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The last few days, video popped up of a four-wheel drive drowning in saltwater at Rainbow Beach’s notorious Mudlo Rocks. Fast forward 24 hours and two more 4WD’s are seen bobbing around in deep water just north of Noosa – making that three vehicles stuck in just two days. This tells you everything about how dangerous this tide-dependent crossing really is.
According to the locals who saw it all unfold, these vehicles were trying to make the run from Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point. It’s a short trip, but you’ve got to time the tides right when you’re tackling Mudlo Rocks where serious erosion has left big boulders sitting there like angry teeth. Overnight, the tide swallowed both vehicles and they had to call in a tow truck the next morning.
Mudlo Rocks is this narrow, rocky stretch between Rainbow Beach township and Double Island Point. Heavy swells and incoming tides can easily pound your vehicle against the rocks or sink it deep into soft sand. Even small swells can turn the drive from Double Island Point to Rainbow Beach into a no-go zone, forcing you to take the long way round via the Freshwater Track.
Check out the video from Chrispy Camping and Adventures
Where trouble strikes: Mudlo Rocks and Rainbow Beach
Mudlo Rocks sits smack between Rainbow Beach township and Double Island Point, and it’s basically a danger zone for four-wheel drives. Here’s where incoming tides and relentless wave action will quickly smash your vehicle against nasty rocks or bury it deep in shifting sand. Ongoing erosion keeps exposing more rocks overnight, making certain beach sections completely impassable and seriously ramping up your chances of getting properly stuck.
The sand cliffs and dunes along this stretch are constantly shifting. Erosion sometimes reveals new hazards that’ll stop you dead in your tracks without any warning. If you’re looking to camp, the Teewah Beach camping area and other camp sites in the Cooloola Recreation Area give you alternative routes and safer options for enjoying the coast. But you’ll always need extra care, whether you’re driving, camping, or just exploring the walking tracks.
Fraser Island, just up north, is another iconic spot that draws four-wheel drive enthusiasts. But it’s also known for unpredictable surf, soft sand, and ocean conditions that can quickly turn your trip into a recovery mission. Whether you’re planning to visit Rainbow Beach, Double Island Point, or the surrounding camp sites, you need to understand the risks and respect what the ocean and ongoing erosion can do to keep your vehicle (and your trip) on solid ground.
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Follow local advice
Local beach regulars, including the Ice Man, keep warning visitors:
“Don’t drive on the outer bank because it’s always soft. And don’t stop. Do not stop. Maybe walk your journey first to make sure it’s safe to get through so you’ve got a safe passage. If I say you can’t go, it’s because you really can’t go.”
The Queensland Government also tells outdoor enthusiasts to use extreme caution at Mudlo Rocks. It’s a timely reminder that on this stretch of coast, ignoring local knowledge is asking for trouble.
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Lessons from the latest mishap
Rather than having a laugh at these drivers, it’s worth asking what could’ve been done differently. Successfully managing the crossing at Mudlo Rocks takes real skill and experience because the terrain can be unpredictable and challenging. Some drivers get influenced by ads that talk up what 4WD vehicles can handle in tough environments like Mudlo Rocks, leading to unrealistic expectations. Here are practical takeaways drawn from some of our past tips.
1. Get your pressures right
The most common mistake in sand is running high tyre pressures. Lowering pressures spreads out your tyre’s contact patch and reduces your chances of bogging. We reckon starting around 20 psi for a full-size wagon, dropping by 2 psi at a time if you’re still struggling, but never going below 10 to 16 psi.
At Inskip Point, where the sand is notoriously soft, experienced drivers often run between 16 to 18 psi, dropping to 10 to 12 psi in extreme conditions. Don’t spin the wheels, avoid heavy braking, and always park nose-downhill to make your getaway easier.
2. Carry the right recovery tools
You will get bogged eventually, so make sure you pack a long-handled shovel, traction boards and recovery straps. When you’re stuck, stop spinning the wheels and try reversing along your own tracks. If that fails, dig a ramp and use traction aids. Carrying these simple tools can save you expensive call-outs and limit environmental damage.
3. Maintain momentum but don’t overcook it
As covered in our 10 sand driving tips, wheel speed matters more than torque. Keep just enough momentum to crest dunes and avoid sudden throttle changes. Never turn around on a dune, just safely reverse straight down to avoid roll-overs.
