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Series
1 Story 3
4WD Adventures
- Noosa North Shore
 Noosa
North Shore is only a few kilometres from the
holiday strip of Noosa itself - but it's half
a world away. Escape's 4WD expert George Foessel
takes us there this week.
The North shore
can only be reached by car ferry - the Tewantin
barge - but the cost is still a friendly $4
return.
When driving on
North Shore, or indeed any beach, consider
the tide before starting your trip. The best
time to drive on a beach is low tide, offering
plenty of hard sand. The worst time would be
one and a half hours either side of high tide.
The strategy when
negotiating sand is to engage 4WD before you
leave the bitumen. Also, reduce your tyre pressure
according to the manufacturer's instructions
for your car's make.
 40
Mile Beach stretches from North Shore to Double
Island Point, and offers several options for
adventure - whether you are adventure bound,
or simply looking for a quiet spot for a bit
of relaxation.
A great spot for
families is to head south towards the Noosa
River mouth. There is less 4WD traffic, and
it makes a great safe spot for the kids and
a picnic.
Head north for
the coloured sands of Red Canyon - there are
over seventy different sand colours, caused
by deposits of iron ore - and the windswept
dunes and cliffs make for some spectacular
viewing. Slightly less scientific but much
more romantic is the local aboriginal legend
that tells of a lovesick rainbow that was shattered
on the rocks, causing the miraculous colour
effect.
 The
narrow beach and rocks on the road to Rainbow
Beach can be tough to negotiate. A better route
if you aren't confident is the Freshwater track.
This track takes you inland, where you can
stop at a fshwater lake for a picnic and a
nice relaxing swim.
Accommodation
is available from cabins to camping grounds
- but if you are fully self contained you can't
beat just pitching it somewhere private with
the coloured sand behind you and the waterfront
at your feet.
Be sure to get
a camping permit from the Queensland park and
wildlife service - details are below in Escape's
Fast Facts.
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