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The 5 Best 4WD Tracks in Far North QLD

an aerial shot of two 4WDs driving up the red road of Frenchman's track, flanked by trees on either side.

From its lush rainforests to its secluded beaches, Far North Queensland boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Australia, making it a bucket list destination for millions of people worldwide. 

While this incredible region promises the most unforgettable adventures, you’ll need a 4WD if you plan on making it out of the main tourist areas. Most of the top destinations up here are hidden deep within the tropics, so the roads are far from smooth… but that’s exactly why we love them!

If you’re looking to head off the beaten track and explore the best of Far North Queensland, the Custom Offroad team is here to help you plan the ultimate getaway. We’ve put together a list of our favourite 4WD tracks from Cairns to Cape York, showcasing some of Australia’s best-kept secrets so you can experience the trip of a lifetime. 

Check out our top five picks below and get ready to explore the best 4WD tracks in Far North Queensland with Custom Offroad today!

5. Old Coach Road, Cape York

two 4WDs facing the camera as they drive down a pale dirt off-road track in QLD surrounded by eucalyptus trees

Distance: 80 km

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Running between Peninsula Development Road (PDR) in Laura and the Maytown Ruins by Palmer River, Old Coach Road is not for the faint-hearted. Over the years, this rugged road has established itself as one of the trickiest 4WD tracks in Cape York, so naturally, we had to include it on our top 5 list.

Constructed in the 1880s, Old Coach Road was originally part of a longer access route between Cooktown and the Palmer River Goldfield during the gold rush. Today, instead of serving gold miners travelling via horse and cart, it serves off-roaders looking for a hair-raising adventure in their 4WDs! 

This track is pretty epic, but as we said before, it’s also very tricky, with plenty of steep ascents, rocky crossings, and deep gullies to test your 4WD skills. We wouldn’t recommend attempting to complete it without at least one other 4WD in your convoy to help out when necessary. 

Still, nothing good ever comes easy, and with plenty of historic sites and awe-inspiring views throughout, Old Coach Road is undoubtedly a worthwhile challenge. 

4. Frenchman’s Track, Cape York

landscape shot of Fruit Bat Falls, located along Frenchman's Track in Cape York, QLD

Distance: 53 km

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

If you’re looking for a track that’s a little more tame while still being enough of a challenge to keep things interesting, Frenchman’s Track is the ideal choice. Located in Cape York, this is one of the best 4WD tracks for off-roaders who want to test and improve their skills on an incredible tropical adventure. 

Stretching through dense rainforests from east to west, the best direction to complete the Frenchman’s Track largely depends on the season. That said, whichever way you travel, you can expect an unforgettable drive with plenty of lush natural scenery.

If you finish up at the western entrance, we’d highly recommend driving on to the Kutini Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, where you’ll find countless picturesque spots, native wildlife, and even more 4WD tracks.

Many off-roaders find this sandy track easy enough to navigate… until they reach its two water crossings at the Pascoe and Wenlock Rivers. These rivers bring high, fast-flowing waters during the wet season and dry, shifting sands in the dry season, with each crossing posing its own unique challenges. 

The Pascoe River features a sheer, rugged ascent and precarious rocky riverbed that can quickly damage your vehicle if you try to cross it unprepared. Meanwhile, the Wenlock River offers a very different challenge, promising a much easier crossing, but a difficult ascent afterwards due to the riverbank’s steep, slippery slope and soft sands. 

To complete both crossings successfully, you’ll need to employ a slow approach, careful planning, and some high-quality bash plates.

3. Bloomfield Track, Daintree Rainforest

A shot of a rainforest 4x4 track in QLD, taken through the trees. In the background, a 4WD makes its way down the track, flanked by a small, shallow waterfall in the shot's foreground.

Distance: 30 km

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Winding north from Cape Tribulation to the Wujal Wujal aboriginal community, you’ll find one of the most exceptional scenic drives in Queensland: the Bloomfield Track. Located just two hours from Port Douglas and under three hours from Cairns, this 4WD track is easy to reach and quick to complete, making it an ideal choice for off-road day trippers.

Despite being a short drive, off-roaders can still expect to find enough creek crossings and sharp inclines to keep things exciting, as well as some truly exceptional scenery. Flanked by the Great Barrier Reef on one side and the ancient Daintree Rainforest on the other, the Bloomfield Track boasts views from two UNESCO World Heritage areas at once, an exceptionally rare treat.

While the Bloomfield Track is a top choice for a picturesque day trip, it also marks the start of a much bigger scenic drive from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown. If you’re keen to extend your adventure even further into Far North Queensland after completing the Bloomfield Track, we’d highly recommend this route.

