Adventure Blog
What we say and do
Most people know a 4WD is required to visit Fraser Island. Sometimes even those with their own off road 4×4 vehicle don’t want to take it to the island because of the salt conditions and rough terrain, including of course lots of soft, deep sand.
At Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre we strive to provide the best quality vehicles for off-road hire to Fraser Island and Rainbow Beach, Queensland. We’d like to think that we give confidence to all visitors wishing to explore Fraser Island independently and that driving on beach conditions are remarkably straight forward (as long as we stick to the rules and regulations – see our tips below). Feedback confirms our visitors feel completely capable in the self drive experience that delivers all the highlight destinations of this world heritage listed paradise.
Established by Greg Haring in 1999 our upbeat little enterprise has always operated an all-Toyota 4WD fleet that is now dominated by automatic 100 Series GXL Series 2 Land Cruisers. The hire package includes unlimited kilometres, basic liability coverage, full driving demonstration, tidal information, map and suggested itinerary.
Drive to beach conditions and observe low tidal window.
4WD/4X4/OFF ROAD/SELF DRIVING TIPS FOR FRASER ISLAND
NB: A vehicle access permit is required from Queensland Parks and Wildlife.
Beach Driving
DO NOT drive in saltwater – observe low tide windows for beach access (eastern beaches are trafficable 2.5 hours before and after low tide only.
Maximum beach driving speed limit is 80kms per hour.
Watch our for freshwater creeks and approach with caution.
Park vehicle above high tide mark, facing downhill (avoiding oncoming traffic and ensuring safety of vehicle against incoming tide).
Inland Driving
With the exception of specific one-way tracks between Eurong and Central Station all other tracks are dual thoroughfare allowing two-way oncoming traffic. Use side-bays situated along tracks to give way.
Observe inland speed limits and only use established tracks sounding horn when turning blind corners.
General
DO NOT engage high range or low range 4×4 on a sealed surface (that is, ensure 2×2 is engaged when driving on a sealed surface, including accessing the barge (ferry) and driving through Eurong Beach Resort).
Ensure adequate distance is maintained between your vehicle and other vehicles, for example 50 metres, allowing time to avoid potential issues another driver may be about to encounter.
Copyright Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre
4WD/4X4/OFF ROAD/SELF DRIVING TIPS FOR RAINBOW BEACH
NB: A vehicle access permit is required from Queensland Parks and Wildlife.
Mudlo Rocks
Sometimes referred to as “Rainbow Beach’s best free entertainment” Mudlo Rocks positioned just before the beach access ramp into town can make for a very negative experience when dueling with mother nature’s beach hazards.
Mudlo Rocks at Rainbow Beach is selective in granting passage – it all depends on beach conditions and low tidal window.
While the same driving tips apply for local beach driving enthusiasts Mudlo Rocks can pose an entirely different accessibility scenario. During TCMarcia early 2015 the rocks were severely exposed rendering beach passage impossible for a number of weeks, even at dead low. The alternative is just a matter of using the Freshwater Road (a sand track off Teewah Beach that leads back into Rainbow Beach township). Disaster strikes when people tempt fate during unsuitable tides and beach conditions due to the town access track lying just beyond the rocks. Submerged soft pot holes and coffee rock clusters lie in wait for the next unwitting victim. Furthermore saltwater will start corroding every part of hot moving componentary it has been exposed to ON CONTACT. Rinsing the saltwater off is a ridiculous concept. Once an alternator is exposed to a splash of saltwater the lifespan is shortened extensively. Same goes for the wheel bearings, rotors and starter motor – they will be the first to go. Beach driving is a lot of fun but lack of respect is costly.
Rock Report Rainbow Beach
This facebook page is widely followed by ‘rockers’ who love visiting this area and frequently seek information and also impart their own pictures and updates. It is a community page that has virtually come into its own due to the popularity of beach driving locally and on Fraser Island – focusing particularly on conditions around Mudlo Rocks. “Don’t be come a stucker” is a common catch-cry.
Taking the risk just wasn’t worth it.
An upturned vehicle on the beach makes for a major attraction.
Tropical Cyclone Marcia managed to erode almost 2 metres of beach. Thankfully our stunning Rainbow Beach returned in a matter of weeks.
One wedding, a honeymoon and Fraser Island.
This lovely family from the UK took full advantage of the local Cooloola Coastal region discovering Noosa, Teewah Beach and of course beautiful Rainbow Beach. The six day adventure culminated with their honeymoon celebrated on Fraser Island. Congratulations!
From Florida and beyond.
After 20 years Mr Dodd’s initial experience of Fraser Island resonated with him so much he wanted to share the adventure with his fellow UK expat friends, Mr & Mrs Brian Barton, visiting from America. After a three day tour, they returned exhilarated by their off road experience taking in all of the flora and fauna Fraser Island had to offer. Coupled with the idyllic weather it was smiles all round and Mr Dodd aims to return and introduce Fraser Island to the next generation, his own family. We look forward to seeing you then.
“They are all my girlfriends”.
Sokratis and his partner Claire wanted to show their two friends visiting from Ireland the sights and sounds of Fraser Island. Camping turned out to be a true adventure with tall tales ‘spun’ from a particular fellow traveler declaring “funnel web spiders everywhere” through to a lost thong (aka flip flop) rendering one very hot footed experience for the gallant Sokratis. These make for wonderful memories, hairy, hot or otherwise.
Eat Pray Love Spanish style.
When Eva’s travels from Germany took her to Spain, she met Raul. This adventurous couple have since spent 12 months traveling throughout Australia and can happily attest to Fraser Island being a major highlight of their itinerary. With over 400,000 visitors every year we are not surprised and still get a kick out of witnessing such wonder and awe of this world heritage listed paradise.
From Brasil with Love.
Yuri has been living and working in South Australia on a scholarship and lucky enough to take a month to travel with girlfriend Thayna. They are on an east coast adventure having started in Cairns, traveling south to visit Fraser Island and completing their trip via the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. They loved the island and particularly the inland lakes including great camping facilities at Central Station rainforest. Hopefully they have some time to detour inland and take in our beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland regions such as Montville and Maleny on the way home. Great to have these two lovely South Americans on board – happy travels!
a fraser island engagement.
This Swedish threesome had a wonderful time on Fraser Island. A little tentative at first wondering what a Dingo encounter may entail soon realising there was no danger after all. Erik had obviously something extra special in mind when he proposed to his girlfriend Amanda – rings happily displayed upon their return. Congratulations on your engagement! We think is it wonderful to be able to participate in people’s lifelong memories. Their trusted friend Victor also didn’t come back empty handed – he gained a healthy ‘glow’ from Queensland’s generous dollop of Vitamin D.
