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With almost 26,000 km of coastline and some seriously epic beach drives, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to sandy adventures. Whether you’re after the pure thrill of four-wheel driving or want to park up with a rod and a few cold ones, we’ve got you sorted—these drives are absolute favourites among 4WD enthusiasts.
Introduction to Beach Driving
Nothing beats the buzz of beach driving along Australia’s incredible coastline. Whether you’re cruising through the Great Sandy National Park or tackling the wild beaches of Western Australia, the freedom is second to none. Before you head off though, you’ll want to nail the basics—drop your tyre pressure to get better grip on soft sand, and always pack recovery gear for when things get tricky. Many of the best beach drives sit inside a national park, so check what permits you need and know the local rules. Get these basics right, and you’ll be set to explore some of Australia’s most stunning beaches and parks, from the firm sand near the water’s edge to the more challenging inland tracks. So chuck your gear in, give your ute the once-over, and get ready to discover the great sandy stretches that make beach driving such a classic Aussie adventure.
Sandy Cape Tasmania
Quicksand, Antarctic winds, and deep creeks flowing into massive seas. Welcome to this must-do 4X4 trek on Tasmania’s west coast.
The rugged coastal scenery is absolutely spectacular, but don’t let it distract you. This is serious 4X4 country with some of the best beach drives around. Sandy Cape is truly off the beaten track, giving adventurous 4WD drivers a chance to explore remote routes far from the usual tourist trails. It’s not for the faint-hearted though, it’s claimed more than a few vehicles over the years. You’ll need to travel in a convoy because quicksand is a real issue here and can swallow your truck whole. Always have your recovery gear ready and keep an eye on tidal movements.
The 12km beach run kicks off at Greenes Creek, but even getting there requires some low range work through big bog holes on the Balfour Track.
Rainbow Beach to Noosa
Looking for a great first beach drive that’s only a few hours from Brisbane? Not keen on catching a barge to K’gari (Fraser Island)? Then check out this beauty that starts at Rainbow Beach and heads to Noosa via a stunning series of beaches that have it all: beach camping, massive sand dunes, sensational fishing, surfing and more. Great Sandy National Park features the Cooloola Way Track—a popular 4WD beach track that stretches 30 km.
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When you’re driving, hunt out the hard sand for better traction and easier 4WD access. Take note of speed limits because police patrols are common, though they won’t be a problem at high tide when it’s slow going and sand can be almost non-existent, especially after big swells. Always stay alert while driving on the beach, and keep an eye out for other drivers sharing the area—everyone’s safety matters.
Those swells can also make the short drive from Double Island Point to Rainbow Beach impassable, or at least pretty dodgy, leaving you with an hour-long detour via the Freshwater Track as your only option.
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Score a camping permit for Inskip Point
Moreton Island
Travel from the city to the sand without driving a single kilometre! One of the best beach drives in the country is just a 75-minute ferry trip from the Port of Brisbane. North Stradbroke Island is also accessible by ferry from Cleveland on the mainland.
You’ll roll off the ferry and straight onto another of Queensland’s 4X4-friendly sand islands. At 37km long and 10km wide, you can traverse Moreton Island in a day, but you could easily spend the week exploring war relics, shipwrecks and freshwater lakes in between surfing, fishing, diving and simply soaking it up. Sand driving is a key activity here, with the island’s extensive sandy terrain and dunes offering unique challenges and experiences for 4WD enthusiasts.
While the driving is generally pretty cruisy, large swells can expose coffee rock on the beaches, and some dune tracks get quite rough during holidays.
Up-to-date Ferry Fees and booking
Stockton Beach
An easy two hours north of Sydney, behind the bustling port of Newcastle, you’ll find the longest beach in NSW. Nine Mile Beach sits 140 km north of Sydney. Stockton Beach is part of the Mid North Coast region, known for its extensive 4WD opportunities. Belmont Wetlands State Park, located nearby, also offers 4WD beach access and recreational activities.
The 31.8km stretch of sand that is Stockton Beach is a 4X4 mecca, with most of it open to vehicles, though big swells regularly make driving impossible at high tide. Driving permits in NSW can be confusing and vary between regions—just another bureaucratic headache.
Camping at Stockton and driving in the dunes has been off limits since a 2012 storm, but access is currently under review.
There are two entrances onto the beach: Lavis Lane at Williamtown about halfway down and at Anna Bay on the northern tip. Kalaroo Road is another key access point to Belmont Wetlands State Park and the surrounding beaches.
Everything you need to know about Stockton Beach
Robe Beach Run
Known for ultra-soft, power-sapping sand, challenging beach exits and a maze of tracks weaving through stunning coastal scenery, South Australia’s Robe Beach Run is an absolute must-do. Located in South Australia, this iconic off-road route is popular among enthusiasts for its unique terrain and breathtaking views. The Robe Beach Run sits near the South Australian border, making it a significant destination for those seeking remote coastal adventures and off-road recreational activities.
