Driving On Teewah Beach/ Double Island point for The First Time

Driving On Teewah Beach/ Double Island point for The First Time

Here’s a blog-style guide to 4WD beach driving at Teewah Beach, Queensland:


🏖️ Welcome to your Teewah Beach Adventure

Located within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park, Teewah Beach is a stunning 51 km coastal road stretching from Noosa North Shore to Double Island Point.

This pristine sandy stretch functions as a gazetted road, governed by Queensland road rules so obey speed limits, seatbelt requirements, and avoid drink-driving.


🚗 Access & Vehicle Permits

  • Entry: Only accessible via 4WD high-clearance vehicles. Regular cars won’t make it over the sand.

  • Permit requirements:

    • A vehicle access permit (~approx AUD 30/week) is mandatory

    • A camping permit (~AUD 6.60/person/night) is also required.

  • Enforcement: Automated number-plate cameras at beach access points track compliance.


⛱️ Driving Conditions & Rules

  • Beach as road: For much of its length, Teewah Beach is legally considered a road under QLD transport law. All applicable traffic rules apply.

  • Speed limits: Typically, 80 km/h, except within the 14 km adjacent to the camping zone, where a 40 km/h limit applies for safety.

  • Safety: Always wear seatbelts, keep within limits, avoid alcohol, and watch for others on foot or wildlife.

  • Environmental care: Avoid driving on dunes or fragile coloured sand cliffs. Erosion and drifting sand pose collapse risks.


🏕️ Camping at Teewah

  • Designated zones only: Only the 7 camping zones are permitted areas. Camping anywhere else is illegal.

  • Zone options: Zones range in size from 1.1 km (#1) to 2.8 km (#3). Some are caravan-accessible; others are best for tents and trailers.

  • Facilities & restrictions:

    • No toilets or fresh water—bring your own water and a portable toilet.

    • Fires are prohibited, but low‑noise generators (≤ 2 kVa) allowed 7 am–9 pm.

    • BBQs must be fully self‑contained gas or fuel units—no open braziers.

    • Pack in & out all waste; rubbish left behind is subject to fines.


📍 Suggested Route Highlights

From Noosa North Shore

  1. Cross via the Noosa River Ferry

  2. Drive Beach Road to the 3rd beach cutting

  3. Engage 4WD and head north along Teewah Beach toward your camping zone and/or onward to Double Island Point (~44 km) or Rainbow Beach (~57 km total) 

From Rainbow Beach

  1. Take Freshwater Road inland track, approximately (~12 km of 4WD track)

  2. Connect to Teewah Beach heading south—with views transitioning from rainforest to coastline 

Both options offer epic coastal 4WD scenery.


✅ Preparation Checklist

  • ✅ Book and print vehicle access and camping permits in advance

  • ✅ Download tide times and check Cooloola conditions updates

  • ✅ Pack enough water, food, and recovery gear (winch, shovel, boards)

  • ✅ Travel with trusted companions or in convoy

  • ✅ Driving tips: keep momentum over soft sand, lower tyre pressures, avoid wheel spin


🌅 What to Expect

  • Magnificent scenery: coloured sand cliffs, ocean vistas, and opportunities for whale-watching and bushwalking 

  • Outdoor activities: fishing (whiting, bream, tailor), walking to Red Canyon, exploring Double Island Point, or camping under the stars.

  • Be a responsible visitor—help keep this coastal paradise safe and pristine.

 



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