With around 60,000km of coastline, Australia has got to be one of the best places in the world to explore the sun, surf, and sand in a 4WD. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise with the family or planning to tackle some adrenaline-fueled offroad driving, the Lucky Country certainly delivers.
From the tip of Cape York to the southern coasts of Tassie, some truly amazing beaches are just waiting to be explored with your 4×4. The diverse terrain on offer will suit 4WDers of a wide range of tastes and experience levels. If you’re just starting, be mindful that, while there are plenty of options for beginners, some beaches and tracks may be best left to those with more experience.
Before you head off, always remember to check tide times and weather conditions and have your vehicle set up for driving on sand. You’ll also want to be kitted out at the very least with a compressor, tyre deflators, a shovel and recovery tracks. If you’re still unsure what gear you need, make sure you check out our 4WD Trip Packing Checklist. Once you’re set up, all that’s left to do is choose your destination! Here’s what we reckon to be some of the most epic beaches for 4WDing around the county.
K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD
K’gari, also known as Fraser Island, is indeed a remarkable destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. As the largest sand island in the world, it offers a unique and diverse range of experiences for visitors.
The island’s renowned swimming holes, such as the iconic Lake McKenzie, are crystal clear and surrounded by pure white sand, creating a picturesque setting for a refreshing dip. The vibrant hues of the island’s coloured sands are a testament to its geological wonders, adding to the visual appeal of the landscape.
One of the island’s most famous features is the Maheno Shipwreck, a fascinating historical site that serves as a reminder of the island’s rich maritime history. Coupled with the presence of the native dingo population, K’gari offers a blend of cultural and natural heritage that is truly captivating.
For those seeking adventure, 75 Mile Beach provides an exhilarating driving experience along the expansive coastline. The beach also serves as a gateway to various attractions, including the striking cliffs of Indian Head and the unique Champagne Pools.
Exploring K’gari’s interior is equally rewarding, with a network of 4WD tracks that lead to inland attractions such as Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, and the serene beauty of Pile Valley.
Camping enthusiasts will find a range of beachfront camping options available, allowing them to immerse themselves in the island’s pristine environment. Additionally, the northern end of the island offers excellent fishing opportunities for those inclined towards angling pursuits.
It is important to note that K’gari’s terrain and conditions can be challenging, and as such, vehicles with low range and high clearance are recommended for safe and enjoyable exploration. Visitors should also be mindful of tides and other environmental factors when traversing the island.
Access to K’gari is facilitated by regular ferry services from Inskip Point in Rainbow Beach and River Heads in Hervey Bay, providing convenient transport options for traveler.
Yorke Peninsula, SA
Ah, the Yorke Peninsula, a playground for families and beach enthusiasts alike. With 700km of coastline, there’s no shortage of sand and surf to explore. Now, if you’re looking for a beach adventure that won’t require a monster truck, North Beach at Wallaroo is your best bet. At low tide, the sand is as firm as a bodybuilder’s bicep, making it accessible for most vehicles. But hold your horses, folks, because it’s a popular spot. So, unless you want to reenact a scene from “The Fast and the Furious,” I suggest you take it slow and keep an eye out for little ones building sandcastles.
And speaking of keeping an eye out, keep those peepers peeled for the dolphins that love to show off along the coast. There’s nothing quite like the sight of these majestic creatures frolicking in their natural habitat.
Now, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to channel your inner off-road warrior, Parsons Beach is calling your name. This 20km stretch of sandy paradise ending at Minlacowie is not only a 4WD haven but also a hotspot for dolphin sightings. It’s like hitting the jackpot of beach experiences.
But wait, there’s more! For an easy breezy beach drive that will have the whole family cheering, head over to Flaherty’s Beach and Point Turton. It’s a leisurely jaunt that offers a great beach for families to frolic and play.
So, whether you’re a rookie beach driver or a seasoned pro, the Yorke Peninsula has something for everyone. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and maybe a dolphin-shaped radar because you never know when these delightful creatures will make an appearance.
Cable Beach, WA
So, you’re thinking of hitting up Cable Beach, huh? Well, let me tell you, it’s like the Beyoncé of 4WD beaches in Australia. I mean, sure, it might not be the most popular, but it’s definitely up there. Picture this: 22 kilometers of pure beach bliss, with sand so white it’ll make you question if you’re still on planet Earth. And those red cliffs? They’re like the beach’s sassy sidekick, adding a pop of color to the whole scene.
But wait, there’s more! You know those sunsets that Instagram dreams are made of? Yeah, Cable Beach has got ’em. Almost every single night. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “You’re welcome.” And when the tide goes out, the beach becomes as wide as a football field, giving you plenty of room to show off your mad 4WD skills.
Now, here’s the kicker. When the sun starts to dip below the horizon, this place becomes party central. You’ve got your locals chilling out, backpackers living their best beach life, and let’s not forget about the camels. That’s right, camels. They’re like the unexpected guests at the coolest beach party ever.
So, if you’re into stunning sunsets, epic beach driving, and rubbing elbows with camels (literally), Cable Beach is where it’s at. Just be prepared to share the spotlight with Mother Nature and her entourage.
