4wd's on the beach

Hiring a 4wd to tour Fraser Island

Many people choose to hire a 4wd vehicle to tour Fraser Island because you can see the island at your own pace and stay wherever they wish. Renting a 4wd gives much more freedom to explore the island than if you were to join an organised tour, however it is also not without its own set of issues that need to be carefully thought out.

Things you need to know:

  • You need a permit to drive on Fraser Island.
  • Beach travel is safest at low tide and at a minimum of 2 hours from high tide. You can get tide times in place where you will hire a 4wd or buy a permit or look here.
  • As soon as you arrive at the beach make sure your wheel locks are set for 4wd
  • Adjust your tyre pressure appropriately for soft sand.
  • The beach on Fraser Island is road and therefore the road rules do apply and are enforced! The speed limit is 80km an hour on the beach and 35km on inland roads. Stay to the left and indicate for turning. Look out for people walking on the beach.
  • In some areas there are small planes landing on the beach regularly, so be aware of them.
  • Many small creeks cross the beach and can be hard to see. Slow down for them as they can have a deep enough edge to roll your vehicle at high speed.
  • Never stop in creeks or soft sand.
  • Where possible in deep sand drive within the tracks left by other vehicles.

The following is a list of some companies that hire 4wd's for use on Fraser Island:

From Hervey Bay

  • Bay 4WD Hire. 52-54 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay. Phone: + 61 7 4128 29 81. Website
  • Safari 4WD Hire Service. 102 Boat Harbour Drv Pialba. Phone: + 61 7 4124 4244. Website
  • Fraser Magic 4WD Hire. 5 Kruger Court Urangan. Phone: +61 7 4125 6612. Website
  • Aussie Trax. 56 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay. Phone: +61 7 4124 4433. Website

From Rainbow Beach

  • Shell Tourist Centre. Rainbow Beach . Phone: + 61 7 5486 8888. Website
  • Safari 4WD Hire Service. 102 Boat Harbour Drv Pialba. Phone: + 61 7 4124 4244. Website
  • Brumby 4x4. Rainbow Beach. Phone: 0429 069 020. Website

From Noosa

  • Beach Drive 4WD Hire. 32 Comet Drive, SUNRISE BEACH. Phone: 0414 26 9289.
  • Sunshine 4wd Hire. Noosa Drive,Noosa Junction. Phone: + 61 7 54473702.
  • Noosa Sunrover 4 Wheel Drive Hire. Memorial Ave. Tewantin. Phone: + 61 75449 7833. Website