Some of the worlds most beautiful locations can only be accessed by driving a 4WD along a beach. Some of the premier tourist attractions in Australia are on the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast and include Fraser Island, Double Island Point, Bribie Island and Moreton Island.
If you are heading off to one of these magnificent locations, it is most likely you will be driving a 4WD and that you will be driving on the beach or on sandy tracks. However, driving on the beach is not like driving on a regular road. For one, the road is continually changing as the tide goes in and out. And you can not just drive anywhere, check with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service or your hire company to see where beach driving is allowed.
So how do you drive on a beach or sandy track safely? Here is my 10 top tips for beach driving so that your adventure holiday to Fraser Island stays happy and memorable, and that you to help protect and maintain our valuable beaches and dunes.
1. Vehicle preparation. Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound before your visit, well serviced with all the obvious checks done on fuel, oil, water, electrical systems, tires, lights and indicators. There is nothing worse than breaking down in the middle of nowhere, when simple maintenance could have prevented it. Always carry a tire pressure gauge, air pump, tow rope, shovel, traction aids, first-aid kit, adequate water, food, fuel and spares on all trips.
2. Plan your destination and find out beach conditions. If are driving somewhere unfamiliar it makes sense to plan your trip and learn about the road ahead. This is even more so when you are beach driving on a place like Fraser Island. Before heading onto the island ask the locals at Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay what conditions are like and what to look out for. Information centers, tourist operators and petrol stations are your best source of information.
3. Permits. To drive on Fraser Island you need a permit. These can be obtained online from the Queensland Government and also at Information Centers and selected businesses in Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach. Likewise if you are planning to camp on Fraser Island you also need a permit, which can be obtained online and at the Queensland Parks and Wildlife offices in these locations.
4. Tide times. Driving on the beach is not like a regular road because it changes as the tide varies. Obviously, when the tide is out there is more space to drive on the beach. As a rule you want to drive on the beach no more than 2 and a half hours either side of LOW tide. If you have hired a 4WD vehicle then there will typically be restrictions on when you can drive on the beach as part of your hire agreement, often only 2 hours either side of low tide. Getting caught driving on the beach when the tide is coming in can be a really difficult situation, and has led to many vehicles being bogged and often completely submerged by the incoming tide. This might be memorable, but it is certainly not fun, so plan ahead and know when you can drive on the beach, and how far you can go during that time. Also note that if you hire a 4WD vehicle you will only be allowed to drive on the beach in daylight hours.
5. Barge times. Depending on if you are traveling to Fraser Island from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach/Inskip Point, you will have to be aware of the barge times. From Hervey Bay Barges typically run 3 times per day, and are not affected by the tides. It is a longer trip. From Inskip point the journey is much shorter and run continuously during daylight hours only. No barges operate at night. While you can cross over to Fraser Island at any time during daylight hours and you should plan the optimal time to travel with the tides.
6. Where to drive and where not to drive. Drive on the harder sand between the waterline and the high tide mark to get the firmest surface. Do not drive in the water or above the high tide mark, except for designated crossing points to accessing points and for parking. Remember that other people use the beach, so stay alert, follow the normal road rules and drive carefully. Use only designated access points to the beach, and do not drive on sand dunes. If you do the right thing other drivers will follow your good example, and these areas will remain open for 4WD use.
7. Tyre pressure. Reduce your tire pressure to maintain traction on sand. Typically you will reduce the pressure to 18-20psi, but remember to keep within your tire manufacturers specifications. Also, take into consideration the load your vehicle is carrying. Reduced tire pressure will affect your vehicles performance. Remember to avoid sharp turns, sudden braking, high-speeds and driving over rough surfaces. Tires have been known to come off their rims and serious accidents have occurred. Do not forget to re-inflate your tires to resume speed on harder sand or surfaces. Always carry a pressure gauge together with a pump to re-inflate your tires before traveling on normal roads.
8. Beach driving 101.
Make sure you engage 4WD on your vehicle before hitting the sand.
Be considerate to other drivers, and recognise the right of others to use the beach.
Observe all the laws and regulations relating to the use of vehicles on beaches.
Be alert and drive slowly and carefully. Do not drive when you are tired.
Do not drink and drive.
Respect the wildlife. Some animals are easily disturbed and disturbance can affect their survival.
Keep the beaches and dunes clean; carry your rubbish home. If others have left a mess, consider cleaning it up.
Travel in convey with other vehicles. In remote beach areas travel with at least one other vehicle to reduce the risk in case of trouble. And let a responsible person know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Be prepared. Carry a shovel, tow rope or traction aids - and know how to use them. These will help you get your vehicle out if you get bogged in soft sand. Carry extra fuel and food.
9. Speed. Driving to fast on the beach is extremely dangerous.The soft nature of the surface means that all vehicle responses (e.g. braking) are slowed and steering has a delayed reaction. Because you have dropped your pressures the tires speed capability is drastically reduced and their 'soggy' sidewalls will not resist vehicle sway. Also, the beach undulates and if you are traveling too quickly you will not see obstacles far enough ahead in order to take gentle corrective action. Sudden manoeuvres have led to many a beach roll over. Likewise creeks and washouts can be very dangerous. You do not know the depth of the water or the height of the sand wall on the other side. Hitting these at high speed is a recipe for disaster. Splashing through water looks great on TV, but it is dangerous - hit deep water or a soft patch of sand and the steering wheel can be jerked out of your hands and you will lose control.
However, driving to slowly on the beach can also be an issue. When driving through soft sand, like at beach crossings or on inland sand roads it is very important to have enough speed (momentum) to help you get through these spots. With out enough speed it is easy to get bogged. But if you hit the sand ruts in the road with too much speed it can bounce you around and you will lose control. If you are inexperienced pull over and watch how others tackle these spots and copy what they do.
10. Going home. Give yourself plenty of time to pack up and take your journey home. Take all your rubbish with you and leave the environment as clean as possible. Leave as early as you can to get the barge, there is likely to be a wait to get on. Once back on the mainland re-inflate your tyres to the correct pressure and wash the sand out from under your vehicle. When you get home, wash your 4WD thoroughly to remove corrosive salt and sand.
You can gain considerable pleasure from driving on beaches.By following these tips you will help protect our beaches and have a safe and enjoyable visit.
Pelican 4x4 Hire is the best 4WD hire in Noosa. We give you the freedom to explore Fraser Island and Rainbow Beach on your own 4x4 adventure. http://www.pelican4x4hire.com.au People from all over the world hire our vehicles and take off on their own 4WD adventure holiday to Fraser Island and Rainbow Beach. We are proud to be a member of the Fraser Coast 4x4 Hire Association and support 4WD beach driving safety measures, including the introduction of tag along tours. We have a full range of fully serviced 4WD vehicles from 4 to 8 seats, including Jimny's, Wranglers, Prado's and Land Cruisers. See our website or call us on 1800 144 294 or 61 7 5474 8029 to make a booking. Camping permits are available from the Queensland Government at https://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks/iaparks/gds/
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