The cooler weather is the perfect time to make use of the awesome 4WD tracks located in and around SEQ. Although it’s nice to go in summer when it’s a bit warmer and there’s a possibility of a swim, there is no doubt that the colder months can be just as much fun.
Your car will run cooler, there is less chance of rain, the tracks are usually a bit quieter and best of all, you can relax around a campfire after the day is done!
The team at Austates has decked out numerous 4WD utes in our time, and the owners love using their new tray backs for holding weekend goodies once the tools are out of the tray and in the shed. We love four-wheel driving, so we’ve collated these hot spots for everyone who wants to get out there and explore what Australia has to offer.
1. Conondale National Park
Difficulty: Easy – May need high clearance
Distance: 78km
Starts from: Kenilworth
This track is relatively easy and is a good one to start with if you’ve not done much four-wheel driving before! The track loops through Conondale National Park and showcases creeks, tracks, rainforest and some beautiful landscapes along the way. Long and shallow creek crossings are easily navigated and unless the heavens have opened up recently, the driving is relatively straight forward, consisting of interesting climbs and thrilling descents! Even better, camping is permitted and there are various camping spots located off the main loop that are easily accessible.
2. Cooloola Recreation Area
Difficulty: Easy – May need high clearance
Distance: 54km
Starts from: Tewantin
When venturing from Tewantin to Rainbow Beach, you will pass through the southern section of the Great Sandy National Park, with the upper section being the world-famous Fraser Island. That fact alone should give you an idea of what’s in store for this drive. Expect lots of sand, rolling surf and stunning beaches. Keep in mind that you’ll need a Cooloola Recreation Area permit for your vehicle.
3. Sundown National Park
Difficulty: Difficult – You’ll need low range and high ground clearance for this one
Distance: 70km return
Starts from: Ballandean
Rocky terrain, red soil and remote escapes – these are three things you can definitely expect in a drive through Sundown National Park. This track is any 4WD’ers dream and is one of the most difficult 4WD tracks near Brisbane. With its rolling hills and abundance of pine and eucalypt trees, this is not a location to take lightly. Red Rock Gorge is one of the first main attractions, as well as the first spot to camp while driving along the trail. If you’re looking for a challenging track with beautiful vantage points for sunsets and sunrises, this is the one for you.
4. Condamine Gorge
Difficulty: Easy – May need high clearance
Distance: 128km return
Starts from: Boonah
One of the longer tracks getting a mention today, the Condamine Gorge Road is famous for the fact that you get to cross the Condamine River no fewer than 14 times while driving it. The track is situated within the Great Dividing Range, which means you’re going to get some breathtaking lookout points, stunning waterfalls and amazing scenery. Crossing the river is not overly demanding in normal weather conditions. However, throw some rain in the mix and you’ve got unpredictable swells that can mean the river is not safe to cross, so be wary.
5. Moreton Island North
Difficulty: Average – May need high clearance
Distance: 52km
Starts from: Tangalooma
This self-contained off-road haven is another beautiful heritage-listed location that SEQ has to offer. The ferry ride to Moreton Island is not long, but be sure to have paid your vehicle access permit and camping fees before venturing over. Apart from soft sand driving, the island boasts a handful of tracks around the northern half, which all serve as a guide to the major attractions located on the island.