Discover the Best 4WD Tracks Near Brisbane: Top Trails for Adventurers

If you love adventure and live in Brisbane, you're in for a treat! There are tons of awesome 4WD tracks nearby, perfect for getting out of the city and into nature. Whether you're an experienced off-roader or just looking for a fun weekend drive, you'll find something exciting. From rough mountain trails to peaceful coastal tracks, these 4WD spots have amazing views and plenty of thrills.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top trails that cater to all skill levels, ensuring you can find the perfect route to satisfy your thirst for adventure. From easy day trips to multi-day off-road challenges, we’ve tried and tested the best 4WD tracks near Brisbane. So gear up, grab your maps, and get ready to discover the wild side of Queensland!

Essential 4WD Adventure Prep

Before you set off, make sure you’re prepared for the journey ahead:

• Check Track Conditions. Look up park websites or 4WD forums to see if tracks are open and safe.
• Pack Recovery Gear. Bring the basics like snatch straps, traction boards, tyre deflators, a first-aid kit, and a GPS.
• Know Your Vehicle. Learn what your 4WD can handle and adjust tyre pressure for the terrain.
• Check Permit Requirements. Some tracks (like Fraser Island or Bribie Island) need a permit. Purchase one online before you go.

Pro Tip: Get all your 4WD recovery gear, camping essentials, and off-road accessories from Outback Equipment.

Best Rainforest & Mountain 4WD Tracks Near Brisbane

1. Glass House Mountains 4WD Tracks (Beginner to Advanced)

Distance from Brisbane: 60km | Time Needed: 1 day | Difficulty: Easy to Hard

• Steep ascents, rocky trails, and challenging off-road climbs.
• Tracks to Try: Power Line Track (advanced rock crawling) & Glasshouse Loop (moderate terrain with creek crossings).
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season. Wet conditions can make the tracks significantly more challenging. Consider if your vehicle is prepared and have a recovery plan if you go in the wet season.

Insider Tip: The Beerburrum West State Forest tracks are great for beginners looking to build confidence.

For 4WD enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable off-road adventure, the Glass House Mountains is one of the best 4x4 tracks near Brisbane. With fantastic 4WD tracks for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Located just a short drive from Brisbane, these scenic 4x4 trails wind through lush landscapes and mountains. Hiking trails are also popular, and with multiple lookouts along the way, it is a great spot to park up, bring some lunch and admire the scenery.

2. Mount Mee – D’Aguilar National Park (Easy to Moderate)

Distance from Brisbane: 70km | Time Needed: 1 day | Difficulty: Easy to Hard

• A scenic mix of rainforest, waterfalls, and open forest tracks.
• Must-Visit Spots: Rocky Hole swimming spot, Falls Lookout, and Archer camping area.
• Some sections require high-clearance vehicles, especially after heavy rain.

Pro Tip: Drop the tyre pressure for better grip on rocky surfaces.

Mount Mee, part of D’Aguilar National Park, is about 90 minutes northwest of Brisbane. It has great 4WD tracks for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced off-roaders. You’ll find Mount Mee Forest, scenic forest trails, creek crossings, and gentle off-road sections, making it a fun and easy place to explore. The area is full of lush greenery, giving you a peaceful escape from the city. Check the weather before you go, as conditions can change quickly and affect the tracks.

3. Sundown National Park – Ballandean (Advanced – Extreme 4WDing)

Distance from Brisbane: 300km | Time Needed: 1-2 days | Difficulty: Hard

• A rocky, technical trail with steep climbs, sharp descents, and river crossings.
• Must-Try Challenges: Rats Castle (extreme terrain), Red Rock Gorge, and Burrows Waterhole.
• Camping is available and bring extra fuel as this is more remote country!

Insider Tip: Attempt Rats Castle only if you're comfortable with rock crawling and steep technical driving.

Sundown National Park, southwest of Brisbane, is one of Queensland’s toughest off-road adventures for experienced 4WD enthusiasts. The park has some of the best 4WD tracks, with steep rocky climbs, many a cliff, rugged terrain, and tricky creek crossings. You'll also find deep gullies that make driving here a real challenge. If you’re after an extreme 4WD experience, this is one of the top 4x4 tracks near Brisbane. Just make sure to check the weather before you go—heavy rain can make the tracks even harder to tackle!

Best Beach & Island 4WD Tracks Near Brisbane

4. Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) (Beginner to Moderate)

Distance from Brisbane: 40km + ferry | Time Needed: 3-4 days | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• 420km of sandy tracks across Australia’s 3rd largest sand island.
• Must-See Spots: Blue Lagoon, Champagne Pools, and Cape Moreton Lighthouse.
• Beach camping available (book in advance).

Pro Tip: Use low range & drop tyre pressure for smooth sand driving.

Moreton Island, just a short drive of Brisbane, is a paradise for off-road driving enthusiasts, offering a mix of 4WD sand tracks and breathtaking sand dunes. This scenic drive takes you through unspoiled coastal landscapes, with access to stunning beaches and crystal-clear lagoons.

