1. Introduction 
   

This Rental Agreement (Agreement) is entered into between Adventure 4WD Hire Pty Ltd ACN 687 215 649 (Adventure 4WD Hire) (We, Us, or Our), and the individual or business identified in the Rental Schedule (You or Your). 

This Agreement governs the hire of a vehicle identified in the Rental Schedule and outlines the applicable terms and conditions. By signing this Agreement, the Hirer acknowledges and agrees to comply with all terms and conditions outlined below. The Hirer also confirms the Hirer has read and understood the entire Agreement, including any additional documents referenced and attached. 

2. Definitions 
   

For the purposes of this Agreement: 

• Authorised Driver: Any individual expressly permitted by Us to drive the vehicle for the Rental Period being: 

• if the Hirer is an individual, the Hirer; and 

• any other person approved by Us in writing. 

• Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance: CTP insurance provides cover for the driver’s legal liability to compensate other people who are injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. This includes passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. However, CTP does not cover damage to vehicles or property.  

• Hirer: The individual or business listed in the Rental Schedule who agrees to these terms. 

• Rental Period: The duration for which the Vehicle has been booked as set out in the Rental Schedule, or as otherwise stated within this Agreement. 

• Rental Schedule means that part of the Rental Agreement setting out the details of the hire. 

• Vehicle: The vehicle described in this rental Agreement (or any substitute vehicle), including all equipment, accessories, tools, keys, and documents. 

3. Payment Terms, Deposits & Charges 

• Rental Fee: The Hirer must pay the Rental Fee, as listed in the Rental Schedule. 

• Security Bond: A refundable bond, being the amount so described in Schedule 1, must also be paid by the Hirer.  

• Deposit: A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking for all locations except Rainbow Beach. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless agreed otherwise in writing by Adventure 4WD Hire. For bookings made less than 60 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Customers also have the option to pay the full amount at the time of booking, even if the booking is made more than 60 days before departure. Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in cancellation of the booking or forfeiture of the deposit. Customers should contact Us as soon as possible if they anticipate any payment issues as Adventure 4WD Hire may, at its discretion, waive fees or offer alternative arrangements.  

• Early Cancellation (60+ days): If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, a cancellation fee of 15% of the Rental Fee applies. As the deposit is 30%, Adventure 4WD Hire will retain 15% and refund the remaining 15% of the deposit.  Where the applicable cancellation fee is less than the deposit already paid, We will deduct the cancellation fee and refund the difference to the original payment method. Where the applicable cancellation fee is equal to or greater than the deposit, Adventure 4WD Hire will retain the deposit and any balance due will be charged in accordance with these Terms. Adventure 4WD Hire may, at its discretion, waive cancellation fees in exceptional circumstances. Customers are encouraged to contact Us promptly to discuss options. For further details on cancellation fees and conditions, refer to Schedule 2 – Cancellation and Amendment.  

• Payment Terms: Payment for both the Rental Fee and Bond must be processed prior to Vehicle handover using a payment method acceptable to Us.  If We are entitled to charge a surcharge for accepting the payment method, and have disclosed the means of calculating that surcharge prior to accepting Your booking, we are authorised also to charge that surcharge using the same payment method. Bond refunds are actioned within 48 hours of the vehicle being returned in the hired condition but subject to a mechanical check having been completed that indicates the Vehicle has been returned in accordance with clause 5, however it may take 5 to 7 business days for the release to be cleared.  We may withhold from the refund of the bond such amounts as are reasonable to cover our costs for attending to any loss or damage to the Vehicle for which You are responsible under this Agreement. 

• Payment Methods: We accept multiple payment methods including credit card and bank transfer. Bank transfer payments are only permitted where the Booking Date is more than 5 business days prior to the Vehicle handover date to allow sufficient time for funds to clear. The Hirer is responsible for all associated banking fees, including (but not limited to) international transfer fees, intermediary bank charges, or any other financial institution fees. Adventure 4WD Hire will only recognise and reconcile payments based on the actual amount received into our nominated bank account. Any shortfall between the invoiced amount and the amount received must be paid by the Hirer before the Vehicle can be released. 

• Other charges: If you have provided us with a method of payment, such as a credit card or debit card, for payment of Rental Fees, We are authorised also, for a period of up to 90 days after expiry of the Rental Period, to debit same for other charges to which we are entitled to charge under clauses  4 and 5 of these Terms, and will provide you with an invoice for same. 