Antarctic winds are common here, whipping sand at your truck and howling in tune with your screaming engine that’s struggling for purchase on tracks that remind you why heavy items don’t go on the roof.
Travel with mates and recovery gear, drop your tyres to a near bead-breaking 14psi and bring a flag to avoid head-on collisions. A decent map wouldn’t go astray either.
Bruny Island – Cloudy Corner
Tucked away at the southern end of Bruny Island off the southeast coast of Tasmania sits a camping spot so peaceful that its existence alone is reason enough to own a four-wheel drive. The area is close to a charming seaside town, offering a relaxed coastal atmosphere and access to classic seaside activities. All drivers need an Arthur-Pieman Recreational Drivers Pass for some beaches in Tasmania.
After catching a car ferry from Kettering and driving the full length of Bruny Island, you’ll arrive at Cloudy Bay, deep in the wilderness of South Bruny National Park.
Access is via 3km of easy beach driving that leads to a campsite tucked among the trees and protected from all weather.
With magical walking, great fishing and gently peeling waves, you may never want to leave.
Everything there is to know about Bruny Island
Wedge Island and Lancelin
Ninety minutes north of Perth you’ll find one of Western Australia’s best beach getaways, sitting within the renowned South West region—a prime area for 4WD adventures. Wedge Island is a popular holiday destination with around 350 beach shacks catering for tourists and residents alike. The Yorke Peninsula boasts 700 km of sandy coastline for 4WD driving, and scenic spots like the Warren River further south add to the region’s appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
The beach driving is excellent, though you’ll want to take appropriate care when driving below the high tide mark.
The popular dunes behind the beach are now permanently closed, but 25km south is the Lancelin Off Road Vehicle Area where vehicles and bikes of all types can play in the dunes.
Their proximity to Perth means they can get busy on weekends and holidays, but with a bit of planning they could be all yours.
Cape Flattery
Located in remote Far North Queensland, you’d be forgiven if you hadn’t heard of Cape Flattery, even though it’s less than a half-day drive from Cooktown. To reach this secluded spot, you’ll need to head north along adventurous tracks. But if you’re looking for a remote beach, it’d be hard to beat this one.
Just don’t forget to air down your tyres and bring a few different recovery options. The entrance to this beach sees no traffic, has several water crossings, and a steep, soft climb.
Sandy white beaches and the opportunity to explore this rarely travelled, remote area will make this something you won’t forget. Like most beaches in the region, Cape Flattery offers pristine, untouched beauty. Pair it with a side trip to the coloured sands of Elim Beach and a stay at Eddie’s Beach Camp.
See Cape Flattery like the locals
Cable Beach
In the heart of Broome sits 22km of brilliant white sandy beach drives that are regularly described as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, offering incredible views of the coastline and ocean.
This is an accolade that’s sure to attract the crowds, and Cable Beach is nearly always bustling with tourists and locals alike, with campsites almost impossible to find during holidays.
Driving along the shores of Cable Beach, you’re likely to encounter plenty of fellow four-wheel drivers, herds of camels being ridden by backpackers, nudist colonies and fishermen—sometimes all at once!
But there’s plenty of room to find your own pocket of paradise and watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean.
Plan a Cable Beach trip right here
Fraser Island
Did you think for a second that we could talk about Australia’s best 4X4 beach drives and not include K’gari? The world’s largest sand island is one of the premier 4X4 destinations for bloody good reason. With over 100 freshwater lakes, countless lengths of driveable beaches—including the iconic main beach—plenty of shipwrecks to explore, and fantastic fishing, it’s easy to see why. K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and is accessible only by 4WD, making off-roading a highlight of any visit. Before you set off, remember to adjust your tyre pressures for the soft sand and varied terrain, and plan your crossings and campground arrivals for low tide when access is safest.
There’s no excuse for you not to put K’gari on your list. Even if you’re without a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can rent one on the spot, and if beach camping isn’t in the cards, there’s always the well-appointed Kingfisher Resort. Some of the more challenging sections, especially near Indian Head and steep sand tracks, are best tackled by experienced drivers. When driving, always hunt out the harder sand closer to the waterline for better traction, and enjoy the thrill of descending from towering dunes back to sea level.
Just be sure to follow the rules (and the always decreasing speed limits) and it’ll be hard to have a bad time! Don’t miss must-see spots like Indian Head for panoramic views, and consider exploring other iconic 4WD beach destinations in Australia such as Diamond Head, South Smoky Beach, Nambucca Heads, Hat Head, and Shark Bay for more unforgettable off-roading adventures. Just make sure to book your ferry in advance.
East Vs West – How to do K’gari (Fraser Island)
Quick Links
Beach Driving 101 – how to make friends and not act like a clown
10 sand driving tips
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Any list of 4wd beaches that doesn’t include Yeagerup in WA’s south is highly inaccurate. Broome is not a 4wd beach – the Variety Bash ended there last year in old 2wd cars and none got stuck. I’ll challenge anyone to get a 2wd onto Yeagerup, let alone off it.