It's official: 100km beach drive!

Aussie RV travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to challenging, self-drive adventures.

Good examples include the Outback Way, a 2800km road trip from Laverton in Western Australia to Winton, Queensland, described as ‘Australia’s longest shortcut’, and the Savannah Way, a 3700km drive across the Top End from Cairns to Broome.

But now there’s the Great Beach Drive, a salty, slippery route that links 100km of spectacular beach driving, dramatic coastline and native flora and fauna along Queensland’s Sunshine and Fraser coasts.

Australia’s Nature Coast, which was established by the Sunshine and Fraser Coast tourism organisations to jointly market their regions, has put together an itinerary involving six drives covering the region, which can be tailored to meet individual interests and time limitations.

The full journey covers two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, a World Heritage-listed Marine Park and the largest sand island in the world (Fraser Island).

While subject to tidal and weather condition, the touring route is suitable for most experienced off-road drivers and can be covered in anything from a long weekend to a full week, depending on the level of activities undertaken during the drive.

The Great Beach Drive starts in the upmarket beachside village of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, and follows the ‘beach highway’ to Rainbow Beach, across to Fraser Island, then back to Hervey Bay and up to Maryborough, before heading back to the Sunshine Coast via Tin Can Bay.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) CEO, Simon Ambrose, said the drive was ideal for 4WD enthusiasts who wanted to combine passion for off-road driving with the benefit of experiencing one of Australia’s most attractive coastlines.

“Australia boasts one of the highest ownerships of 4WD vehicles, and with our range of drive itineraries, it will give plenty of opportunity to test out the car while also having a spectacular holiday,” Ambrose said.

“It is suitable for those who want to camp along the way, or stay in quality hotel accommodation. And we also have options for guided 4WD trips on both Fraser Island and along Rainbow Beach.

“The condition of the ‘beach highway’ is uniformly excellent, and drivers can get access to regular updates about road conditions as well as tidal information to plan their trips well in advance.”

For further details including information on tide times, track conditions, safety guidelines, camping and permits, see the Australia’s Nature Coast website.