• Travel Agent bookings: Deposits and payment terms may vary for bookings made through a travel agent. Please consult your travel agent for details. 

4. Vehicle Usage & Driver Obligations 

• Driver Eligibility:

  • The Hirer and any other Authorised Driver must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

  • All Authorised Drivers must hold a current, unrestricted (full/open) driver's license valid for the class of vehicle and the jurisdiction in which it is being operated, and must have held that license for at least one (1) year prior to the commencement of hire. Provisional or Learner licenses are not accepted.

  • Only individuals expressly listed as Authorised Drivers in the Rental Schedule are permitted to operate the Vehicle. 

  • If the licence is not in English, the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation of their original licence. 

• Prohibition on Sub-Hiring or Resale 

  • Vehicles must not be sub-hired, leased or otherwise provided to third parties for commercial use.  

  • Resale as part of any tour, travel package, or organised experience is strictly prohibited. 

  • All hires must be made directly by the Authorised Diver (the Hirer named on the Agreement). 

  • If multiple vehicles are hired by one group, each vehicle must list its Authorised Driver, the same person cannot be listed across more than one vehicle. 
    

• Driving Area:  

  • Operation of the vehicle is limited to designated and permitted roads as outlined in Schedule 5 and/or map accompanying the Rental Agreement or as otherwise supplied at the time of Vehicle collection.  

  • Where we reasonably require you to advise us of your intended route or locations where you will use the vehicle during the Hiring Period, you will promptly provide us with such information in response to our request.  

  • Driving in prohibited or closed areas is strictly forbidden. 
    

• Minimum Hire Duration 

  • Certain routes and destinations may be subject to a minimum hire period. The specific duration will vary based on operational requirements and, if applicable, will be confirmed at the time of booking. 

• Vehicle Allocation:  

  • Specific vehicle models are not guaranteed and are subject to availability at the time of pick up.   

  • In the event a replacement vehicle is required due to damage, breakdown, or other operational reasons, we will make reasonable efforts to provide a comparable vehicle, however the replacement vehicle may not be the same make, model, year or specification as the originally hired vehicle.  

• Towing Restrictions 

  • Towing of any trailer, caravan, or other item is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is provided by Adventure 4WD Hire. 
    

• Driver Conduct: 

  • The Hirer and any Authorised Driver must comply with all applicable road laws, required permits and regulations.  

  • The Vehicle must not be driven by any person under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or any prescription or over-the-counter medication that may impair their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and lawfully, or have a blood alcohol or drug content that exceeds the legal limit. 

  • The Hirer will, and will ensure all Authorised Drivers, drive the Vehicle as would be driven by a careful and prudent owner.  

• Vehicle Conduct 

  • Hirers and passengers must not sit, stand, or climb on the bonnet, roof, or exterior of the vehicle at any time. 
    

• External Attachments 

  • In accordance with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) requirements for K’gari (Fraser Island), no items may be attached to the exterior of the Vehicle under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, roof racks, straps, storage bags, recovery boards, containers, fishing rods, or any other externally mounted equipment. 

  • Vehicles taken to K’gari must comply with QPWS regulations, which prohibit external attachments and carry immediate fines and potential removal of the vehicle from the island. For this reason, our Vehicles do not have roof racks installed, and the Hirer must not modify the Vehicle or attempt to attach anything to the outside of it at any time. 

• Fines, tolls and other charges 

  • If we receive notice of any fine, infringement amount or penalty arising from use of the Vehicle during the Rental Period, or a parking charge arising during the Rental Period, We may identify to the relevant organisation or authority the Hirer’s relevant details.  If we elect to, or are compelled, to pay such amount, you will be liable to Us under clause 11 for recovery of that amount and any other amounts reasonably incurred by us in attending to payment and recovery. 

  • If any tolls are charged to Us with respect to use of the Vehicle during the Rental Period, you will be liable to Us under clause 11 for recovery of that amount. 

5. Vehicle Condition & Return 

• The Vehicle must be returned: 

  • by the agreed date and time specified in this Agreement; 

  • clean and full of fuel (Full-to-Full policy); and  

  • in the same condition as at pickup, excluding fair wear and tear (see Wear and Tear Policy in Schedule 3). 

