Discover 4 of Central Queensland’s epic 4×4 tracks!

Written By: Alyssah Anderson

About the author:

Driven by a passion for the region, Alyssah is a Rockhampton local who works as a marketing and communications officer, sharing her storytelling skills to enhance the profile of our exciting destination. When not writing about the wonderful discoveries you will find when you Visit Capricorn, you will find Alyssah out and about exploring every opportunity to experience the best our region has to offer.

If you are lucky enough to own a 4WD, warm up your engines and get ready for endless memories of exciting off-road adventures.

Our destination is packed full of secret places, unspoiled hideaways and the very best camping and fishing spots. Your real journey begins the moment the sealed road runs out so get your rig off the bitumen, pick up some dirt and sand on your wheels and discover the best spots on offer when you #visitcapricorn.

Important note: For those beaches where four-wheel-driving is permitted, drive on the hard sand below the high tide mark only. Turtles nest in dunes above the high tide mark and are easily crushed under the weight of a vehicle. Plus, the tyre marks left behind creates a mountainous climb not a nice flat walk for the nesting turtles. This climb uses up more of the turtles, energy and reduces its chance of survival.

If you come across sick, injured or deceased marine animals, please report to the Marine Stranding Hotline – 1300 130 372.

How about adding a little adventure into your upcoming road-trip! There is an abundance of off-road ventures to choose from, so we have compiled four (plus a bonus track!) of our favourite roads less travelled within easy reach – perfect for throwing some dust up on your next holiday.

Blackdown Tablelands National Park

Surrounded by waterfalls and huge rock formations, the easy 10-30km track at Blackdown Tablelands National Park takes you on a loop through fantastic scenery. The entrance to the track is 10kms west of Dingo on the Capricorn Highway, 183 kilometres west of Rockhampton. Driving through sand, sharp rocks, mud, steep ascents/descents and clay, you will see lots of wildlife including goannas!

View Outback and Sapphire Gemfields drive loop>>>

Salvator Rosa, Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Find your perfect camping spot along the Nogoa River after taking the trip on the unsealed roads to Salvator Rosa in Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Delve into a stunning landscape of towering cliffs, colourful gorges, endless views and sites steeped in historic and cultural connections. Approximately 168 kilometres west of Springsure in Central Highlands, the route to Nagoa River Camping Area can be unexpectedly slow due to predominantly unsealed roads. Note that roads become impassable in wet weather.

View Reef, Beef and Carnarvon Gorge drive loop>>>

Sandy Point – Yeppoon, Capricorn Coast

Sandy point is a pristine stretch of beach stretching 17km north of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast. At Bangalee, there is 4WD access onto Farnborough Beach where you begin your cruisy drive along the sand, checking out the spectacular coastline and stopping to dip your toes along the way. Beach driving on Farnborough Beach does not require a permit, however, always remember that road rules apply and that these areas are often patrolled by police. Also, keep your eye out for children playing near the water and on the sand.

Please note: From 1st November 2022, and to help mitigate negative impact on the environment and residents, a ‘temporary road closure’ will be effective from 8:00pm to 4:00am (7) seven days a week for a three (3) month trial. Once the trial is completed formal stakeholder and community consultation will occur to help provide intel into community thoughts regarding continuance or permanency of the trial. The road closure applies to motorised vehicular traffic only, pedestrians and non-motorised traffic will continue to have full access to Farnborough Beach, all hours. For more information, visit https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/beaches.

Big Sandy to Five Rocks – Yeppoon, Capricorn Coast

This is one sand dune that must always be treated with respect. The 1km long uphill run in your 4WD leaves no room for error and if you have the wrong tyre pressure, you will need to reverse back down and start again. This is the only (potentially fun!) obstacle before hitting Nine Mile Beach – which is exactly that – nine miles of unbelievable beach driving. Take the tracks off Nine Mile to Northern Corio, Five Rocks and Stockyard Point. Allow one hour from Water Park Creek in Byfield State Forest to reach Five Rocks and Nine Mile beaches or Byfield Conservation Park in good weather.

View more road trips and journeys>>>

More tips and stories

Social Links
Have local tips and special deals sent to your inbox.
First and last name
First Name Last Name
Your email address*

Your Postcode*
Your Postcode
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright © 2024 Visit Capricorn | Designed in the Capricorn Region by Almost Anything | Privacy Policy