If you love off-road adventures but don’t want to venture too far away from home this summer, this guide is for you. From North Stradbroke Island to the Condamine River Track, the team at Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop reveal our favourite 4WD destinations within 4 hours’ drive of Brisbane.
North Stradbroke Island – 4WD paradise
Distance from Brisbane: 50-minute drive and 45-minute ferry trip
Skill level: Varying skills across the island.
From views of migrating whales on the headlands to lush forests and pristine beaches, North Stradbroke is a natural wonder. The island can be reached by driving your four-wheel drive onto a Stradbroke Ferry from Cleveland.
Tip from the team at Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop: Remember to purchase a Vehicle Access Permit before you head off. Flinders Beach and Main Beach are the best spots for beach driving.
Moreton Island – a haven of 4WD-only tracks
Distance from Brisbane: 40-minute drive
Trek Distance: 38km
Skill level: Varying skills across the island.
The exposed side of Moreton Island spans 38km from north to south and is a haven of 4WD-only tracks. To get there, drive onto a ferry such as the Moreton Island Ferry (Micat). Once aboard, we recommend lowering your tyre pressure to suit the conditions expected on the island. Moreton Island is entirely made up of sand. Enjoy turtle spotting, fishing, snorkelling and off-road driving on the rugged sand tracks. Other highlights include soaking in the natural tea tree oil in the Blue Lagoon and taking a dive to check out a sunken ship.
Safety tip from the team at Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop: As Moreton Island is 4WD only, we recommend packing safety and vehicle supplies such as a shovel, a towrope and a tyre compressor.
Condamine River Track – river crossings galore
Distance from Brisbane: 86km to Boonah
Distance from Boonah to Condamine River Road: approximately 114km
Trek Distance: 85km
Skill level: Medium
Popular among four-wheel drivers, the Condamine River Track follows an old bullock wagon track that crosses the Condamine River 14 times. You’ll drive through rainforests and valleys and pass swimming holes, grassy picnic spots and waterfalls. Highlights include Queen Mary Falls, Daggs Falls, Dolly on the Rock and Paddy’s Knob remote bush camp (situated high above the Condamine Gorge). The track runs from Boonah to Killarney and can be started from either end. Camping spots can be found at Queen Mary Falls and Koreelah Creek (a few kilometres off the track).
Safety tip from the team at Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop: Along with heavy rain comes the potential for rapidly rising water levels. The Condamine River can go from a few inches of water to well over the bonnet of a 4WD. Take care.
LandCruiser Mountain Park – 4WD wilderness
Distance from Brisbane: 158km
Trek Distance: 200km
Skill level: Easy to difficult
LandCruiser Mountain Park (LMP) is a working cattle property and Queensland’s first private wilderness park for enthusiasts of four-wheel driving and bush camping. Comprising 10,000 acres of wilderness, LMP is conveniently located near Jimna and is suitable for both amateur and experienced four-wheel drivers. Explore over 200km of 4WD specifically designed trails, from water crossings to deep gullies. Highlights include an abundance of wildlife, freshwater fishing, swimming, bushwalking and mountain climbing. You can camp anywhere, with many shaded and grassed areas to choose from. Facilities are basic.
Safety tip from the team at Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop: Remember to pack safety supplies, including a first aid kit, shovel and tow rope.
Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop – much more than 4WD experts
If you’re keen to go off-road but don’t know where to start, chat to the team at Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop. With more than 30 years’ experiencein the industry, our technicians are here to assist with all your mechanical needs. Not only do we provide servicing and repairs, but we also stock a huge range of parts and products, including tyres, 4WD equipment, lift kits, mag wheels, rims and more. Located in Wacol, our state-of-the-art workshop welcomes vehicles of all makes and models.
For top brands in Brisbane – at affordable prices – call Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop on 07 3271 1509 or visit our website.