Inskip Point, the gateway to the southern end of Fraser Island, appears deceptively tranquil with its stretches of sand, calm waters, and stunning views. But these few hundred meters have been a nemesis for more than a few 4X4ers over the years, young and old. The area is so notorious that it even has its own Facebook page titled “I Got Bogged at Inskip Point.” The shared stories range from mildly embarrassing to downright disastrous. So, what do you need to do to make sure you don’t end up a meme? We’re glad you asked.
Lowering Tyre Pressures: The First Step
Start with the basics, tyre pressures. The sand here is SOFT so what works on a harder-packed beach isn’t going to cut it, drop down to around 16-18psi to stop your pride and joy sinking to its axles the minute you roll onto the point.
Selecting the Right Gear
It’s not just about the tyres. Selecting the right gear is equally vital. Forget about diff locks for a moment; the focus should be on getting into low range to help tap into your engine’s torque, you’ll need all of it here. First or second gear is about as high as you’ll want to be too if you’re in a manual cog swapper. If you’re driving something a little flasher, flick it into sand mode here. It’ll engage low-range for you, and set the vehicles traction control up to handle a bit of wheel slip without freaking out.
Driving Technique: Go With the Flow
With the right tyre pressure and gear selection, driving should be relatively smooth. Now it’s up to you. A common mistake among beginners, or just 4X4ers who’ve never really thought about it: fighting the steering wheel. In these sandy ruts, it’s best to let the vehicle find its path naturally. Sudden steering adjustments can lead to loss of control or getting bogged down. And it’ll leave you an absolute wreck after too.
Be Prepared for the Worst
Even with the best preparations, getting bogged is a possibility. Always being prepared with essential recovery gear. This includes a snatch strap with rated shackles, recovery boards (Pat uses ExiTrax on his Ranger), and ideally, a winch. Having these tools and knowing how to use them can make a significant difference in a tricky situation.
Success is yours
Navigating Inskip Point’s sandy terrain requires a blend of proper preparation and technique. By following Pat’s advice on tyre pressures, gear selection, and driving technique, coupled with being equipped for potential recovery scenarios, drivers can confidently tackle this challenging stretch. It’s about enjoying the adventure while respecting the unpredictability of nature’s sandbox.
