Sand driving

OVERVIEW

Normal road rules apply. The speed limit on K'gari's beaches is 80km and 30km on inland tracks.

Driving on sand takes skill and K'gari's beautiful eastern beach is one of Queensland’s worst crash hot spots. Follow these guidelines to stay safe.

Drive safely
  • K'gariis only suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles with low range capacity.
  • All-wheel drive vehicles are not recommended.
  • A lower tyre pressure has been shown to offer greater traction in sand (check your vehicle manufacturer specifications for details).
  • Ensure all four tyres are deflated to the same level.
  • Reinflate tyres as soon as possible and disengage 4WD on hard surfaces.
  • Select low gears for soft, dry sand and avoid sharp turns and sudden braking.
  • Travel at low tide, or within two hours either side of low tide on firmer sand.
  • Use well-established tracks and drive to suit the conditions.
  • All Queensland road rules apply, observe speed limits. Police patrol at anytime.
  • Always wear your seat belt.
  • Avoid driving at night as hazards are impossible to see.
Beach driving
  • Beach traffic is two-way, so keep left.
  • Indicate only when overtaking or turning out of the traffic stream.
  • Stay alert for hazards such as deep washouts, debris or wildlife. Hitting hazards at speed damages your vehicle, can cause spinal injuries and has caused rollovers and fatal crashes.
  • Keep at least three car lengths from the car in front.
  • Speed signs are on the Eastern beach.
  • Take time to get to know your vehicle and how it handles in the sand.
  • Take care crossing creeks - slow down. Check the depth if unsure, and dont stop or change gears while crossing.
  • Stay well clear of incoming waves.
  • Keep your speed down when passing people or parked vehicles on the beach.
  • Park at 90 degrees to the traffic flow on the upper beach.
  • Beware of aircraft landing on the beach, particularly at low tide. Keep clear.
  • Never drive or park on sand dunesits illegal, damages the dune plants and harms any birds nesting there.
  • Most of the western beach is a no-vehicle zone. This is for safety, as the beach often has extremely soft weed patches and shifting estuaries. Vehicles can sink like they do in quicksand. Recovery is difficult.
  • If driving onto the western beach in the permitted areas, try to go with another vehicle.
Inland tracks
  • Inland tracks are usually single lane and can be busy.
  • Drive slowly as they can be rough and bumpy.
  • Never drive off the track use passing bays to let others pass.
  • Let the closer vehicle to the passing bay manoeuvre safely off the track.
  • It is best to pull into a bay to give way to larger vehicles, those towing trailers or coming down hills.
Right of Way
  • Give way to wildlife.
  • Drive around (not through) flocks of birds as theyare resting after long, exhausting migration flights.
  • Give way to pedestrians.
  • Give way to heavy vehicles.
  • Watch out for people fishing and children playing on the beach. Drive around them carefully and slowly.
Lighten your load
  • Remove any unwanted fittings or miscellaneous items from vehicles. The lighter the vehicle, the less likely it will get bogged.
  • Store gear evenly, putting the heavier objects at the bottom.

Moresand drivingtips...

Note: USC staff and students need tocompletesafe driving training before travelling to K'gari-Fraser Island on university business. See the USC Policy page.