MORETON AND STRADBROKE ISLANDS, QLD

WHILE you’re touring southeast Queensland, it’d be remiss not to lower your tyre pressures once more and tackle a few more of the beautiful islands in the region. Moreton and North Stradbroke (Straddie) Islands are two sand jewels that offer great off-roading fun.

What’s most enticing about Moreton Island is that it’s so close to Brisbane it makes for a perfect weekend escape – 40km from the heart of Brissy, to be exact. The island’s 18,000 hectares are packed with plenty of activities, which will keep the entire family enthralled for days – even weeks. There are countless swimming spots, surfing options (especially at the patrolled Main Beach), diving, fishing (at designated areas), bushwalking, sand-tobogganing (yep!), and of course 4Wding on the many sand tracks.

Of the island’s many points of interests, some recommendations include the unmissable Five Hills Lookout; the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse; whale-watching at the Blue Lagoon campground (from June to October) and a dip in Blue Lagoon lake; the Rous Battery World War II defence site; and Mirapool Lagoon.

The Micat ferry runs daily from the Port of Brisbane to the Tangalooma Wrecks on the island’s central-west coast. Camping and vehicle-access permits are required from the Qld Department of National Parks.

From Moreton Island, a ferry departs Kooringal to North Stradbroke Island (Straddie). Also accessible via the mainland at Cleveland, Straddie is another Mecca for swimming, surfing and fishing. With both bitumen and unsealed sand tracks, the fourwheel driving isn’t too shabby either.

In fact, the drive along Flinders Beach on the northern coastline is second-to-none, but it’s popular with both drivers and pedestrians, so remain alert. Another epic drive is the 24km southern journey along Main Beach, ending at Jumpinpin Channel. Other more difficult tracks weave through the island, including the tricky Keyhole Lakes Track.

A beach access permit is required for Straddie.