• In addition to any other rights we may have, failure to comply with the return requirements may incur: 

  • fuel charge of AUD3.00 per litre, which reflects our reasonable expenses to fill the tank back to full; 

  • professional cleaning fee or odour extraction reasonably incurred by Us; and / or 

  • late return fee as follows:   

    • if the vehicle is returned later than the agreed return time, a late fee of $50.00 per hour or part thereof will apply for the first two hours following the scheduled return time. 

    • If the vehicle is returned more than two hours late, an additional full day’s rental fee will apply at the rate specified in the Rental Schedule.   

6. Breakdowns and Accidents

• Accident Reporting: Notify Us immediately via the emergency contact number in Schedule 4 and provide all relevant details of the incident. You must cooperate fully with authorities and insurers as required. 

• Procedure: In the event you experience mechanical failure, or any other event which impacts the safety or performance of the Vehicle, you agree to cease driving as soon as reasonably practicable.  

• Recovery Fees (Rainbow Beach only): A $300 call-out fee applies for recoveries due to the Vehicle becoming stuck or bogged, where the issue cannot be reasonably resolved by the Hirer or via phone support. If the call-out is due to mechanical failure through no fault of the Hirer, there will not be a call-out fee. 

• Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance is included in all areas (except Rainbow Beach). Details are provided in Vehicle and Schedule 4.  

7. Privacy & Tracking 

• Personal Information: Collected and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy for administering the rental, safety, insurance, and tracking location of the vehicle to ensure it is in the authorised areas in which it is permitted by this Agreement to operate and to assist in locating the vehicle in circumstances where assistance may be required. 

• GPS Monitoring: The Vehicle may be GPS-tracked for safety, legal compliance, and theft prevention. This information will not be shared with third parties.  

8. Title to Goods  

• The Hirer acknowledges that Adventure 4WD Hire retains title to the Vehicle and that the Hirer has rights to utilise the Vehicle as a bailee only.  

• The Hirer also agrees not to agree, attempt or offer to sell, assign, lend, mortgage, sublet, or otherwise part with the possession of the Vehicle. 

• The Hirer agrees not to alter the Vehicle or make any addition or alteration to, or repair of, the Vehicle. 

• Breach of Agreement

  
  

  In the case the Hirer is in material breach of any term, condition or provision of this Agreement and fails to remedy such breach (if capable of remedy) as soon as reasonably practicable, We reserve the right to immediately terminate the agreement at our discretion, except to the extent such breach was caused or contributed to by an act or omission of Adventure 4WD Hire. 

  Examples of a material breach of this Agreement include: 
  

• attaching any item to the exterior of the vehicle, including in breach of QPWS regulations applicable to K’gari;  

• the vehicle is driven on a prohibited road; 

• the vehicle is driven beyond the boundaries of the area authorised;  

• the vehicle is used for a purpose outside the scope of this Agreement;  

• operating the vehicle in a dangerous, reckless, or negligent manner, including (but not limited to) travelling at excessive speeds, ignoring safety briefings, ignoring traffic or beach conditions, or otherwise driving in a way that Adventure 4WD Hire reasonably believes presents a safety risk to persons, wildlife, or property; 

• the vehicle is driven by someone who is not an Authorised Driver; and/or 

• the Hirer provides false or misleading information regarding their driving status or any other relevant information that was considered in the granting of this Rental Agreement.  

10. Termination
    

Adventure 4WD Hire reserves the right to terminate the Agreement if:  

• the Hirer materially breaches any provision of this Agreement, except to the extent such breach was caused or contributed to by an act or omission of Adventure 4WD Hire; 

• a regulatory authority is required to take possession of the vehicle;  

• the vehicle is not returned to us by the agreed date; or 

• the Hirer has failed to pay the Rental Fee and Security Bond.  

The Hirer reserves the right to terminate this Agreement if:  

• the Hirer wishes to return the vehicle earlier than the current return date under this Agreement in accordance with the return instructions;  

• Adventure 4WD Hire materially breaches this Agreement; or 

• the Hirer is entitled to under the Australian Consumer Law within the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).  

Termination for material breach of this Agreement by the Hirer will result in the following:  

• loss of insurance cover; and 

• forfeiture of the bond. 

