Yes, a high-clearance 4WD is absolutely mandatory for driving on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). The island is the largest sand island in the world, and its "roads" consist entirely of soft sand tracks and beach highways. Low-clearance vehicles, even those with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), are extremely likely to get "bottomed out" or bogged in the deep ruts and soft sand patches that characterize the inland tracks. Standard SUVs often lack the necessary ground clearance to clear the high "center humps" in the tracks, which can lead to significant mechanical damage or costly recoveries. In 2026, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services strictly advise against anything other than a true high-clearance 4WD with low-range gearing. If you are bringing your own vehicle, it is a grounded peer recommendation to ensure you have a recovery kit, a tire pressure gauge (as you'll need to drop pressure to around 18-20 psi), and a high-lift jack. Driving on the island is a technical skill, and without the right vehicle, you risk being stranded by the rising tide or stuck in the remote interior.