Are you a 4WD enthusiast? Do you plan your weekends around the best 4WD tracks near you? If you’re a fan of four-wheel driving, you’ll understand. Switching the city streets we trek through Monday to Friday for a dusty road off the beaten track tells us that finally, the weekend is here. If you live in North Brisbane, there are plenty of incredible 4WD tracks to quench your thirst for adventure. Read on for our round-up of the top 6 four-wheel drive tracks north of Brisbane.
Bribie Island – Ocean Beach Drive
Driving down long sandy beaches, past wind-swept sand dunes and crystal clear lagoons is one sure way to kick back and embrace the weekend. Ocean Beach Drive on Bribie Island will take you along the island’s eastern beach. Of course, one of the best parts of off-road driving is the stops you make along the way. Pack your togs to take a dip in one of four tannin-stained freshwater lagoons. If you’re keen on fishing, pull over and cast a line from the beach. You may even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking about in the waters.
Along the sandy road, you’ll bear witness to marvellous views of Moreton Island and Caloundra, and see the ships pass by the island on their way to the Port of Brisbane. On the north part of the drive, check out the heritage-listed World War II structures of Fort Bribie.
Bellthorpe National Park
Bellthorpe National Park is a four-wheel driver’s dream. This slice of heaven is accessed at the southern end of the Conondale Range, inland from the Glass House Mountains. Here, four-wheel drivers are treated to a scenic forest of lush greenery. Along the way, you’ll tackle water crossings, hills and plenty more. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for native animals, too.
The easiest track to enter Bellthorpe National Park is via Stony Creek Road off the D’Aguilar Highway. For more of a challenge, the northern and eastern entries into Bellthorpe National Park can be taken. To tailor your 4WD experience to your preferences, all Bellthorpe 4WD tracks are marked with difficulty ratings.
D’Aguilar National Park
D’Aguilar National Park offers many 4WD tracks in close proximity to north Brisbane. This serene part of Queensland stretches from the Moreton Bay area into the Sunshine Coast. The lush rainforests, woodlands and gum forests make this area a popular choice for mesmerising 4WD adventures and peaceful picnics. Here are a few of the best 4WD tracks near Brisbane within D’Aguilar National Park.
Mount Mee Forest Drive
If you opt for Mount Mee Forest Drive, you’ll start in the Gantry Day Use Area. This scenic forest drive is full of greenery; it journeys through 16 kilometres of plantation forests. You’ll then make your way through Bulls Falls to Falls Lookout. Rocky Hole, one of the most beautiful attractions in north Brisbane, is accessible from this track. In fact, Rocky Hole is only accessible by 4WD. Here, you’ll swim with local fish, and when you’re sick of the water, you can make your way by foot on one of the surrounding bushwalking tracks. Rocky Hole can then take you toward the stunning picnic spot of Broadwater or perhaps you’d prefer to travel further north to Woodford.
Somerset Trail
Famed for its bushwalking tracks, Somerset Trail is in fact open for four-wheel driving too. Most of the 4WD tracks on Somerset Trail are classed as ‘easy’, but if you’re after more of a challenge, Somerset Trail does offer some ‘moderate’ tracks and a ‘difficult’ track.
If you want to try the more gentle four-wheel drive track, you’ll be taking the Range Road forest drive. This drive is a 27 kilometre 4WD track near north Brisbane that starts at The Gantry. You’ll then make your way through a tranquil eucalypt forest and rainforest to Kluvers Lookout. Once you’ve taken in the glorious view, you can finish off your drive by paying a visit to Dayboro.
Western Escarpment Forest Drive
Perhaps you just want a quick hit of off-roading adrenaline? Then the Western Escarpment Forest Drive is the perfect 4WD track for you. This brief track takes four-wheel drivers through Gum Forest and makes its way past Somerset Lookout. Be sure to make a stop and take in the scenic views of Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset. All in all, this 4WD track totals 14 kilometres – perfect for a spontaneous weekend adventure.
Of course, if you come back from a day of four-wheel driving with a clean car, you just haven’t done it right. If you’re heading back home along Gympie Road, be sure to swing by Spin Car Wash to clean your car in under five minutes. Our state-of-the-art auto-wash tunnel ensures a premium, ultra-clean finish, every time. If you have any questions about our range of car wash services, be sure to contact our helpful team.