11. Liability

The Hirer will be liable for, and will indemnify Us against, any loss or damage arising from any loss or damage to the Vehicle (including accessories and incidentals) or to third parties arising from the use of the Vehicle, during the Rental Period, including, but not limited to: 

• damage caused by accidents, theft, vandalism or misuse, whether by the Hirer or a third party; and 

• fines, penalties, tolls and third-party charges (such as parking fees and penalties) arising from use of the Vehicle during the Rental Period,  
  

except for: 

• fair wear and tear; 

• those caused, or to the extent contributed by, Us; 

• damages to the extent covered by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance; 

• loss or damage caused by a third party where you complete an Incident Report and notify us of the incident in a timely manner and in accordance with this Rental Agreement, and provide all other assistance we reasonably require, so that we have sufficient details to recover the loss from the relevant third party.  
  

Without limiting the foregoing, the Hirer will be liable (except to the extent caused or contributed by Us) for damage resulting from the following: 

• material breach of this Agreement; 

• any negligence on behalf of the Hirer; 

• single vehicle accidents; 

• driving the vehicle on water;  

• driving an overloaded vehicle;  

• using the vehicle to participate in rally driving, motor racing, or in connection with any competitive motor sport event;  

• third-party damage (to the extent caused by the Hirer); 

• incorrect fuel usage; 

• weather related damage including by hail, flood or storm;  

• damage to the Vehicle or camping equipment (if supplied) beyond normal wear and tear; and/or 

• theft or loss if keys were left inside the Vehicle. 

11.1 Personal Travel Insurance

Hirers are strongly advised to obtain adequate personal travel insurance to cover medical, cancellation, and person effects during the Rental Period. Adventure 4WD Hire accepts no liability for such personal losses as these items are not covered under the Rental Agreement. 

12. Reduction in Liability 

Provided that you have complied with the terms of this Agreement, and have not otherwise been grossly negligent in your use of the Vehicle, or intentionally engaged in relevant incident that caused loss or damage to Vehicle, your liability to Us will be reduced to the amount specified in Schedule 1 insofar as that Schedule applies. 

13. Refund & Cancellation 

• Refunds: Except to the extent that you are entitled to a refund under the Australian Consumer Law, no refunds will be given for early returns, change of mind, weather closures, or customer misuse. 

• Mechanical issues (not caused by Hirer): Partial refund, vehicle replacement, or hire extension may be offered. 

• Cancellation terms: See Schedule 2 for cancellation terms. 

14. Safety & Responsibilities

• Safety Briefing: A mandatory safety briefing will be conducted by Adventure 4WD Hire staff during the first hour of the rental period. All drivers must attend and fully participate prior to vehicle departure. 

• Driving and Tides: 4WD vehicles must not be driven on the beach within 2.5 hours either side of high tide. In conditions involving a large swell or exceptionally high tides, this restriction may extend to 3 hours. Hirers must exercise reasonable judgment to assess whether beach driving is safe. 

• Campsite / Accommodation Access Requirement (specific to K’gari only): To ensure guest safety and to account for access limitations on K’gari, the Hirer must ensure that they are at their nominated campsite or accommodation, or another safe and lawful location, no later than one hour before the final barge departure or by 5:00pm, whichever occurs first. The Hirer is responsible for planning their travel in accordance with barge times, tide conditions, track conditions and daylight hours. Adventure 4WD Hire is not able to provide assistance, vehicle recovery, or support after the final daily barge service. The Hirer is solely responsible for ensuring they are in a safe location before access to the island is restricted for the evening. Adventure 4WD Hire accepts no liability for any additional fees, charges, penalties, accommodation costs, barge fees, recovery fees, or other expenses incurred as a result of the Hirer failing to follow provided instructions, tide guidance, barge schedules, or reasonable planning requirements. 

• Night Driving Prohibition (all locations): For safety reasons, Night Driving is strictly prohibited, and the Vehicle must not be driven between dusk and dawn. Adventure 4WD Hire may require the immediate return of the Vehicle if it is reasonably believed that the Vehicle has been driven at night in breach of this clause or in a manner that presents a safety risk. 

• Kilometre Limit: Hirer will use the Vehicle in such a manner so that the mileage incurred during the Hiring Period will not exceed the relevant limit in Schedule 4.  

