Glasshouse Mountains Panorama at Sunrise — The Sunshine Coast’s Glasshouse Mountains at Sunrise

Queensland. Like the tourism campaigns have said for decades; Beautiful one day. Perfect the next. The regions of our home state, Queensland, have the tourists flocking from interstate and overseas all year round.

From the iconic Old Telegraph Track and Cape York in the north to the mountains and beaches of the south-east. All the way west to one of Australia’s best-known pubs, the Birdsville Hotel and the Simpson Desert. Queensland is home to some spectacular and varied four-wheel drive destinations.

In South-East Queensland, the beautiful beaches offer some great places to get some sand under the tyres. These include Fraser, Stradbroke, Moreton and Bribie Islands. Further afield, the beaches of the Bundaberg region are home to some four-wheel driving and camping gems.

Driving our ute on the beach at Bribie Island — Enjoying a day out on the beach at Bribie Island

Both the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Hinterlands provide some spectacular and challenging rainforest, mountain and bush drives. Many of which can be done in a day trip from Brisbane. The fourteen crossings of the Condamine River on the Cambanoora Gorge drive, near Killarney, is one of the regions favourites.

4WD driving through the water — Crossing one of the fourteen river crossings on the Condamine Gorge 4WD Track

A plethora of national parks also lay claim to some great four-wheel driving throughout the state. These include Sundown, Lawn Hill, Blackdown Tablelands and Byfield National Parks. However, the ultimate national park and off-road destination has to be the Simpson Desert.

Although the dirt roads west are not technically challenging, a reliable 4WD made to handle the rough conditions is crucial. A stop in at the iconic Birdsville Hotel and a sunrise on Big Red is essential.

Big Red sand dune in the Simpson Desert at Sunrise — Sunrise on top of Big Red in the Simpson Desert

Crossing the Simpson Desert is an epic off-road expedition and should be on every serious four-wheel driver’s bucket list. No matter which route you choose, you will be blown away by the vastness and beauty of this incredible environment.

Cairns and Tropical North Queensland are a paradise for four-wheel drive adventurers. Renowned for the unspoilt rainforest, rugged mountain ranges, ancient gorges and stunning coastline, this region provides some seriously beautiful locations to explore.

There is no doubt, however, that Cape York is the most iconic four-wheel drive expedition destination in Queensland. The Old Telegraph Track, with its infamous Gunshot Creek crossing, is a must-do for serious four-wheel-drive travellers.

Waterfall on the Dulhunty River, Cape York — The picturesque falls of the Dulhunty River, Cape York.

Although the ultimate goal is usually to reach the most northerly point of the Australian mainland (and get a photo with THAT sign), you soon discover that this is truly an example of the journey being just as important as the destination. There are plenty of route options to ponder, all of which are an experience in themselves. The Bloomfield Track, from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown, is a spectacular way to see the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and to get a taste of the stunning rainforests of the Tropical North.

The CREB track and the Old Coach Road from Maytown to Laura, on the Palmer River Goldfields, offer up some seriously technical four-wheel drive challenges. Lakefield and Cape Melville National Parks are also stunning locations and offer some picturesque scenery and camp spots.