Fraser Island Driving Checklist
Fraser Island is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, long beaches, freshwater lakes and creeks. Fraser is the largest sand island in the world so just getting around requires a bit of planning. If your planning on a bit of four-wheel driving remember there is limited fuel on the island and your consumption of fuel will be increased due to driving in soft sand. Campr shares some useful driving tips for your next trip to Fraser Island.
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Fraser Island Driving Tips
1. Carry A Spare Jerry Can or Long Range Fuel Tank
Fraser Island is Huge! As the Island has limited Fuel, its always important to carry a spare Jerry can whenever travelling around the island. If you’re an avid beach or Island goer, it might also be useful looking into long-range fuel tanks which are an alternative solution that takes up less boat space.
2. Look For Easements when driving on narrow tracks
Most of the tracks around Fraser Island are one way, however, if you do happen to cross paths with another care, its common courtesy to inform the other driver(s) how many in your convoy are to come. Make sure to always look out for easements in front or behind you when travelling along narrow roads. You don’t want to get stuck in a standoff with two convoys travelling in the opposite directions.
3. Indicate! When passing opposite traffic on the beach
The beach is like any other road, it’s important to stick your left. When coming up to oncoming traffic make sure to indicate to inform the other driver what your intentions are.
4. Watch your speed
The beach is a public place, and whilst the signs might say 80km/ hr, you never know what you might find in your path. Especially during the school holidays, it’s important to slow down when passing cars or people near the water as there could be children or unforeseen obstacles obstructing your path.
5. ALWAYS carry a recovery kit
When travelling on the beach you always run the change of getting bogged or stuck in the sand. With the help of a few recovery items, you could save yourself a lot of time and heartache. An important item to carry would include a snatch strap. Easy to use and convenient packing size, a snatch strap can help hurl you out of any divet of sand.
Another handy recovery item would be Max Trax. A brilliant invention for the self-sufficient campr. Stick a pair of these under your bogged wheels and watch your car rollout of a bind with ease.
6. Check your pressure tire
With the change in terrain, it’s important to increase your surface area when on soft sand. Look at dropping your tyre pressures to about 18 to 20 PSI and you shouldn’t have too many issues driving the island mid-tide or lower.
Your local ARB Store can supply you with all the advice and equipment you will need to tackle your own Fraser Island adventure. Make sure you grab a National Parks and Beaches permit. Don’t forget to check out Episode 28 of the Campr series for our guide to beach drives on Fraser Island.
