These coastal 4WD beach tracks in WA are closing to the public

The new master plan aims to protect the environment.

Whether it’s the cost-of-living crisis, digital fatigue or simply a new generation looking for something different, off-roading has become one of the biggest trends in travel. And in Australia, where better to do so than the beach?

One place riding this wave of popularity is Western Australia, thanks to over 12,000 kilometres of picturesque coastline – much of it covered in flat, hard-packed sand. But due to rising concerns over environmental damage and beach erosion, close to 200 kilometres of coastal 4WD tracks are about to close.

Which parts of the coastline will close – and why?

Western Australia is known for its natural beauty, but arguably the state’s biggest drawcard is its coastline. Boasting some of the best beaches in the country, it’s become a hotspot among off-road enthusiasts with a penchant for oceanfront driving. The state’s mid-west coast has experienced this growth firsthand, with regional towns between Guilderton (around 200 kilometres north of Perth) and Leeman booming. But like all actions, there have been some serious consequences.

4WD beach driving in Western Australia — Many off-roaders opt to cruise WA’s coastline. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

In recent years, an unprecedented number of unofficial 4WD tracks have been created by recreational vehicles along the region’s beaches and coastline. The environmental impact has been significant, from sand dune erosion to the destruction of native vegetation and animal habitats. Damage to these delicate ecosystems can have devastating long-term effects on the natural environment and local wildlife.

In hopes of protecting the landscape for future generations, three local shires have adopted the new Coastal Recreational Track Management Master Plan, which will see all unauthorised 4WD beach tracks closed. Initially proposed back in April, it also includes the introduction of educational pamphlets, signage at approved tracks and cameras to monitor vehicle activity. The Coorow, Dandaragan and Gingin councils officially accepted the strategy last week.

Once the local habitat has recovered, the previously forged tracks will remain closed. Returning off-roaders are urged to adhere to the rules and drive responsibly, as well as respect the environment and embrace a leave-no-trace philosophy. It was only this year that the New York Times listed Western Australia among the world’s 52 places worth travelling to – let’s keep it that way.

Looking for more coastal four-wheel driving adventures?

The new master plan has been welcomed by the local community, but some particularly passionate off-roaders might feel a little let down. The good news? Plenty of official tracks remain open in the region, with hundreds more to explore across Australia. Here are just a few where you can cruise the coast completely guilt-free.

1. Stockton Beach, NSW

Stockton Sand Dunes in Port Stephens, NSW — Cruise the dunes on a quad bike tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

With more than 19 kilometres of beachfront and over 350 hectares of dune driving (connected to the nearby Worimi Conservation Lands ), Stockton Beach is a four-wheel driver’s dream. Visitors can even join quad-bike tours across the dunes, one of the region’s best tourism offerings. Just be sure to book your beach vehicle permit!

2. Great Beach Drive, Qld

Officially the longest coastal driving track in Australia – and one of the longest in the world – Queensland’s Great Beach Drive is a must for any off-roader. It spans more than 400 kilometres of coastline between Noosa, K’gari and Hervey Bay, looping in stops at World Heritage areas and even a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

3. Coffin Bay, SA

Coffin Bay oyser experience in South Australia — Don’t miss sampling the region’s oysters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The northern section of Coffin Bay National Park is where you want to be, as it can only be accessed by 4WD. Brave the bumpy track and you’ll be rewarded with remote white-sand beaches and windswept cliffs. The region is also one of the country’s top foodie wonders, renowned for its unbeatable fresh oysters.

4. Sandy Cape, Tas

Sandy Cape is considered one of the more difficult 4WD routes in Australia, best suited to experienced off-roaders who can travel in groups. Hugging the wild west coast of Tasmania, the drive explores the remote Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area . It’s a playground for big vehicles, with lots of challenging tracks to conquer along the way.

5. Lucky Bay, WA

If you want to stay in Western Australia, head down to Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park . Not only is this one of the region’s most popular stretches of sand for four-wheel driving, but it also boasts picnic spots, boat-launch sites, camping grounds and bushwalks – making it a great holiday spot for off-roading families.

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

These coastal 4WD hotspots in WA are closing to the public