Scenic drives summary
Fraser Island's beaches and sandy inland roads are suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Engage 4WD (and lock hubs if necessary on your vehicle) as soon as you start driving on sand. Read and heed all signage. All road rules apply.
Please read Driving safely before you drive on Fraser Island.
| Location | Route | Distance (minimum time, no stops) | Description | Extra hints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Lakes scenic drive | Recommended direction: Central Station > Pile Valley > Lake McKenzie > Lake Wabby lookout > eastern beach |
30km, allow 2 hours. | The drive mainly traverses tall open forest. Pile Valley has an impressive stand of satinay trees with tall, straight trunks. Lake McKenzie has clear water and a wide beach of white sand. On the way to the eastern beach, stop in and walk to the Lake Wabby lookout for a glorious view of Lake Wabby and Stonetool Sandblow. | In peak periods (summer holidays and Easter) the road through Lake McKenzie can become very congested and parking may not be available. Plan to arrive at Lake McKenzie before 10.30am or after 2.30pm, otherwise there may be delays. |
| Southern Lakes scenic drive | Start at either end: Dilli Village > Lakes Boomanjin > Lake Benaroon > Lake Birrabeen > Central Station |
30km, allow 2 hours. | This drive takes you through mature hoop pine plantations, native tall forests, then passes into open forest with extensive areas of banksia woodland, wallum heathlands and reedy swamps. | Check tide times if you plan to include the Eurong - Dilli Village beach drive as an extension of your trip. Avoid driving during the two hours either side of high tide. |
| Lake Garawongera scenic drive | Start at either end: Happy Valley > Lake Garawongera > Poyungan Valley |
15km, allow 1 hour | This drive passes through mainly tall closed forest. It continues through open woodland to the beach. Stopover at Lake Garawongera for a picnic and relax by its dark waters, lined with reeds and melaleuca trees. | This is a very rough inland track. Experienced 4WD users only. |
| Northern Forests scenic drive | Start at either end: Happy Valley > Yidney Scrub > Lake Allom > south of The Pinnacles (eastern beach) |
36km, allow 2.5 hours. | From Happy Valley drive north-west and head towards Yidney Scrub. From here the drive crosses through rainforest and wallum woodland, past the Boomerang Lakes and on to Lake Allom. Stop in at the lookout over Knifeblade Sandblow before reaching the eastern beach, just south of The Pinnacles. | This track is very rough and remote. Experienced and self-sufficient 4WD users only. Expect no mobile phone coverage. If travelling back along the beach avoid driving during the two hours either side of high tide. |
Last updated: 22 December 2005