The Great Sandy National park on the Cooloola coast is a an all year round 4wd destination. Expect high rainfalls throughout summer but the region experiences plenty of rain all year round - making it the famous rainfores area it is. The Great Sandy National Park includes both Fraser Island and the Cooloola coast which we focus on here.

Just like on Fraser Island, it is prohibited to collect firewood, so bring your own if you head off on a 4WD adventure. Bring all of your own supplies for although close to Gympie and Noosa Heads, once you are on your 4WD adventures there is no place to stock up. To get to the National Park you will either movie in from the South from Noosa Heads or from the North from Tin can Bay and the town of Rainbow Beach.

You will be captured by this coastal areas natural wonders, boasting mangroves, a multitude of impressive banksias, crystal clear lakes and river - all accessible by 4WD. As always when taking your 4WD onto sand and beach - don't forget to lower the tyre pressure. There is plenty of opportunity at either end of the tracks to refill your tires before you hit the highways on the way home from your 4WD excursion.

There is campgrounds in Noosa, Rainbow beach and Tewantin. If you want to camp along the beach, please observe the clearly indicated restrictions and get yourself a camping permit from the rangers office in Rainbow Beach. At time of writing this camping is permitted between the section of Teewah Beach and South of Freshwater Creek. Due to recovery projects this may change - so observe the signs indicating where you can camp.

Park your 4WD once in a while to head off walking on one of the many tracks through the Great sandy National park. You can enjoy canoeing on the lakes and there is plenty of sightseeing from Carlo Sandblow to the rainforest to the faboulous beaches along your 4WD track. This coast is amongst the most popular in Queensland and just like Fraser Island it can get very crowded at times. If you are an international traveller planning your 4WD trip to the area we suggest you observe the local holidays (mainly around christmas) and avoid them at all costs. You will have the beach and the 4WD dream of a national Park to yourself in january while december will see you in with the local 4WD crowd.

Don't forget to thoroughly rinse your 4WD vehicle after beach driving. Both Rainbow Beach and Tewantin are fully equipped (service stations) to help you clear the salt of your 4WD.