Stockton Beach, NSW
So, you’re thinking of hitting up Stockton Beach for some 4WD action, huh? Well, buckle up because you’re in for a wild ride! Literally.
First off, did you know that this beach is a whopping 32kms long? That’s like the marathon of beaches! You better pack some snacks and a portable toilet because you’ll be out there for a while.
And get this – the sand dunes reach up to 30m high! It’s like a natural rollercoaster, except instead of screaming your lungs out, you’ll be screaming “Woo hoo!” as you conquer those dunes in your trusty 4WD.
These dunes are part of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest continuous mobile coastal sand mass. Translation: it’s a big deal. Like, really big. So big that it’s no wonder beach driving here is so popular. It’s like the ultimate off-road playground.
Now, before you rev up your engine and kick up some sand, you’ll need to grab yourself a permit. But don’t worry, they’re as easy to find as seagulls at the beach. Just swing by a local visitor information centre, tackle shop, or service station and you’ll be good to go.
Once you’ve got your permit in hand, it’s time to hit the beach. And let me tell you, the driving here is epic. You’ve got the whole beachfront and most of the dunes open to vehicles. It’s like a giant sandbox for grown-ups!
But here’s a little heads up – those swells can get pretty gnarly. I’m talking waves that’ll make you question your life choices. So, if you see those waves getting big, maybe pull over and work on your sandcastle skills instead.
So there you have it, my off-road amigo. Stockton Beach is calling your name, and it’s ready to test your 4WD skills. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and maybe a shovel in case you need to dig yourself out of a sandy situation. And most importantly, have a blast out there!
Portland Dunes, VIC
So you want to tackle the epic Portland Dunes, huh? Well, buckle up, because this place is like the Disneyland of off-roading! These dunes are no joke – they cover a massive 1800-hectare area, so you better bring your A-game and maybe a GPS so you don’t get lost in all that sand.
Not only do you get to tear it up on the dunes, but you’ve also got 55km of beach to play on. It’s like the ultimate sandcastle building paradise, except instead of making sandcastles, you’re tearing around in your off-road beast.
And if you’re worried about where to set up camp, don’t sweat it. There are numerous campsites available, so you can kick back and relax after a day of dune-bashing. Just make sure you bring some extra sunscreen – nobody likes a sunburnt off-roader.
Now, here’s the catch – if you want to access the southern end of Discovery Bay where the Portland Dune Buggy Club hangs out, you’ll need a membership. But hey, it’s totally worth it for the bragging rights, right? Just make sure to get your application in early because apparently, these guys take five weeks to process it. I guess they’re pretty serious about their dune-buggying.
So there you have it – Portland Dunes is basically off-road heaven. Just remember to rev your engine extra loud for me when you’re tearing it up out there!
Coffin Bay, SA
Ah, Coffin Bay, the land of oysters and epic beach adventures! If you’re in the mood for some top-notch oysters, look no further than Coffin Bay. Their oysters are so good, they’ll have you shucking and jiving with joy. And let’s not forget about the picturesque drives – it’s like a real-life postcard, but with more road rage.
Now, if you’re thinking of hitting up Coffin Bay for some beach action, make sure you’ve got your sand-driving skills on point. Those drifting dunes are not for the faint of heart. It’s like a real-life game of Mario Kart, but instead of banana peels, you’ve got sandy traps waiting to swallow your car whole.
But once you’ve conquered the sand, get ready for some primo beach camping. Just picture yourself sitting by the fire, roasting marshmallows, and listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing in the distance. Ah, bliss.
And for all you adventure seekers, Coffin Bay has got some killer spots for kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. It’s like an aquatic playground for grown-ups. Just remember to keep an eye out for those sneaky oysters – they might be plotting their revenge for all the shucking.
So, if you’re up for a road trip filled with delicious oysters, epic drives, and beachside shenanigans, Coffin Bay is calling your name. Just don’t forget your sand shovel – you never know when you’ll need to dig your way out of a sandy situation.
Bruny Island, TAS
So you’re thinking about trying some 4WD on Bruny Island, huh? Well, buckle up because you’re in for a wild ride! Literally. I mean, where else can you find stunning views, huge cliffs, and long white beaches all in one place? It’s like nature’s playground for off-roading enthusiasts.
And let’s talk about Cloudy Corner campground – it’s like the holy grail of 4WD spots. Not only is it breathtaking, but you can access it via an easy 3km beach drive. It’s like the universe is saying, “Hey, here’s a little taste of paradise, now go get your wheels dirty!”
But the best part about 4WDing on Bruny Island is that it’s great for beginners. So if you’ve never tried it before, this is the perfect place to start. It’s like the island is saying, “Hey, come on over and give it a go. I promise I won’t make it too rough for you.”
And let’s not forget about the visitors who keep coming back for more. It’s like Bruny Island has some sort of magnetic pull that just keeps drawing people in. Maybe it’s the thrill of conquering those easy trails, or maybe it’s just the allure of those stunning views. Either way, it’s like a 4WDing love affair that never ends.
So if you’re up for a little adventure and a whole lot of fun, Bruny Island is calling your name. Grab your gear, rev up your engine, and get ready to experience 4WDing like never before. And who knows, maybe you’ll be one of those visitors who just can’t stay away.
Jenny
love 4wd