4WD and Off-Road Driving: Advice from VroomVroomVroom

There are many places in Australia where the best way to explore is off-road, or on a 4-wheel drive track. One common place near to our home base is Fraser Island. This is the largest island in Queensland, and the biggest sand island in the world. Fraser Island is a world heritage listed site, and mostly national park, the only way to get around is on former logging tracks that criss-cross the island, or by driving Eastern Beach, which is considered a highway.

Be informed before you head off the beaten track

Even though the beach has highway status, unfortunately, no cars from our national suppliers are permitted to be driven off-road, even if they are 4-wheel drive. On Fraser Island, there are many specialist 4-wheel drive hire companies who rent from the nearest mainland town of Hervey Bay. Renting from these companies isn't cheap; they have to build the risks associated with off-road driving into their prices.

How can you combine the thrill of off-road driving in a pristine environment like Fraser Island, with the economics and rules of renting a great rental car from VroomVroomVroom? Firstly, book your car for the mainland/on road portion of your trip from VroomVroomVroom well in advance for the best price. Hervey Bay is around four hours' drive from our home town of Brisbane, but a great idea is to break the drive up with at least one night on the gorgeous Sunshine Coast. My favourite spot is Noosa, or the unspoilt sands of Marcoola Beach. Then, explore your options for a specialist 4-wheel drive rental in Hervey Bay. Most of these companies have secure lock-up parking for your hire car while you are on Fraser Island.

Driving in the sand of Fraser can be intimidating. The 4-wheel drive companies will give you a briefing, with tips on sand driving. Your 4-wheel drive will come with traction boards, and a gadget to let down your tyre pressure if you get bogged. Scary stuff! The inland tracks are single lane, so if you should meet someone coming the other way, one of you will need to reverse into the frequent passing bays to let the other through. Not sure if 4-wheel driving is for you? It's a lot of money to spend if you are going to be daunted by the conditions. Consider doing a tour instead, so you can have a break from driving and just enjoy the scenery.

Back on the mainland, you'll be refreshed and ready to be reunited with your car rental from VroomVroomVroom. If you are still keen to go off-road, our customer service team have put together a list of possible 4-wheel drive companies to rent from across Australia. We advise you to read the terms and conditions of these contracts carefully, and familiarise yourself with possible hazards. 

If you need assistance in booking a 4wd vehicle, contact us and we will surely provide you with precise and and right information.