4 Wheel Driving on the South Coast
4 Wheel Driving and off-road driving on the South Coast of Western Australia is great...
Western Australia has some of the best four wheel driving in the world and the Rainbow Coast offers much to the 4 Wheel Driver!
There are a variety of off road trails including Boat Harbour, Blue Hole,Rame Head, Peaceful Bay, Eagle Bluff,Parry Beach,West Cape Howe, The Long Point track including Long Point, Little Long Point and Hush Hush, plus Torbay Inlet to Cosy Corner.One of the most secluded and dramatic is Boat Harbour.
Some of the most accessible Four Wheel Driving tracks include Torbay Inlet (near Albany), Peaceful Bay (towards Walpole), and William Bay National Park's Mazzoletti Beach.
Probably the most challenging beach of all is Bornholm Beach at West Cape Howe. (Reported to be one of the most difficult beaches to access in all of Australia!)
The freedom to go further than most...
"All vehicles are required to stay on established roads or tracks. Vehicles may only be used off a public road or track (e.g. a beach) if an area has been designated for such use.In the case ofNational Parksand conservation parks, this designation is generally conferred through the preparation of a management plan, which involves extensive public participation. Similarly, off-road vehicle use in all other reserves and State Forest is not permitted, unless so designated. In other words, ‘bush bashing' or travelling cross-country is not allowed."~ Dept of Environment and Conservation
Take the time to plan thoroughly...
4 Wheel Driving can be dangerous to an inexperienced driver, and even the most experienced drivers can still get stuck or stranded, so please take the time and effort to thoroughly plan your adventure.
If you are heading to remote areas notify someone of your trip and your estimated time of return and make sure that your vehicle is maintained in good working order before setting out.
Ensure you pack basic supplies such as water, food, first aid kit, extra fuel as well as vehicle maintenance equipment.
The minimum 4WD essentials kit would include: polarised sunglasses, air compressor with gauge, tow rope, strong attachment points on your chassis, bow or ‘D’ shackles, jack and a jack plate or air exhaust jack, vehicle tool kit, rigger’s gloves, recovery tracks, a shovel and a tarp.
Reduce your tyre pressure before entering off-road tracks and sandy beaches and reduce your driving speed to compensate for deflated tyres. Ensure that they are re-inflated after off road driving.
If you get lost, stay where you are. You’ll be found sooner if you don’t stray from tracks. If your vehicle breaks down or becomes stuck, stay with your vehicle. A vehicle is much easier to spot from the air than a person. EMERGENCY- Dial 000
What to do if you get stuck
Getting bogged or stranded is common when 4 wheel driving, espically when you are not familiar with the track, weather, or other variables. The image above features us stuck on Parry Beach, with the soft sand preventing us from moving our vehicle, even with deflated tyres. The first thing you should do when you find yourself stuck is assess any possible risks to you or your vehicle. Eg. are you sinking? is the tide coming in? Once youve assessed these risks make sure everyone is in a safe location, your car can be replaced, you and your family cannot.
Next, try and find someone near you that can help, most other 4 wheel drivers will be happy to help get you out, if there isn't anyone around to assist you, consider attempting to free yourself with the use of the 4WD tools you have. If attempting to free your vehichle is dangerous or you dont feel confident attempting to do so, please call a professional. IF YOU ARE IN DANGER CALL 000
Be respectful of our environment and others...
All normal road rules apply when driving in off-road areas.Always drive slowly with your seatbelt on.
Use the existing Passing Points and slow down when passing other others.
No littering...If you bring it in then please bring it out again!
Beach driving has the potential to impact negatively on animals, please use care. Nesting Shorebirds on sandy beaches, estuaries and wetlands are difficult to see.
There may also be reptiles lounging at the side of the tracks, as well as other wildlife and kangaroos.
Protect from Dieback...
Vehicles can carry the pathogen and spread the disease Dieback.
Please clean any mud and soil off your vehicle, especially the tyres, wheels and underside, before and after your trip and keep to established tracks and roads.
Avoid travelling in wet and mud conditions and respect current track closures.
South Coast 4 Wheel Driving Locations in Albany, Denmark, Walpole and Surrounds
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4WD tracks and trails: Boat Harbour Beach, Blue Hole Beach, Rame Head, Peaceful Bay Beach Access, Eagle Bluff, Parry Beach, West Cape Howe and Torbay Inlet to Cosy Corner.
Resources for 4 Wheel Drivers on the South Coast; Albany, Denmark and Walpole
Code Off Road brochure, by Track Care WA:
A guide to safe and responsible 4WD driving
https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
Western Australian Four Wheel Driving Association:
Useful information about 4WD driving and clubs in Western Australia
https://www.wa4wda.com.au
Parks and Wildlife Service:
Safety in the National Parks
https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
