Rules relating to 4WD hire on Fraser Island

All hire 4WDs used on Fraser Island must:

have a maximum of eight seats and carry no more than eight occupants (including the driver)
have all seats facing forward or rearward (not side-facing)
store all luggage securely inside the vehicle – not on the roof
have all items stored securely inside the vehicle - below the top level of the door frame
be fitted with seatbelts which meet Australian Design Rule standards.

Heavy loads on the roof can affect vehicle stability and increase the chance of rolling the vehicle, particularly when driving on sand. A driver breaking these laws risks a A$300 fine and (for Australians) 3 demerit points. These laws apply to hire vehicles only – private vehicles are exempt.

New lower speed limits on Fraser Island:

80 km/h on beaches
30 km/h in townships and on inland tracks.
Police enforcement of new speed limits and vehicle inspections by Transport and Main Roads transport inspectors have been increased.
Beach driving is dangerous and requires a high level of concentration. These laws are designed to help make it safer for tourists visiting Fraser Island.

Tag-along tours

All hire-vehicle operators selling single seats on 4WD vehicles on Fraser Island are now required to conduct these types of tours as a tag-along tour. Under a tag-along tour arrangement, operators must have an accredited driver guide in the lead vehicle with a maximum of three following vehicles.

The new requirements aim to improve safety for tourists who often have little or no experience driving on sand. A private group who hires a 4WD vehicle to tour Fraser Island is not required to travel as part of a tag-along tour.

Additional information

Here are some safety tips for beach driving:

Road Rules

Beach traffic is two-way, so keep left. Drive slowly in shared zones around pedestrians fishing and playing on the beach – they may not hear you over the sound of the wind and waves.

Slow down

Driving to the conditions is what is most important – driving well below the speed limit will be necessary sometimes.

Wear your seatbelt

All passengers must wear a seatbelt or a child restraint and all vehicles must be fitted with seatbelts that meet Australian Design Rules.

Drink and drug driving

Alcohol and drugs affect your judgement and reaction times. Don’t drive after a night of drinking. As a guide only, men can drink two standard drinks in the first hour and one drink every hour after, while women can drink one standard drink every hour.

Drive to suit the conditions

Driving on sand requires a high level of concentration and skill. Beach conditions change rapidly and hazards can appear quickly. To prevent a rollover, do not swerve to avoid incoming waves and slow down if you are driving in a rut or along deep tracks. The best time to travel is within two hours either side of the low tide. Always drive on firmer sand, between the low and high tide marks.

Engaging your four-wheel drive

Lower your tyre pressure, within the manufacturer’s specifications, to assist with traction.
Engage your four-wheel drive before driving on sand and select low gears for soft, dry sand.
Re-inflate your tyres for harder sand or firm surfaces.
Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking.
Park at the top of the beach away from moving traffic and on an angle so traffic can see that you are stationary.
Never park on the dunes - it is illegal.