• Passengers: A vehicle may only carry as many occupants as there are seatbelts, and each occupant, including the driver must ensure a seatbelt is correctly worn by that person while in the vehicle. 

• Compliance with laws and assessing tides, weather conditions, and access restrictions is Your responsibility. 

15. Amendments & Jurisdiction

• Changes: We may amend these Terms upon reasonable notice to You, save that You will have the right to terminate the Agreement prior to any materially prejudicial variation having effect. 

• Jurisdiction: Governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Disputes to be handled in Victorian courts.

16. Acknowledgement 

By signing this Agreement, You confirm that: 

• you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and conditions and attached documents;  

• you accept financial responsibility for the Vehicle; and  

• you will comply with all applicable laws and rental conditions.  

Schedule 1 – Liability and Security Bond 

Liability limitations and security bond requirements apply according to the hiring location specified in your Rental Schedule. Please refer to the relevant section of this Schedule for applicable conditions for your Booking. 

RAINBOW BEACH 

Security Bond 

The Security Bond payable for the purpose of clause  3 will be either: 

• $2,500;   or 

• if Optional Excess Reduction has been selected, and all named drivers are over the age of 25, an amount equal to the reduced excess. 

Drivers Under 25: 

Where any Hirer or Authorised Driver is under the age of 25, a $2,500 Security Bond applies regardless of any Optional Excess Reduction selection, and the $50/day reduction option is the only excess reduction available. Under 25 drivers cannot access any lower excess amount. 

Reduction in Liability

Liability limitation (Included in Booking) 

Optional Liability Reduction (Hired Vehicle Only) 

If the Rental Schedule indicates your agreement to pay for the Optional Excess Reduction, your liability for damage to the hired Vehicle will be reduced to the amount below, depending on which of the following daily cover options is selected: 

NOTE:  Single vehicle incident coverage applies when used within the permitted geographic area listed in the Rental Schedule.

ALL OTHER LOCATIONS 

Security Bond 

The Security Bond payable for the purpose of clause  3 will be either: 

• $5,000; or 

• if Optional Excess Reduction has been selected, and all named drivers are over the age of 25, an amount equal to the reduced excess. 

Drivers Under 25: 

Where any Hirer or Authorised Driver is under the age of 25, a $5,000 Security Bond applies regardless of any Optional Excess Reduction selected. Under 25 drivers are not eligible for the $75/day Optional Excess Reduction and may only hire under the standard liability settings. 

Reduction in Liability

Standard Cover (Included in Booking) 

Optional Liability Reduction (Hired Vehicle Only) 

If the Rental Schedule indicates your agreement to pay for the Optional Excess Reduction, your liability for damage to the hired Vehicle will be reduced to the amount below, depending on which of the following daily cover options is selected: 

NOTE:  Single vehicle incident coverage applies when used within the permitted geographic area listed in the Rental Schedule. 

In addition to the reduction in liability by paying the optional excess daily fee, the roadside assistance is supplemented with the following extras: 

Schedule 2 – Cancellation & Amendment 

Cancellation and Amendments apply according to the hiring location specified in your Rental Schedule. Please refer to the relevant section of this Schedule for applicable conditions for your Booking. Any limitations on cancellation rights are subject to any rights that may be available to the Hirer under the Australian Consumer Law. 

• Change of Hire Dates: Any request to change hire dates must be submitted in writing and is subject to approval by Adventure 4WD Hire’s reservations teams. Such requests may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking. Standard cancellation fees may apply, particularly if the date change involves a shift from peak to off-peak or vice versa. If a change to hire date is approved, any fees deemed applicable will be calculated according to the original booking terms and advised to the Hirer before any refund is processed. 

• Cancellations by Adventure 4WD Hire: If rental vehicle hire is cancelled by Us (e.g. for weather or mechanical reasons) a full refund will apply or alternative (where available) booking date offered. 

• Adventure 4WD Hire may waive or reduce fees at its discretion in exceptional circumstances. 

Rainbow Beach

All Other Locations

Schedule 3 – Wear and Tear Policy

This table provides a non-exhaustive list of examples of fair wear and tear. Fair wear and tear will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  

Schedule 4 – Key Information

Schedule 5 - Prohibited Areas Information

Last updated: 26 February 2026