate and difficult
The LandCruiser Mountain Park is the place to visit if you’d like to learn new off road driving skills and have fun with family or friends. The park is a 10,000 acre Wilderness Camping and 4WD Park.
With over 200 kms of specially designed 4WD tracks, you’ll easily (and happily) be able to spend a few days exploring the iconic Australian wilderness. Ask the park owners about the best tracks to suit your experience level and then head out to climb hills, explore gullies and cross creeks.
The park is a privately owned, working cattle property and offers 4 basic camping areas with hot showers and toilets. The nearest town of Kilcoy is 60 kms away so bring everything you need INCLUDING fuel as only basic supplies (drinks, ice, milk and bread) are available within the park.
Watch part 2 and part 3 of the video series for complete guide on Landcruiser Mountain Park 4WD tracks and lookout points.
FleetCrew make hiring a 4WD easy. Friendly & knowledgeable staff always ready to help make your holiday one to remember.
All our FleetCrew vehicles are well-maintained and ready to be taken off-road with unlimited kilometres. We also include various damage waiver reduction options and 24 hour RACQ break-down assistance ANYWHERE across Australia for your peace of mind. Book your 4WD and come pick it up in Brisbane. What’s left is plan and pack for your next four-wheel-drive adventure!
Like more information on renting a 4WD? View our recreational 4×4 hire page or contact us now!
If you have an enquiry or would like more information then please fill in the enquiry form and we will get back to you asap during business hours.
If you are seeking a quote for a particular vehicle/s, please visit our Get A Quote page or if want to further information, please visit our FAQs page.
Providing 4WD Hire Vehicles in QLD and the Eastern States
Monday – Friday: 7.30am – 5.00pm
