Moreton Island has a complex and fragile ecology with many plants and animals adapted to the low nutrient sandy soils and tea coloured waters with high acidity levels. The island shape is always changing in response to the ocean current and winds. The development of Mirapool from a series of islands to its current form as a largelagoon is a good example of how quickly the sand environment can change.
To protect the island and its visitors, here are some helpful hints to guide you during your stay on the island:
When Sand Driving
- Stay on formed tracks. On the spot fines apply for driving on sand dunes.
- Engage locking hubs and four wheel drive on inland tracks and soft beaches.
- Check that your tyre pressure gauge works. If you choose to reduce your tyre pressure to help maintain traction on the inland tracks and soft sand, do so within manufacturer's specifications and reinflate your tyres again to resume speed on harder sand or mainland driving.
- Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking.
- Select low gears for soft, dry sand.
- If your vehicle bogs, reverse and try to drive forward again.
Watch the Tides!
- The best time to travel is around low tide. Avoid driving two hours either side of high tide and often for longer as some areas are more affected by tidal activity and onshore winds than others.
- Creeks flowing out onto beaches should be crossed with caution.
- Do not stop your vehicle in any creek bed, use low speed and check depth and sand softness before crossing.
- For safety, avoid travelling at night.
Driving on Moreton Island Safely
- Do not drive when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or medication.
- You need to be constantly alert and familiar with sand driving techniques - 4WD's handle differently in sand.
- Police visit the island with speed detectors and breathalyser units.
Before Heading Off
- Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound.
- Carry essential spares, extra fuel, water, tyre gauge, air pump, snatch strap, tow rope and first aid kit.
- Know how your vehicle handles in sand-driving conditions and use correct driving techniques.
Load Your Vehicle Correctly
- Do not overload your vehicle.
- Load your vehicle evenly with heavy items stored low.
- Vehicles with too much stored on roof racks can overturn or become stuck.
- Remember the weight and balance of a 4WD is different from a normal car.
Keep Below the Speed Limit
- The speed limit on the beach is 60km/hr or 30km/hr in beach safety zones, and as signed on the beach and tracks.
- Depending on conditions, safe travelling speeds could be much slower.
- People driving too fast for the unexpected are more likely to have accidents.
Obey All Road Rules
- Road rules apply on all island tracks and beaches.
- All vehicles must be registered.
- Wear seatbelts at all times.
- Keep left of oncoming vehicles at all times.
If you have any questions at all in regards to getting around the island and safe four wheel driving practices, please don't hesitate to ask our crew on the way over.
4WD Hire Companies
Need a 4WD to hire in Brisbane, we have supplied some links for your convenience of 4WD Hire companies in Brisbane.
Apollo Rentals
http://www.apollocamper.com/campervan-hire-adventure-4wd.aspx