In my mind, only three things are certain in life: death, taxes and that bitumen roads are bloody boring. So, tackling a trip like Brisbane to Sydney using as many dirt roads as possible is, in my mind, an absolute dream trip. And that might sound surprising, because it’s not K’gari, or the Canning, or, in fact any of the big-ticket items. It’s a gem, hidden in plain sight just waiting for adventurous wheelers to take it on, and the best bit? You’re in charge, you can choose where you want to point the bonnet. Unlike many other journeys, this one isn’t linear.
So, for our first bite-size chunk, we steered our way from North Stradbroke Island to Tenterfield. Partly by design, partly because Mother Nature in all her ferocity forced us that way due to fires. The real party piece of this leg is that it had something for 4X4er, mud, ruts, sand, corrugations and almost everything in between.
North Stradbroke Island
Cue what is possibly the only island I haven’t managed to find myself bogged up to the rear-view mirrors on. I can’t lie (I mean, you’ve all seen the show) that likely had a lot to do with the factory twin-locked Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor I was driving. North Stradbroke Island, or ‘Straddie’ as affectionately known by locals, isn’t just a haven for beachgoers and sun-seekers who missed all the ads loudly proclaiming that tanning is skin cells in trauma; it’s also a deadset paradise for 4X4ers craving a certain kind of adventure, one only an island can provide. Tucked away just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, this island gem offers a rugged playground for wheelers looking to test their mettle against the elements.
With its expansive stretches of untouched coastline, and hidden tracks snaking through lush bushland, Straddie served as the perfect launchpad for our daring expedition. I’d heard that people can never settle for visiting this place just once, and I can see why. Simply put: it’s stunning.
What really blows my mind is that once you’re on the soft stuff with 4X4 engaged, you won’t feel like you’re a mere stone’s throw from Brisbane’s CBD, it provides a sense of remoteness and it does that whilst also providing incredible fresh seafood, fuel, bottle shops and grocery stores. This island is as forgiving as they come, forgot to pack the steaks? No worries. Not blessed with a long-range tank? That’s all good, Straddie has you covered. You can even bring your furry friend!
If I could pick just one thing to do while on the Straddie, it’d be wheeling your way to Tripping Rocks Lookout, but, you’ll need to watch Season 16, Episode 1 to find it.
With the campsites slept in, wheeling ticked off and sights seen it was time to head on to our next stop along the way.
The Condamine River Track
With the fleet of Ford’s now pointed southwest, we set out to tackle the Condamine River Track. A 4X4ers paradise that boasts no less than fourteen river crossings. While that may sound intimidating, this pearler track is perfect for beginner off-roaders. You’ll find yourself winding your way through what feels like the polar opposite to Straddie. Dusty tracks, steep valleys and gorgeous farmland as far as the eye can see. Towering eucalyptus trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets of centuries past. Crystal-clear creeks babble merrily alongside the trail, inviting weary travellers to pause and drink in the tranquillity of their waters. Okay, you get the idea. But, boy, oh boy. This track got under my skin.
Finding the Track:
The Condamine River 4X4 Track lies within the picturesque Scenic Rim area of South East Queensland, around a two-hour drive from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Stretching around 20 kilometres, the Condamine River Road typically takes between 40 to 50 minutes to navigate, subject to road conditions and water levels. It’s advisable to have a high-clearance 4X4 for this adventure.
The closest township to the trail is Killarney, situated just a few kilometres from the southern entry point of the track.
With the Condamine River Track ticked off it was off for what would be our camp by night, and adventure playground my day.
SPRINGS 4X4 PARK
Located between the Queensland towns of Warwick and Stanthorpe lays what is quite possibly one of the best 4X4 parks in Australia, The Springs. This joint has it all from immaculate amenities, perfect campsites and most importantly, almost every kind of 4X4 track you could possibly imagine. From winch truck challenge courses to steep rock crawls, mud courses and even an uphill, offroad dragstrip.
This absolute paradise for wheelers is owned and maintained by Lucas, Michelle, and Tyler. Three incredible people with a shared passion for all things 4X4. Because there’s over 700 acres of tracks, there truly is something for any skillset on offer here so don’t be intimidated. It’s easy to spend an incredible weekend here exploring your way around.
Finding the Springs 4X4 Park:
Address: 21153 NEW ENGLAND HWY, THE GLEN, 4370, QLD
Contact Details: 0448 948 608
Tenterfield Region
With the Springs 4X4 Park well and truly driven, we set off for the final part of the leg. Exploring the Tenterfield Region, we found ourselves firstly on Pyramids Road, heading for the Girraween National Park – granite country. Once reaching the National Park we turned on to Norman Road, one of the precious few 4X4 tracks in the area, and one that certainly doesn’t disappoint. In the dry the track is a somewhat leisurely drive, but that could be a different story in the wet. From there we made our way to Mount Norman, having parked up the rigs, we donned our boots and set off on foot.
Ahead of us were two things: a huge granite rock promising one heck of a hike with views that’d make the trek more than worth it, and unbeknownst to us – a raging inferno that was headed our way. From the ground it was hard to see, and with the wind headed the opposite direction, even harder to smell. As we reached the summit, however, it all became clear. While Pat, Odell and I were busy soaking up the views, Tommy our drone pilot noted the winds had now changed and the situation was becoming dire. Our mission had been accomplished and the near vertical climb indeed led to views that didn’t disappoint, alas there wasn’t much time to enjoy them. In order to keep our crew and vehicles safe, we needed to get back on the road.
Fighting our way through flames that had engulfed both sides of the road, with aerial support attacking the road from all angles we found ourselves at a roadblock set up by local authorities. Concerned about unexploded ordnances close to our location they weren’t taking any chances, all we could do was watch as the tragedy before us unfolded, until finally, a break in the wind meant we could put the peddle to the metal and seek refuge in the nearby Tenterfield Region.
Setting up camp at the local Red Cross evacuation centre, we felt safe and began to ponder what the locals must be going through. With Tenterfield making it out relatively unscathed overnight and roads beginning to open we decided to explore the Boonoo Boonoo National Park, just north of our location.
The area boasts hidden swimming holes, stunning views and platypi aplenty. A welcome change from the prior situation we’d found ourselves in. Our first stop was the aptly named Platypus Hole Picnic Area, a spot where we were granted the rare chance to watch the local platypi play while we sipped on our morning cuppa, and let me tell you: we didn’t have to look hard to find them.
Invigorated by caffeine and a distinct lack of choking smoke we pushed on, toward a secret watering hole. A Patski special. Just before link road, there’s a small turn-off where we parked up and once again, set off on foot. It didn’t take long before we found ourselves with a private swimming hole each, perfectly tempered water brought the relief we needed. And the views? Well, they just speak for themselves.
The easiest way to find these hidden swimming holes is by watching Season 16, episode 1 – that way you can see exactly what you’re in for. But, to make it even easier, we’ve also put our exact route, including all the incredible places we visited on the MR4X4 website.
