Sunshine Coast
Escape
It doesn’t take long to leave the bustle behind. Within 30 minutes of the Sunshine Motorway, you can be climbing mountain tracks, airing down your tyres, or crossing shallow creeks surrounded by towering gums. The 4WD scene on the Sunshine Coast is all about quick escapes — you can spend a morning grabbing coffee in Noosa, and by lunchtime, be on a remote track in the hinterland.
Heading inland, Kenilworth, Imbil, and Mapleton mark the start of the true 4WD territory. These areas sit between the Sunshine Coast and the Mary Valley, wrapped in Imbil State Forest, Conondale National Park, and Mapleton National Park — all of which offer an impressive network of gravel roads and 4WD tracks of varying difficulty.
To the north, Noosa North Shore and the sand highway of Teewah Beach form part of one of the most scenic 4WD routes in Australia, eventually leading all the way to Rainbow Beach and K’gari (Fraser Island). With the right permits, tide times, and tyre pressures, you can drive from pavement to beach within minutes of leaving Tewantin.
Whether you’re in it for the forest, the beach, or the open firepit at the end of the track, the Sunshine Coast is the kind of place that lets you choose your own adventure — no long-haul travel required.
Explore
One of the best parts about 4WDing on the Sunny Coast is the variety. In one weekend, you can hit tight, muddy rainforest tracks in the hinterland, climb rocky ridgelines with valley views, and cruise the salt-sprayed sands of Teewah Beach.
Imbil State Forest & Kenilworth Region
This area is a haven for off-roaders and campers. Sunday Creek Road, Booloumba Creek Road, and tracks around Charlie Moreland Campground offer a mix of gravel roads, creek crossings, and technical terrain.
- Booloumba Creek Road has multiple creek crossings, leading into Conondale National Park and some of the best swimming holes and waterfalls in SEQ.
- Mt Allan Fire Tower Track rewards you with panoramic views after a winding climb through dense forest.
Mapleton National Park & Gheerulla
For those based closer to the coast, Mapleton offers great entry-level 4WDing. The Gheerulla 4WD Track Loop features dirt roads and lookout access, connecting back to scenic points like Point Glorious — a lesser-known ridge with dramatic views toward the hinterland and coast.
- The track here is often clay-based, so conditions can vary wildly depending on recent weather.
- Some areas require high clearance and traction aids, especially in wet conditions.
Noosa North Shore & Teewah Beach
At the northern end of the region lies the jewel of Sunshine Coast 4WDing — Teewah Beach. After a short ferry ride across the Noosa River at Tewantin, the sand becomes your highway. Drive past the towering coloured sands, pull up beside rolling surf, and camp directly on the beach.
- Keep a close eye on tides — sections of the beach are impassable at high tide.
- Popular entry point for those continuing to Double Island Point, Rainbow Beach, and Inskip Point for Fraser Island access.
Adventure
Whether you're chasing beachfront campfires or rainforest solitude, the Sunshine Coast offers an exceptional range of 4WD-accessible campsites.
🏕 Charlie Moreland Campground (Imbil State Forest)
- Surrounded by forest, with grassy sites near a creek.
- Perfect base to explore Sunday Creek Road, Mt Allan, and Imbil fire trails.
- Flush toilets, fire rings, and access to walking trails.
🏕 Booloumba Creek Campgrounds (Conondale National Park)
- Split into Campgrounds 1, 3, and 4 — all nestled by the creek.
- 4WD-only access (creek crossings), especially after rain.
- Incredible swimming, hiking, and scenery nearby.
🏕 Gheerulla Camping Area (Mapleton NP)
- Remote-style bush camp with limited facilities.
- Great for staging weekend trips into the 4WD loop.
- Bring your own water and firewood.
🏕 Teewah Beach Camping
- Beachfront camping along the sand dunes north of Noosa.
- Permit required for vehicle and campsite.
- Pit toilets at intervals, otherwise fully self-sufficient.
Whether you're chasing misty morning hikes in the forest or surfside BBQs under the stars, this region packs the best of both worlds.
10 Things Not to Miss on the Sunshine Coast (4WD Edition)
- Crossing the creeks at Booloumba Road — clear, shallow, and the start of real adventure.
- Watching sunrise on Teewah Beach — the sand glows gold and the world feels endless.
- Driving the Sunday Creek loop — forest, ridgelines, and wild country all around.
- Climbing to Mt Allan Fire Tower — hike it or drive close and walk the last bit for epic views.
- Whipping up a campfire dinner at Charlie Moreland — simple, peaceful, and perfect.
- Spotting koalas and wallabies at dusk near Kenilworth Bluff.
- Catching tailor or dart off the beach at Double Island Point.
- Swimming at Artists Cascades near Booloumba Creek — one of the region’s best natural gems.
- Ferry crossing at Tewantin — short but exciting way to start a beach run.
- Camping under the stars on Teewah — fire crackling, ocean roaring, and total peace.
Trip Snapshot: Sunshine Coast 4WD Getaway
Distance from Brisbane
~1.5–2 hours (depending on area — Kenilworth, Noosa, etc.)
4WD Access
Required for Booloumba, Teewah, Gheerulla loops
Best Time to Go
Autumn and Spring (cooler, drier, less crowded)
Top Tracks
Sunday Creek Road, Teewah Beach, Mt Allan, Gheerulla Loop
Top Campsites
Charlie Moreland, Booloumba Creek, Teewah Beach
Facilities
Varies — some with toilets/fire rings, others bush camping
Permits Needed
Vehicle access and camping permits (QPWS + Noosa North Shore)
Essential Gear
Tyre deflator, compressor, snatch strap, firepit (if allowed)
Ideal Trip Length
2–4 days (weekend or long weekend)
Activities
4WDing, hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, stargazing
Our Instagram
