Weekly or annual permits can be purchased via Council’s Online Portal (click on the applications icon) or in person at any Council office or the Boyne Tannum Community Centre.

To obtain a Permit you must provide the below information:

• Email address
  Note: Permits are issued to your nominated email address as soon as your payment is processed. Please ensure that you enter your correct email address.
• Vehicle make and model
• Vehicle body type
• Vehicle registration number
  Note: Please enter the correct Vehicle Registration Number. Incorrect entry of your vehicles registration number may result in infringements being issued to the registered vehicle owner for “Failure to have the required permit to access Lilley’s Beach”.
• Vehicle colour

Fees are set annually and are publised in the Fees and Charges booklet. 

Permits are not transferrable to another person, however if a permit holder sells a vehicle that they hold a permit for and can provide proof of sale, a permit can be transferred to a different vehicle registration number of a vehicle they own.

A fee will apply to reissue a lost/misplaced permit.

The following vehicles are exempt from Permit Fees:

• Emergency vehicles
• Commonwealth, State, and Local Government vehicles (only when used for official purposes)
• Traditional owners are exempt from paying a fee for a vehicle access permit in the exercise of their native rights and interests

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria.  Please email Council your request to be exempt from permit fees.

As the site is basic, there are no facilities or rubbish bins.  Please take all rubbish with you when you leave.

All vehicles entering and exiting Lilley’s Beach access may have their vehicle number plates recorded and those details matched against Council’s booking service. Those vehicles found entering without a current valid Lilley’s Beach Permit will be issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).  This amount increases each financial year from 1 July.  To avoid the fine, please ensure that you have purchased a Lilley’s Beach Permit before entering and if you have a permit that it is valid.  All camera footage obtained is stored securely and only viewed and accessed by authorised persons.  Footage is retained for 30-90 days, unless it is required for official purposes.  This is in accordance with the Public Records Act 2002.  Find out more about Gladstone Regional Council’s Privacy Statement.

1. Vehicles are PROHIBITED to drive on the foredunes above the high-water mark or on the tidal flats at any time.
2. Vehicles are PROHIBITED to travel South towards the mouth of the Boyne River and are only permitted to travel north of the beach entrance.
3. Motorbikes, trikes, trail bikes, and quadbikes are prohibited.
4. Obey all road rules - All Queensland Road rules apply, even on beaches.
   • The speed limit is 60 km/h.
   • All vehicles must be registered.
   • Wear seatbelts at all times.
   • Keep left of oncoming vehicles at all times
   • Pedestrians, cyclists, pets, and wildlife have the right of way.
   • Use indicators only when overtaking or turning.
   • All drivers must hold the appropriate driver's licence.
   • Never sit outside the moving vehicle or tow people behind the vehicle - it is illegal and people have been seriously injured this way.
5. Fires are prohibited.
6. Dogs must be supervised and always under effective voice commands. They must not create a nuisance to other members of the public and wildlife or cause damage to the vegetation in the area.
7. All rubbish must be taken when you leave.
8. Do not undertake any activity that causes a nuisance, harms wildlife, or damages vegetation.

• Always carry a first-aid kit and sufficient food and water.
• Always supervise children.
• Bring insect repellent to avoid mosquito and sandfly bites.
• Lilley’s Beach is not a patrolled swimming area, do not swim in the ocean.
• Do not drive when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or medication.
• You need to be constantly alert and familiar with sand driving techniques - 4WDs handle differently in sand.
• Police visit the island with speed detectors and breathalyser units.

• Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound.
• Carry essential items such as water, tyre gauge, tyre pressure, pump, snatch strap, tow rope and a first-aid kit.
• Check that your tyre pressure gauge works.
• Be familiar with your vehicle and correct driving techniques.
• Plan your trip – it’s best to travel two hours either side of low tide.  The beach can become impassable at high tide.  If there’s not enough space to drive between the water and the dunes, then turn back and wait for the tide to go out. 

• Pedestrians - they often cannot hear approaching vehicles above the sound of surf or strong winds. Slow down near people on the beach, especially around children.
• Seabirds and other wildlife—always go slow and go around flocks of birds.
• Other vehicles – please wait for them to pass.  Do not attempt to pass by driving over vegetation or dunes.

• Engage locking hubs and only drive on the beach with a 4WD with high clearance and low range gear selection. Motorbikes, trikes, trail bikes, and quadbikes are prohibited.
• Ensure you are proficient in four-wheel-driving, if you are a novice, try driving with someone experienced in sand driving. 
• Check the manufacturer’s tyre pressure recommendations for sand driving.
• Reduced tyre pressure within manufacturer's specifications helps maintain traction on inland tracks and soft sand. If you choose to reduce your tyre pressure, re-inflate your tyres again to resume speed on harder sand or mainland driving.
• Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking.
• Select low gears for soft, dry sand.
• If your vehicle bogs, reverse out and try to drive forward again.
• It is illegal to drive off-track on dunes.
• Avoid driving at night – hazards are extremely difficult to see at night. 
• Don’t take risks – beach driving can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous.

• Bookings can’t be modified on the same day they were made.
• Lilley’s Beach permits are not transferrable. The driver of the registered vehicle must purchase the permit in their own name.
• Modifications must be made prior to entry into Lilley’s Beach access.
• When making changes, ensure that your telephone number and email address are current so that we can contact you if needed.
• Permit Fees are non-refundable.