Rangers in North Queensland have fined a driver who used protected wetlands as a “four-wheel-drive playground”.

Sandfly Creek, to the south of Townsville, is one of the few nature reserves in the region where migratory bird species from across the world rest, feed and breed.

Both the four-wheel drive owner and the towing company have been fined.

Investigations using drone footage revealed the full extent of the damage caused by multiple vehicles.

We make no apologies for that – such areas should not be treated like a four-wheel-drive playground," Mr Dunk said.

QPWS rangers and the Queensland Police Service also intercepted a man leaving Bowling Green Bay National Park, who was fined $287 for driving an unregistered side by side and fined another $287 for driving off road in the national park.