Fraser Island Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Hints/Tips
A Fraser Island 4WD experience is not to be missed. To get the most out of your 4WD Fraser Island experience, preparation is important. As all Fraser Island tracks are sandtracks, they are suitable for Four Wheel Drive vehicles only. You will not get very far in a conventional 2WD vehicle and will most likely run into troubles with an AWD vehicle.
Four Wheel Drive (4WD) versus All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Some people may consider taking their all wheel drive, which is possible but not advisable.
All wheel drive is a system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle at all times just like a 4WD. Full time symmetric AWD would be the best term to be used. The difference to full time 4WD is that a "4-low" setting is not available in AWD cars. Due to the lack of "low range" AWD vehicles are much less capable in off-road settings than full time 4WD vehicles. Also most All Wheel Drive vehicles are not designed for harsh off-road conditions like that found on Fraser Island.
Do you want to experience an unforgettable Fraser Island 4WD experience?
Basically there are three options.
1. Take your own 4WD vehicle to Fraser Island.
Advantage: You can go anywhere you like except for the parts that are closed to public 4WD access.
Disadvantage: In case of a breakdown or other problem with your vehicle, assistance is either non existent, far away and/or very expensive.
Before you take off on your Fraser Island 4WD adventure, beware that a couple of issues should be considered. Small 4WDs with poor ground clearance may encounter difficulties as some track on the Island have deep potholes, high bumps and sometimes such soft sand that the vehicle “sinks” a bit and with low clearance, starts acting like a bulldozer!
Also make sure your vehicle is in excellent condition as there is no garage or maintenance available on the Island and towing is very expensive and may be a lengthy wait.
Rent a Four Wheel Drive vehicle from one of the operators who are specialised in Fraser Island 4WD rental.
Advantage: You always have an experienced operator behind you as back up in case of a problem, also they take all the worries out of preparing the vehicle, cleaning afterwards and arranging the ferries. Also some operators have packages available including everything from 4WD rental, accommodation, or camping equipment etc. to really take all the hassle out of your Fraser Island 4WD experience and leave only the enjoyable and exciting parts.
Disadvantage: You are restricted to certain areas of Fraser Island where you can go.
Operators such as Aussie Trax do not only have their mainland office but also maintain an office on the Island and also have rental vehicles available on the island. This vastly reduces precious time taken off your 4WD Fraser Island adventure in case of a problem. Fraser Island 4WD rental companies maintain their vehicles to the highest standards to ensure the 4WD vehicle can cope with the demanding conditions on Fraser Island.
3. Go on a self drive 4WD tour.
Advantage: Relatively low cost, the operator takes care of preparing the vehicle, ferries and maintenance and provides assistance in case of a problem. You can meet some great people and possibly develop lifetime friendships.
Disadvantage: You can end up with a bunch of disturbing and annoying people and can end up being a complete disaster as far as your new travel companions go. Also, you are restricted to certain areas, with up to 8 people your share of driving can be fairly limited, and you may need to compromise places you would like to see as you have to go where the group wants to go.
This option caters mainly for backpackers and means that you will be joined with a number of other people so the group will usually be between 8 and 11 people. Included will be a 4WD plus all camping gear and off you go.
