Member - Royce replied:

1. Easy to get around. Deflate tyres and drive at a suitable speed. Keep on he firm sand and out of the water. Check before you enter water... walk it or ask others.

2. Any 4by with clearance will do the job.

3. Others will have to advise about weather at this time... shouldn't matter much though.

4. Best compressor you can afford.... even take a hand pump...

a SNATCH strap is essential for others to pull you out of a bog. Not expensive.

5. Don't worry about treatment underneath... just wash off the salt when you get back.... do it thoroughly!

Have fun. Lake McKenzie is magnificent.... but look out for the dingos!!

Member - Norm C (QLD) replied:

5 Star, Fraser Island is an easy and fun place to visit if you have the right vehicle and a bit of knowledge.

I don't know the Adventura well, so forgive me if I'm wrong.

I though this was an AWD, not a 4WD vehicle. As an AWD, it delivers different amounts of power to front and back wheels and probably (many AWDs do) varies the amount of power based on traction at each wheel. As an AWD it has no low range and you are unable to control how the vehicle applies it's power.

It is based on the Commodore, but is about 80mm higher, but is lower than a 'real' 4WD.

If my facts are right, your Fraser experience will be largely a factor of conditions at the time. If it has been very dry for some time, the tracks to the barge at Inskip point can be very soft and deep. Similarly, the inland roads can be very churned up with soft, deep sand. Your lack of clearance and low range may present a challenge in these conditions. The road around and north of Indian Head may also present a challenge. Other than this, you will have no trouble with beach driving at low tide.

I've seen similar vehicles on Fraser though. Ford Territory for example.

Some tips:
If I am right in my description of the vehicle, I would not tow a trailer, particularly if you are travelling alone.

Ensure you have good recovery points front and back. I don't know if they come standard on these vehicles; perhaps not as it is not designed for off roading. As you are not an experienced 4WDer, get this checked out by a 4WD specialist.

Carry a snatch strap and rated shackles. These are dangerous things if you don't know how to use them, but they are essential recovery equipment.

Don't overload the vehicle with unnecessary stuff. Travel as light as you can to be comfortable.

Carry a good air compressor so you can adjust tyre pressure to meet the circumstances you encounter.

I don't wish to cause you unnecessary concerns. Fraser Island is a wonderful place. We go there at least twice a year. But if my undeerstanding of your vehicle is correct, it is at the low end of capability for this type of driving. Someone who knows the vehicle better may be able to clarify this for you.

Good luck with your trip.

Heefers replied:

G'day 5 Star,

I'd seriously have a look into hiring a more capable 4wd just for Fraser leg of your trip. I have my doubts about the Adventura being suited to the conditions over there. A quick google search should turn up some Hire Company options for you, the beach over there is always chockers full of hire Troopies so you shouldn't have any trouble.

Cheers, Heefers

Member - Jack replied:

I just took a look at an Adventura parked across the road from me, and have serious doubts about how this will go on Fraser on any soft track once you get off the hard pack of the beach. Mind you, just getting to the barge at Inskip could stop you.

I regularly get onto Fraser, and think you will have problems with ground clearance. As a secondary issue you could also get some grief if you cross Eli Creek, which can get a bit deep from time to time.

I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think the best advice already offered is to rent one and take that over.

Unfortuantely, 4X4 does not mean "off road capable".

Hope I am being helpful for you.

Jack

Bytemrk replied:

Like many of the others have already said... I think you may be best to look at a hire 4x4 for the Fraser part of the trip.

I was there a few months ago - and you would certainly cope with most of the eastern beach but to get there you would struggle.

you have two choices:

1. Come on at Inskip (at the bottom) - and I seriously doubt you'd get an Adventura onto or off the barge.When I left the Island in September - the loose sand at Inskip was at least 10 inches deep.

2. The other option is to come onto the island at Kingfisher bay resort -all this area is paved - but the road from here to the east side is pretty churned up and was really rough. ( read pot holes and wheel ruts well over a foot deep in places).

The Other challenge you will face is that most inland roads, while 2 way... are only a bit over 1 car wide.... meaning there will be times you have to get off the side into the soft stuff...... I think you'd find that is where an Adventura would stay.

I don't mean to sound negative towards your car....I'm sure on many outback roads etc it will be great, but I do think it would really struggle on Fraser - and you would not enjoy the trip as you should.

Fraser is a magic place to visit.

Hope that helps...

Mark

5 Star Camper replied:

Hello to Royce, Norm C (QLD), Heefers and Member - Jack,

A huge “Thank you very much” for your considered responses! I will be in QLD in a month or so and I would love to buy you all a beer, that’s if Queenslander drink beer!!! I was hoping to borrow a little of your time and you have all made a large effort in considering my predicament.

Norm, thanks for the weather tip, I will research the conditions prior to my departure and you are correct ---- travelling by my Pat Malone!!!

Mark, definitely not offended by your comments about the car, its only a car! The reason I got it was that it was cheap and I’ll be doing a lot of highway driving and I don’t like big 4x4’s just my personal preference.

At this stage I will venture across for a look and see and definitely keep to the beeches an hour or so from low time. If I feel the need to go a little deeper into the island I like the idea of hiring a 4x4 as you are all correct the Adventure is an AWD similar to the Ford Territory and a Subaru Forester. I think I will get a snap strap and if I do fall into a hole at least I have something to offer the poor guy who is trying to pull me out. I will drive carefully and try to avoid it.

Thank you
Charles

CLC50 replied:

I am a regularly visitor to Fraser,as I live on the Sunshine Coast,& getting onto the Barge, would be a worry before you get to the Island,only travel @ low Tide with your vehicle & watch out for wash outs,if you miss one they can be so deep they will take out your front end or roll you,as others have stated it is 4WD Country on the beach,even getting in to the 2 main resorts on the beach side ,would be a worry.
I will be on Fraser Australia Day Weekend with my 4WD Club with many other Clubs,doing the annual beach clean up.usual about 100 vichiles turn up.

Check Picture & a look @ the Pictures in Rainbow Beach Hotel

CLC50 replied:

Hi John

It was good advise to all ,What me Posted.

HAPPY NEW YEAR & a Prosperous one

Regards

CLC50