Once you’ve reached the end of the track and travelled into Wujal Wujal on the other side of the Bloomfield River, you can savour this extended scenic drive via the much longer Bloomfield Road (also known as Coast Road). Once you’re on this road, you’ll follow it north for a further 70 km before reaching Cooktown, enjoying plenty of scenic lookouts, national parks, and mesmerising camping spots along the way. 

2. Old Telegraph Track, Cape York

Aerial shot of several 4WDs navigating the many winding off-road routes and muddy waters at Gunshot Creek on the Old Telegraph Track in Cape York.

Distance: 152 km

Difficulty Level: Expert

An iconic 4WD track in Cape York, the Old Telegraph Track is one of the most famous and gruelling off-road adventures in Australia. Winding south to north between Bramwell Junction in Palm Creek up to the Jardine River Ferry, this track is an integral part of any off-road adventure to Australia’s most northerly point (known as The Tip). 

With plenty of tricky water crossings, steep rocky inclines, and challenging terrains, navigating the Old Telegraph Track takes some serious skill and preparation. You’ll find several hair-raising moments throughout, including the legendary Gunshot Creek crossing, the infamous Nolan’s Brook, and the notorious entrance at Palm Creek. Recovery gear and bash plates are non-negotiables in this part of the country!

We wouldn’t let its fearsome reputation stop you from having a good time, though. With plenty of detour tracks (affectionately known as “chicken tracks”) along the way, it’s often easy enough to bail out and take a less complicated route before this drive gets the better of you. 

Needless to say, the Old Telegraph Track should not be underestimated, and driving up it will certainly put your 4WD skills to the test. Still, there’s no doubt any road trip along here is beyond worthwhile. Sure, this track may be a perfect example of nature’s formidable power, but beyond that, it also flawlessly showcases the incredible landscapes that make Australia’s wilderness so unique.

Winding through numerous wildlife parks and reserves, the Old Telegraph Track harbours some truly spectacular hidden gems, from the mesmerising waters of Fruit Bat Falls to the idyllic campgrounds at Sams Creek. With a vast range of breathtaking natural wonders to explore, any drive up the Old Telegraph Track is bound to be as beautiful as it is thrilling. 

1. The CREB Track, Upper Daintree

A landscape shot of a 4WD driving along the CREB Track in Far North QLD. The sky is bright blue, and the track's deep red road is flanked by vibrant green rainforest that stretches as far as the eye can see into the background of the shot.

Distance: 71 km

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Saving the best for last, our final pick for 4WD tracks in Far North Queensland is the CREB Track. Stretching from Cooktown in the Cape York Peninsula to Daintree Village less than 2 hours north of Cairns, this 4WD track promises an unforgettable rainforest adventure. 

The CREB track winds through the Wet Tropics of Queensland, a World Heritage area renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. Older than the Amazon Rainforest itself, these tropics have been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth. To this day, they remain largely untouched by mankind, making the CREB not only one of the most challenging tracks in QLD, but also one of the most beautiful. 

With many 4×4 enthusiasts travelling across the country just to tackle its muddy trails, slippery river crossings, and sharp descents, this is one track that belongs on every off-roader’s bucket list. As you travel along the CREB’s rugged path, you’ll be rewarded with all kinds of spectacular views and hidden gems, including dense rainforests, sparkling waterfalls, extraordinary wildlife, and more. 

Before you head out on your trip, it’s important to note that the road conditions on the CREB Track can change pretty drastically, especially during the wet season. Drivers should prepare for the journey ahead by packing recovery gear, investing in underbody protection, and preferably travelling with at least one other 4WD. 

Due to how easily damaged the CREB can become, it’s not unusual for the council to temporarily close this track after periods of heavy rain. To avoid disappointment, we recommend planning your trip during the dry season and checking the road conditions and weather forecast in advance. 

You can easily check the track’s conditions and closure status on the Douglas Shire Council’s information page or the Local CREB Track Conditions Facebook page. 

Prepare to Explore the Best 4WD Tracks in Far North QLD With Custom Offroad!

A 4WD faces away from the camera and towards Nolan's Brook Crossing on the Old Telegraph Track in Cape York. Many people stand around the brook's edge, watching on as the 4WD prepares to enter the water and complete the crossing.

Trailing through Far North Queensland’s most spectacular landscapes from Cairns to Cape York, these 4WD tracks promise the adventure of a lifetime. Before you set off, though, it’s important to prepare for the journey ahead by investing in the 4WD gear you need to tackle these tricky trails. 

Whether you’re after stainless steel underbody protection, reliable recovery tracks, sturdy antenna brackets, or you just want a little more advice before hitting the trails, Custom Offroad can help. 

Shop our range of 4WD gear online or browse our blog for more exclusive off-road insights and allow our team to help you prepare for your next off-road adventure today!

Alex Sykes