Kim – a couple of tips for driving Big Sandy:

* Keep the Jackaroos’ momentum up! Carrying a camper trailer I’d probably go 2nd or 3rd gear low range, keeping it above 2/3 of your rev range.

* There’s a few larger dips/undulations/potholes in the sand – when you hit these don’t let off the accelerator, or you’ll most likely get bogged down and have to start from the bottom.

Jylan

You can camp at four different camping grounds along Nine mile Beach were there are no facilities but you can have a fire…. if you bring an enclosed fire container that sits up off the ground (i.e a 44 gallon drum cut in 1/2 with legs)and some firewood.
The other option for close to the beach but not on the beach is the Five Rocks campground which has cold (brrr) showers – but better than nothing – and toilets but no fires of any kind allowed so you’ll have to bring a gas stove or something else to cook on.
You will need to book online or on the phone on 13QGOV thou as Rangers patrol regularly checking permits….. even on the weekends.If you book online you can have a look at maps of the campgrounds and if you go to either the Byfield store or the Yeppoon Tourist Info(you can book a camping permit at either of these places)they have a folder which has pictures of the campsites at each campground so you can have a look what would be best for you.
As for getting there shouldn’t have too many probs with car and trailer…..would be better if you had another 4wd to go with just in case….I would carry an extra six pack at least to convince a passer by to help you out if you need it….. the biggest obstacle is what the locals call the Big Sandy which is the first big sand dune you come to on the way into Stockyard Point ( 5 Rocks & 9 Mile).After you get over the Big Sandy thats the hardest part…some of the entry/exits off the beach are a little harder tan others but the rest of the roads in between are easy.
Take the right hand road up as it is generally harder and not as ripped up…. be aware there may be traffic coming down the hill and you will have to back down the hill(this is sand driving etiquette as it is harder to back up than back down in the sand)You may not have to back down all the way as there is a few crossover spots between the two tracks that go up the hill.
There is a tyre pressure bay on the way in so make sure you let your tyres down…..most go down to 20psi but because your pulling a heavy load you may want to go down a bit further…..rule of thumb is 1 minute will take you down to 20psi if you are running on 45 normally…..if you dont have a compressor to pump them back up to get home you can stop in at the Byfield store and they are more than happy to let you use thiers….just make sure you take it easy on the hard roads on the way out or you risk rolling the tyre off the rim or a flat tyre….either way a crap end to a camping trip.
hope this helps but if your after more info you can go to the DERM website….at the home page on the left and side theres a box which as Find A Park or Forest (I think) and if you click this it will take you to a page were you can search by area or by alphabet for NP and SF…. the 2 you are looking for are Byfield State Forest ( Upper Stoney, Red Rock and Waterpark) and Byfield National Park (5 Rocks, Nine Mile). Check out the State forest parks if you dont think you want to take on The Big Sandy.