For those eager to set their own travel agenda, a four wheel drive is the most practical way to discover the most popular sites of Fraser Island as well as the less-known hideaways in between. Vehicles can be hired from the mainland or even on the island. You must obtain a vehicle permit before entering Fraser Island and a barge booking unless travelling from Inskip Point where the barges cross regularly.

Anyone considering doing Fraser by 4WD should remember the dangers involved in driving on the sand. The sandscapes tend to be soft, shifting and unpredictable, with the exception of the hard sand on the beach. Remember, though, the further you drive from the waters edge, the softer the sand. Keep your speed down, avoid washouts from the creeks and streams, and travel on the hard-packed sand at the waters edge. The best time to drive on the beach is the 2 hours either side of low tide.