Australia is renowned for its remote and rugged landscape and there’s really no way better to see it than in a four wheel drive. Four wheel driving may be bumpy and not the most luxurious, but the adventure that it brings, whether you’re driving 80km/h down an endlessly long beach or charging through a swamp in dense forest is enough to thrill even the most experienced traveller.
So where should you go? Here are our top four suggestions:
The Top of Australia: Cape York, QLD
Cape York holds the distinction of being one of Australia’s last great wilderness regions, extending some 1000km north of the city of Cairns in Queensland. It’s the most northerly point of the country, and it’s an absolutely stunning sight to experience.
The region is about the size of England, Scotland and Wales combined and renowned for its diverse landscape, boasting everything from tropical rainforest and savannah grassland to the Word Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. The four-wheel driving is challenging and planning is essential, but the experience is oh so worth it!
An Island of Your Own: Fraser Island, QLD
Head 200km north of Brisbane and you’ll find Fraser Island, a World Heritage site that holds the record of being the largest sand island in the world! With its combination rainforests, woodland, and of course the famous Seventy-Five Mile Beach, Fraser Island is a haven for four wheel driving.
In fact, the island is strictly four-wheel-driving territory, with an enforced speed limit of 35 km/h on the island and 80km/h on the beach. When you’re there, you must stop by Lake McKenzie and take a swim in the crystal clear waters. Driving at low tide is recommended, allowing you to cruise right next to the water, and who knows, you could even see a dingo running through the forest. There’s also the added warning of aircraft that also like to land on the beach!
The Real Australia: Kakadu National Park, NT
Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest national park and quite literally, a national icon with its ancient landscapes, plethora of plants and wildlife, and living Aboriginal culture. On one day, you might see the oldest rock art in the world; the next day, crocodiles, wallabies, dingoes, and the like.
Many of the park’s sites are accessible by standard two wheel drive vehicles, but for places like Jim Jim Falls and Gunlom, a four wheel drive is a must, and something that is definitely not worth missing out on if you’re going to be going all that way.
Cruising Up High: High Country, VIC
The Australian High Country has been described by many as one of the world’s best four wheel drive destinations and with good reason. The region boasts incredible panoramic views, endless open plains, and is incidentally is also the state of Victoria’s premier food and wine region. Think driving with the crisp mountain air blowing, stopping by small towns to taste artisan cheese and ice cream, and finishing off with a mountain-fresh ale or lager at the end of the day. It’s a perfect choice for the secret foodie!
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Jessica Callahan is a university student and freelance writer who is interested in cars and travel. She’s thankful there’s plenty of auto insurance she can choose from when planning her next road trip!