Where Hire Cars Cannot Go in Queensland
Queensland driving restrictions depend on the rental agreement, vehicle and road conditions. As one company example, Hertz prohibits driving on K’gari, Moreton Island and South Stradbroke Island, and restricts parts of Cape York and the Bloomfield Track.
Updated
Key facts
- Hertz island rule
- Driving on K’gari, Moreton Island and South Stradbroke Island is prohibited
- Bloomfield Track
- Driving on it is prohibited in Hertz terms
- Cape York
- Hertz prohibits driving north of Bramwell Junction Roadhouse and on the Old Telegraph Track
- Moreton vehicle
- High-clearance, low-range 4WD strongly recommended
- Moreton vehicle permit
- Valid vehicle access permit required
- K’gari park vehicle
- High-clearance, low-range 4WD needed
Does a 4WD rental allow every beach?
No. A vehicle may be physically capable but contractually prohibited. Hertz, for example, prohibits driving on K’gari, Moreton Island and South Stradbroke Island, so a 4WD booking with that company does not clear those islands.
What about Cape York and the Bloomfield Track?
Hertz prohibits driving north of Bramwell Junction Roadhouse, on any part of the Old Telegraph Track, and east of the Peninsula Developmental Road including Portland Road and the Lockhart River region. It also prohibits the Bloomfield Track, the Savannah Way from Normanton to Borroloola, and the Bourke Development Road from Chillagoe to Normanton from December to May. Other companies set their own terms, so read the conditions of the company you book with and check current road status before planning a route north of Cairns.
What does the park require on Moreton Island?
Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) needs a valid vehicle access permit, and vehicles must be registered. Low-clearance and all-wheel-drive vehicles are not suitable; a high-clearance, low-range 4WD is strongly recommended. The permit covers park access only. Your hire agreement still decides whether the vehicle may be driven on the ferry, sand roads or beach.
Does ferry permission cover beaches or unsealed roads?
No. Ferry travel, unsealed roads and beach driving can be separate restrictions in a rental agreement. Hertz, for example, allows vehicles on certain ferries with its prior permission, yet prohibits driving on K’gari and Moreton Island. Check the exact island, ferry, beach and track with the company before reserving; a park permit or 4WD booking is not a substitute for written rental permission.
Where should you pick up a suitable vehicle?
Cairns Airport suits a north Queensland road trip, while Brisbane and Hervey Bay are nearer the southern sand islands. Choose a specialist vehicle only after the company has approved the exact roads, ferry and recovery terms in writing.
Compare cars at Cairns Airport
Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
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Questions people ask
Can a rental car go on K’gari?
Only if the rental company explicitly permits it; Hertz prohibits driving on the island.
Can a hire 4WD drive on Moreton Island?
Check the contract first. The park also requires a vehicle access permit and recommends a high-clearance, low-range 4WD.
Is the Bloomfield Track allowed in a hire car?
It varies by company; Hertz prohibits it in its terms.
Does a vehicle access permit override the rental contract?
No. Both the park and rental conditions must permit the journey.
Can a rental car use a Queensland vehicle ferry?
Only if your rental company permits that crossing. Hertz, for example, requires its prior permission for ferries, and ferry permission does not cover driving on prohibited islands or unsealed roads.