Fraser Island 4WD Driving Tips
There are many different ways to see Fraser Island and one of the most popular is by hiring a Four Wheel Drive Vehicle. Â
4WD self drive camping safaris can be very cost effective way to see Fraser Island if you have 4 or six people to share the expenses.
The most popular place to hire the 4WD's for Fraser Island is Hervey Bay.Â
Your 4WD hire company will generally book and co-ordinate your barge trip to and from Fraser Island.
You will be required to have a permit to take a vehicle on Fraser Island and once again your hire company will advise the best option.
Safety
Safety has to be you first priority. By law all people hiring a four wheel drive must have an extensive briefing before driving a 4WD hire vehicle on Fraser Island. This is because of the unique challenges Fraser can offer, including narrow sandy rainforest tracks, water crossings, soft sandy conditions and rough terrain. Of all of the factors that cause grief, speed is the number one on the list. People who speed on Fraser Island rarely escape trouble and generally make the experience for other people less than pleasant. Conversely, drivers who take note of the driver briefing and drive with care and travel at a proper pace rarely experience difficulties.
All Fraser Island 4WD Hire companies should provide the knowledge you need to complete your self drive Fraser Island trip safely.
Generally the 4WD vehicle will be set up for Fraser Island conditions so that adjustments to tyre pressure etc wont be necessary (subject to advice from your 4WD hire company).
You should be advised by the hire company when you may travel on the eastern beach of Fraser Island as the tides will at times prevent you doing so. Getting salt water on the hire vehicle may result in a substantial penalty by the hire company.
Whilst Fraser Islands roads are comprised completely of sand and you are not on the mainland of Australia, there are resident police officers on the island and normal driving laws apply and there are regular Breathalyser checks on Fraser Island. Do not drink and drive.
4WD self drive camping safaris can be very cost effective way to see Fraser Island if you have 4 or six people to share the expenses.
The most popular place to hire the 4WD's for Fraser Island is Hervey Bay.Â
Your 4WD hire company will generally book and co-ordinate your barge trip to and from Fraser Island.
You will be required to have a permit to take a vehicle on Fraser Island and once again your hire company will advise the best option.
Safety
Safety has to be you first priority. By law all people hiring a four wheel drive must have an extensive briefing before driving a 4WD hire vehicle on Fraser Island. This is because of the unique challenges Fraser can offer, including narrow sandy rainforest tracks, water crossings, soft sandy conditions and rough terrain. Of all of the factors that cause grief, speed is the number one on the list. People who speed on Fraser Island rarely escape trouble and generally make the experience for other people less than pleasant. Conversely, drivers who take note of the driver briefing and drive with care and travel at a proper pace rarely experience difficulties.
All Fraser Island 4WD Hire companies should provide the knowledge you need to complete your self drive Fraser Island trip safely.
Generally the 4WD vehicle will be set up for Fraser Island conditions so that adjustments to tyre pressure etc wont be necessary (subject to advice from your 4WD hire company).
You should be advised by the hire company when you may travel on the eastern beach of Fraser Island as the tides will at times prevent you doing so. Getting salt water on the hire vehicle may result in a substantial penalty by the hire company.
Whilst Fraser Islands roads are comprised completely of sand and you are not on the mainland of Australia, there are resident police officers on the island and normal driving laws apply and there are regular Breathalyser checks on Fraser Island. Do not drink and drive.