Australia has approximately 66,530 km of coastline, which is a whole lot of beaches to explore.
In some lucky parts of the country, the absolute best way to get around and see all this coastline is from the front seat of your 4WD.
We know how much you love to explore parts of Australia via 4WD, so we have put together this handy guide to beach driving as the ultimate resource for beginners and experienced 4WD drivers alike.
Here’s our rundown of the top tips for 4WD beach driving. Want to learn how to drive safely on sand? Take note of these 12 top beach driving tips.
1. Check if the beach allows 4WD vehicles
There’s a reason this one is at the very top of the list. While we may want to explore all the beaches we can, there are a number of protected areas and beaches that do not allow vehicle access. Before you pack up the 4WD and hit the sand, check with the local council and ensure that beach driving is permitted.
Some beaches may have designated hours or seasons, so get the right information to ensure you are allowed to drive there. For example, the stunning Silver Sands of the Fleurieu Peninsula is a pristine stretch of coastline. To protect the area, the beach includes a seasonal winter closure effective from May to September, as well as specific opening hours. You can find most of the beach driving rules on local council websites.
2. Understand tide schedules and avoid driving during high tide
Tides in some areas can move faster than you expect. Bribie Island, just north of Brisbane, is a beautiful spot with sandy beaches and plenty of wildlife, but you do not want to be caught on the sand when the tide comes rushing in. Once you’ve checked that beach driving is permitted, do both yourself and your insurance premiums a favour and check the tide schedule for the beach you plan to attend.
There are heaps of websites online that can predict the tides and give you the best times to drive across the sand; aim for low tide times and make sure you can make your way back before the tide rises if you are doing a two-way trail, not a circuit.
3. Conduct a pre-drive inspection of your vehicle
To ensure the best experience when driving on the beach, it’s vital to make sure your vehicle is up to the task. A thorough check of your 4WD can save you from problems later on. Start by opening the hood and checking your fluid levels, then assess the condition of your tyres (more detail on tyre and tyre pressure later). Additionally, inspect your vehicle’s 4WD system; you’ll need all four wheels working properly, especially if you are trying to conquer Stockton Beach in NSW, which is known for its towering dunes.
4. Ensure you have recovery gear
Much like a Boy Scout jamboree, the key to successful beach driving is to “be prepared.” Before you head out, ensure you have all the essentials to help you out of tricky situations. Key items for your vehicle include:
- snatch straps
- traction boards
- a long-handled shovel
- a portable air compressor
- sand flags
- a first-aid kit
- snacks and water
Sand flags are crucial for maximising visibility when cresting a dune, both for yourself and others. If you’re fortunate enough to be near Perth and planning to explore the Lancelin Sand Dunes, be sure to pack your sand flags to navigate those steep hills safely.
5. Check your auxiliary lights
One important precaution we cannot emphasise enough is the necessity of good lighting during dark nights and early mornings, especially on some of our remote beaches and tracks. Having the right lights to guide your way and stop you from hitting any obstacles is essential.
Consider upgrading your 4WD’s lighting setup with LED driving lights or a light bar. Driving lights are excellent for enhancing your depth of vision; for instance, our NITRO 180 Maxx 9″ can provide up to 2200 meters of usable light. On the other hand, light bars are effective for widening your field of vision—be sure to check out both our single-row and double-row options.
If you’re navigating beaches where you might encounter wildlife, such as the Bridport to Bellingham track in Tasmania, auxiliary lights are almost essential to help protect our precious native species.
6. Emergency Preparedness
To prepare for remote driving, bring communication devices such as UHF radios or EPIRBs to ensure your safety in isolated areas. Make sure your mobile phone is charged, and if you are travelling alone, inform someone about which beach you will be driving on and your expected return time, especially if you plan to explore Nine Mile Beach and camp for a night or two. The principle of preparing for the worst while expecting the best applies to 4WD beach adventures.
7. Adjust Tyre Pressure
Taking the necessary steps for successful sand and beach driving is crucial. If you’re planning to explore the Eyre Peninsula, one of the most important actions you can take is to reduce the pressure in your tyres. Lowering tyre pressure increases the surface area which can help improve grip on loose or slippery surfaces.
What is the best tyre pressure for driving on the beach?
- 18 PSI for driving on firm sand.
- 10-14 PSI for driving on softer sand
Pack a tyre deflator so you can prepare your 4WD for the beach and an air compressor to re-inflate your tyres for driving on regular roads afterwards.
8. Driving Techniques
Driving on sand offers unique yet rewarding challenges that differ from regular driving. To help your 4WD navigate dunes effectively, maintain a steady speed to avoid getting stuck.
When using the throttle, apply gentle pressure to minimise wheel spin.
If you need to stop, avoid sudden stops; instead, brake smoothly to prevent your 4WD from digging into the sand.
Additionally, steer clear of sharp or sudden turns; instead, make gentle corrections to your 4WD’s path.
9. Handling Dunes
When ascending or descending sand dunes, travel straight up and down to avoid tipping. If attempting the famous coloured sands at Rainbow Beach in K’gari (Fraser Island), we recommend you maintain a steady throttle and drive directly to prevent destabilising your vehicle.
10. Recovery Tips
If a situation occurs or you find yourself stuck, don’t panic. Stay calm and follow best practices to recover your vehicle.
For a bogged 4WD, first assess the situation. Consider lowering the tyre pressure for better traction. Use the correct recovery gear, such as snatch straps or traction boards, ensuring that all equipment is in good condition.
How to use traction boards?
- Clear the area: Remove as much loose sand, dirt or debris as you can around the stuck wheels.
- Align the boards: Position the traction boards in front of the tyres, ensuring they align with the direction you want to go.
- Anchor the boards: Press them slightly into the ground to prevent them from slipping.
- Accelerate: Slowly and steadily accelerate to drive out of the stuck position.
To learn more about the proper use of snatch straps, visit the RACQ website for some great tips.
If you are bogged near the fishing spots and motorbike tracks at Wilbinga, traction boards and a shovel will help get you back on track quickly.
11. Environmental Considerations
We have some of the world’s most pristine coastlines, and our shared duty as beach drivers is to care for them for future generations. Follow the motto: “Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints (or tyre prints, in this case).”
If the beach you visit has designated tracks, please stick to those tracks to avoid leaving tyre ruts and damaging dunes. Additionally, be sure to lower your tyre pressure to help minimise your impact on the environment.
12. Post-Beach Care & Maintenance
After enjoying your time at the beach and exploring your heart’s content, it’s time to wash your vehicle to remove sand and saltwater residue. Start by pre-rinsing the exterior with water, then use a dedicated car wash soap and a wash mitt to clean the entire vehicle from top to bottom.
Salt can damage your paint job, so thoroughly remove all residue. After a weekend at the beach in the sun and sand of Robe SA, giving your 4WD a detailed underbody wash will help prevent rust and keep it in top condition for future beach adventures.
