Drop Bear Adventures buys six Mahindra Scorpios to take on K’gari

Drop Bear Adventures boosts fleet with six Mahindra Scorpios to drive sustainability and safety on K’gari (Fraser Island)

Rainbow Beach: December 1, 2025: Drop Bear Adventures, the award-winning tour operator guiding immersive three-day 4WD adventures on K’gari (Fraser Island), has proudly added six Mahindra Scorpio SUVs to its fleet, marking a major milestone in its commitment to sustainability, guest safety, and operational efficiency.

A Strategic Fleet Upgrade

After more than 12 years running older 4WDs in the harsh salt-and-sand environment of K’gari, owners Mark and Hana (Poppa Bear and Mumma Bear) carefully evaluated next-generation options and ultimately selected the Mahindra Scorpio for its exceptional off-road performance, comfort, and durability.

“We tested a Scorpio under extreme load - about 500 kg in the back - and it handled soft sand with ease,” said Mark. “It didn’t bog down; it just glided over the dune. That gives us confidence when our guests, many of whom have never driven a 4WD, take the wheel.”

Built for K’gari

To ensure the vehicles are island-ready, each Scorpio has been modified for K’gari’s demanding terrain: a 2-inch lift kit, reinforced bash plates (front, fuel tank, and AdBlue), and nudge bars for added protection. This rugged build supports both safety and performance on remote tracks, beach drop-offs, and sand dunes.

Efficiency Meets Sustainability

The shift to Mahindra is not only about capability - it is also about efficiency and cost. According to this trailblazing couple, improved fuel economy, reduced maintenance costs, and better parts availability were significant factors in the decision. The upgrade supports Drop Bear’s broader sustainability goals, aligned with their mission to protect K’gari and minimise environmental impact.

Elevating the Guest Experience

Drop Bear’s tag-along tours - led by expert guides, followed by guests in convoy-style - rely on vehicles that are not only tough but intuitive to drive. The Scorpio’s user-friendly handling and comfortable cabin make it ideal for first-time 4WD drivers. As Hana noted, guests love the “nice, smooth and soft ride,” while the vehicles’ appearance (with Drop Bear branding) consistently turns heads.

Partnering for the Long Term

Mark and Hana emphasise that their relationship with Mahindra has been collaborative from day one. “They understood what we do here out on K’gari,” said Hana. “Their support has been extremely helpful, and we feel like we made a really good choice.”

Looking Ahead

Drop Bear currently runs 18 vehicles, with four in use per tour. The six Scorpios are already in active rotation, and the company plans to gradually grow its Scorpio fleet to fully replace the older vehicles over time. This upgrade aligns with Drop Bear’s vision of running a more sustainable, reliable, and guest-focused operation.

About Drop Bear Adventures

Drop Bear Adventures is a locally owned, award-winning tour company offering three-day guided 4WD adventures on K’gari (Fraser Island). With a focus on sustainability, cultural respect, and personal connection, Drop Bear’s tours are designed for travellers who want to deeply experience the island’s natural beauty and stories.

ABOUT MAHINDRA

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate.

The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.