When you’re crossing water or tidal run-off creeks, walk the crossing first, select low range and aim for a steady fast-walking pace of around 7 km/h to create a small bow wave.
4. Prep your vehicle for water
Mudlo Rocks sits on the edge of the Coral Sea, so saltwater immersion is a real risk. Fit a snorkel to raise your air intake. This protects against gulping water but it’s not a submarine, so use a water blind to prevent a surge of cold water into the engine bay.
Diff breathers are another cheap upgrade to replace the factory breathers which are often only a few inches long and will suck water into the diff when it cools, turning your oil into a milky mess. Extending the breathers up onto the firewall reduces your risk of expensive damage so we recommend you understand what a diff breather is and how it works.
5. Respect tides and take alternate routes
Always check tide charts before driving under cliffs or around rock headlands. High tide can eliminate firm sand and expose submerged rocks. In current conditions, authorities reckon using Freshwater Road as an alternative route when conditions at Mudlo Rocks are unsafe, to avoid hazardous areas and prevent vehicle damage. The links between Freshwater Road and other access points give you safer options to bypass dangerous sections like Mudlo Rocks.
6. Learn from the experts
Recovery operators point out that many beach rescues involve inexperienced drivers following phone navigation rather than their brains. A short off-road driving course will teach you how to read sand, adjust pressures and recover your vehicle safely. Investing in training is cheaper than replacing a drowned four-wheel drive and ruining your trip in the process.
7. Understand your insurance
Standard comprehensive policies often exclude off-road incidents. Our sister publication, RV Daily notes that many insurers only cover you on gazetted roads, meaning a bogging at Double Island Point may not be covered. Some policies also reject claims if you were doing something illegal or failed to maintain your vehicle.
Check your policy and consider specialist 4×4 insurance. That way you’re not left footing the bill for saltwater damage.
8. Leave no trace
Beaches open to vehicles are considered roads in NSW, so normal road rules apply. Drive on the left, obey speed limits, and here’s an obvious one: never drive after a few bevies. Beaches are fragile habitats. so only drive where permitted, avoid wildlife and respect cultural sites.
It’s especially important to protect turtles and birds particularly during their breeding and nesting seasons. Don’t disturb or harm turtles or their nests, and report any injured or stranded wildlife to the appropriate authorities to help ensure their safety and survival.
After your trip, wash the underbody to remove sand and salt.
9. Recovery mistakes to avoid
We recommend you read our common mistakes drivers make yarn, which covers tips such as using unrated recovery points, standing too close to a snatch strap, or rushing a recovery without proper planning. Taking time to set up safely reduces your risk of injury.
10. Essential recovery gear
Every 4WD should carry a solid shovel, rated recovery points, traction boards, and a compressor. Quality gear costs less than a tow truck and might save your vehicle. Avoid cheap straps and untested hooks because they can fail under load.
Final word
Mudlo Rocks will keep catching out drivers who ignore tides and overestimate their vehicles. Only experienced drivers should attempt crossings like Mudlo Rocks if conditions are good enough. With erosion exposing more rocks and tides restricting access, the safe choice is to take the Freshwater Road or wait for conditions to improve.
Some areas of the Cooloola Recreation Area are accessible for visitors with mobility needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty. Noosa North Shore serves as a key access point for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts heading into the region. The impressive sand dunes near Rainbow Beach shape the landscape and are a highlight for visitors. If you’re travelling south along the beach, be aware of specific travel restrictions and permitted routes to avoid fines or hazards. For real-life incident reports and community updates about Mudlo Rocks, check Facebook groups and posts for the latest information.
The fact that three cars got stranded in just two days shows this crossing is more treacherous than ever. Many four-wheel drives require towing after getting caught in dangerous situations at Mudlo Rocks. Don’t treat Mudlo Rocks as entertainment. Follow local advice, check tide times, and prepare your vehicle properly. Do that, and you can enjoy Rainbow Beach without becoming the next viral video.
Read More
The science of sand driving in your 4WD
Everything you need to know about water crossings
10 of the best 4×4 beach drives in Australia
Complete guide to 4WD-friendly beaches in NSW
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