The track offers a range of difficulty levels, making it ideal for both beginners and those looking to refine their driving skills. A permit is required before heading onto the beach, so be sure to pick up a permit in advance. If you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, Moreton Island is a must-visit destination close to Brisbane.

5. K’gari (Fraser Island) (Moderate to Hard – Iconic Aussie Off-Roading)

Distance from Brisbane: 350km | Time Needed: 4-7 days | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

• The world’s largest sand island. The Great Sandy National Park is a 4WD experience in a world heritage listed rainforest with spectacular views that every 4x4 enthusiast needs to do at least once!
• Must-See Spots: 75 Mile Beach, Maheno Shipwreck, Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, Northern Forests and Lake Garawongera Scenic Drives, Southern Lakes and Central Lakes (Lake Wabby Scenic Walk)
• Tide warnings: Keep a tidal chart and drive only at low tide to avoid getting bogged.

Insider Tip: Bring sand recovery tracks and fit a snorkel for deep water crossings. Bring swimming gear and hiking shoes to get the full experience of the lakes and sand dune hikes.

K’gari (Fraser Island) is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most breathtaking 4WD trails just a few hours of Brisbane. With pristine beaches, coloured sands, and rock pools, this picturesque island is a dream for adventurers.

Check out the top all the way to the bottom of the island. There is so much to see you will want to stay for multiple days. The terrain ranges from soft sand to rocky terrain, providing a fun driving challenge. Iconic tracks access is via Inskip Point, and a permit for access to the island is required.

Bring additional fuel in secure jerry can holders. Fuel on the island is expensive and the distance to travel is vast. When driving on sand inland tracks, you’ll use more fuel than you think and you may need to fuel up in a remote area.

Be sure to keep an eye on tidal times when driving so you don't get cut off on the beach and follow local regulations to help preserve this natural wonder. Whether for a great day out or an overnight stay, K’gari is an iconic Aussie off-roading experience.

6. Bribie Island (Easy – Best for Beginners)

Distance from Brisbane: 70km | Time Needed: 1 day | Difficulty: Easy

• A perfect first-time beach driving spot with gentle sand tracks near the Sunshine Coast.
• Must-Visit Spots: Ocean Beach, Poverty Creek, and Fort Bribie WWII ruins.
• Permit required – book via Queensland National Parks.

Pro Tip: Arrive early because parking fills up fast on weekends!

Bribie Island is a great off-road getaway with beautiful coastal views and easy sand tracks within, just a short drive from Brisbane. Unlike the tougher tracks at Teewah Beach or Rainbow Beach, Bribie’s trails are beginner-friendly, making it perfect for those new to beach driving.

As you drive along the coastline, you’ll see stunning scenery and find plenty of picnic spots to stop and relax. While the national park offers a more challenging adventure, Bribie is a more laid-back option. Keep in mind that a permit is needed for beach access, so make sure to get one before heading out!

Best River & Wet Tracks Near Brisbane

7. Condamine River Track (14 River Crossings!) (Moderate – Scenic Route)

Distance from Brisbane: 140km | Time Needed: Half-day to full-day | Difficulty: Easy

• 14 river crossings through lush forests & stunning valleys.
• Best visited in dry season - high water levels can make crossings dangerous and the road usually gets closed if there has been wet weather.

Insider Tip: If you can’t see the bottom of a crossing, carefully walk the track with a stick to measure depth. If it's too deep, don’t go through!

The Condamine River Track is a beautiful scenic drive through the Scenic Rim, just a short trip from Brisbane. This off-road adventure features 14 creek crossings, surrounded by lush bushland and rocky hills. The road is unsealed, with a mix of shallow water crossings and rocky terrain, making it a fun but manageable challenge.

As you drive through valleys and gorges, you’ll get amazing views of the landscape. Be sure to check the weather before you go—heavy rain can make the track dangerous and turn it into an extreme challenge.

8. Janowen Hills 4WD Park – Goomburra (Beginner to Expert – Controlled Environment)

Distance from Brisbane: 160km | Time Needed: 1-3 days | Difficulty: Easy to Extreme

• 80 tracks designed for all skill levels.
• A buddy system is required (must have at least two vehicles).
• On-site camping, amenities & food are available.

Pro Tip: Best place for beginners to practice before heading into natural trails.

Janowen Hills 4WD Park in Goomburra is a controlled off-road environment perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Nestled in scenic bushland, the park features a variety of tracks, ranging from gentle inclines to steep, technical climbs. Unlike Bellthorpe or Lamington National Park, Janowen Hills provides a safer setting for drivers to test their skills.

With well maintained camping facilities, it’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for an easy drive or a heart pounding challenge, this park offers a diverse terrain where every 4WD enthusiast can find their perfect adventure.

Must-Have Gear for Your 4WD Adventure

• Recovery Gear. Snatch straps, maxtrax, shackles.
• Camping Essentials. Rooftop tents, awnings, portable fridges.
• Navigation & Safety. GPS, satellite phone, tyre deflators.
• Beach & Sand Accessories. Tyre pressure gauges, sand flags, traction boards.