Hello, Maxxis Man here – getting geared up for a next pretty amazing road trip which will get those tyres turning and you out of your everyday routine for a bit of weekend adventuring! This time we’re hitting the road from Brisbane to Hervey Bay – and, you might even like to hop across to Fraser Island (K’gari) while you’re there. If you haven’t ventured out this way before, be prepared for some seriously spectacular scenery, birdlife, loads of ocean seascapes, heaps of sand and even a whale or two – but hey, we’re in Australia so amazing countryside goes with the territory just about anywhere you’re headed! So, if you’re up for the ride and ready for some exploring (on- and off-the-grid if you have the right vehicle), hope you’ll join me…
Where are we going?
All up from the centre of Brisbane to Hervey Bay, we’re looking at a distance of 295km, travelling north via the M1 and Bruce Highway for about 3.5 hours. While being a good destination for a weekend drive, a day or two (or more) added on will allow you to take your time and stop for some sight-seeing along the way. While humpback whale-watching is one of its main attractions from July to November (for which it’s famous around the globe) – whether you’re a sunny Queenslander or coming from further afield, there’s really nothing to stop you from enjoying this great destination any time of year. If you have Fraser Island in your sights – barges and ferries depart from River Heads (20 minutes south of Hervey Bay). You can check the daily timetable and find more information on the island transfers here.
What car to drive and the all-important question of tyres
For this one, if you’ve got an SUV, crossover or even you’re more of a serious off-roader – it’s the perfect opportunity to put those award-winning Maxxis RAZR MT’s to the test! Recently announced as the winner of the 4×4 Australia’s 2020 Tyre Test, they’re the real deal! These tyres perform awesomely in the wet and dry and on- and off-road, plus they’re good for comfort and low road-noise. Getting to Hervey Bay is an easy drive – for just about any vehicle. However, if you’re planning to go over to Fraser Island — the world’s largest sand island – make sure you’ve got the right type of 4WD with tyres that can do the job — RAZRs of course are a perfect fit!
Where to stop off…
Some of the best road trips are those when you can take your time and enjoy some of the sights along the way – and this trip really won’t disappoint if you have time to spare.
- The Glass House Mountains in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland (about an hour from Brisbane as you head north) is a destination in itself with 11 imposing volcanic peaks seen for miles around. There’s a visitor centre – so if you’re up for some bushwalking, rock climbing or just want to take in the views – this is the perfect stop to find out more about the area.
- Another iconic Sunshine Coast spot (a bit further on) is the renowned Eumundi Markets. Packed with locally produced arts, crafts, home baked goods and other treasures, along with buskers and street performers, it’s a Saturday highlight of the area which you won’t want to miss!
- And just before you get to Hervey Bay (on the Mary River, about 20 minutes from your destination) the “Heritage City” of Maryborough, has loads of historic buildings and rich military history to explore with its annual “Relish Food and Wine Festival” (coming up in June), a noteworthy calendar event. Once Australia’s largest port, this town’s also got its own piece of Mary Poppins’ magic, being the birthplace of the Mary Poppins creator (P.L Travers) way back when! So, if you’re a fan, definitely don’t let this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious opportunity pass you by.
When you get there…
As you drive into Hervey Bay, you’ll see for yourself that road trip destinations don’t get much better than this! With km after km of pristine sandy beaches protected by Fraser Island, the ocean is known for being calm and perfect for swimming – plus it has a picture-perfect esplanade for walking, cycling and rollerblading — that just goes on and on. Hervey Bay is also a paradise for camping, caravanning or taking a relaxing break at one of the many accommodation options (from basic to eco to the ultra-luxurious!) And, with its mild climate, cafes, shops, restaurants and friendly holiday vibe – you and your tribe will be sure to feel at home — right from the get-go!
A note about Fraser Island…
If your trip’s end game is to give your 4×4 and Maxxis tyres a spin on some sandy tracks – put World Heritage Listed, Fraser Island (which is 4WD-only territory with no paved roads) into your sat nav! A practised 4WD’er will already know the drill when driving on sand, such as reducing tyre pressure and speed – but if you’re not yet skilled in this type of off-roading, it’s advisable to do plenty of research before you set off. It’s also important to know that you’ll need a permit to drive on the island, and make sure you’re informed about the tides, have a detailed map and take note of other relevant guidelines and rules provided to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the island. Once you’re there, it’s any avid off-roader’s perfect 4WD playground – and having a good set of RAZRs will have you set for just about any challenge that presents!
Now it’s over to you…
Ready to get those tyres out there making their mark through this stunning part of Queensland? As always, remember to do a thorough safety check of your vehicle before you set off — including checking your tyres are correctly inflated while they are still cool. Until next time, this is the Maxxis Man, signing off and wishing you an awesome ride!
Please note: The information offered in this blog is of a general nature only and should in no respect replace detailed research, travel and safety preparations as relevant to your individual requirements and vehicle.
