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11 Of The Best 4WD Beaches In Australia

For over 75 years, Marshall Batteries has proudly served Australians with our expert roadside assistance and vehicle batteries while journeying across some of the country’s top tourist spots and experiences. This is our review of the best 4WD Australian beaches to add to your off-road bucket list!

 

Best 4WD Beach Drives in Queensland

1. Stradbroke Island 4WD Beaches

Tinged brown by the native tea trees surrounding it,

Tinged brown by the native tea trees surrounding it, the Brown Lake on North Stradbroke Island is a popular swimming place. Image Credit: S. Newrick, Brown Lake (North Stradbroke Island), CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Location: 33 km east of Brisbane. The island is accessible by ferry from Cleveland on the mainland.

The Closest Marshall Batteries stores: Greenslopes and Slacks Creek

North Stradbroke Island is home to some of the most scenic 4WD beach drives in Australia. Some of the most popular tracks include Flinders Beach on the northern tip of the island and the 24 km southern venture through Main Beach to Jumpinpin Channel.

For the experienced off-road adventurer, Keyholes Lakes Track is also a must! Plenty of 4WD-only campsites are scattered across the island, along with many hidden spots like the Brown Lake to enjoy swimming. You can also find plenty of world-class diving, snorkelling, fishing and watersports spots.

Vehicle and camping permits can be purchased through the Queensland Department of National Parks website.

 

2. Great Sandy National Park 4WD Beach

The Torquay Pier at the Great Sandy Marine Park at sunset

The Torquay Pier at the Great Sandy Marine Park. Image Credit: Maggie Macleod Francic, Great Sandy Marine Park 15, CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Location: 204 km north of Brisbane, between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach.

Closest Marshall Batteries stores: Nambour & Buderim

This 4WD beach is where off-roading meets beachfront camping! Great Sandy National Park is home to the Cooloola Way Track, one of the most popular 4WD beach tracks in Australia. Stretching 30 km, the track weaves through towering pine plantations, dense woodlands and rolling sand dunes.
If staying overnight, Teewah Beach Campground offers multiple beachfront campsites in the Cooloola Recreation Area.

This track can be challenging, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended! Vehicle and camping permits can be booked through the Queensland Department of National Parks website.

 

3. K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Beaches

Hillside views of a 4WD beach from the Indian Head

Breathtaking views of a 4WD beach from the Indian Head Lookout On K’gari (Fraser Island). Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

 

Location: 212 km north of Brisbane. The island is accessible by ferry from Inskip Point in Rainbow Beach and River Heads in Hervey Bay.

Closest Marshall Batteries store: Harvey Bay

The only way to get around the world’s largest sand island is by a 4X4! Home to the native dingo, natural swimming holes, plenty of beachfront campsites, coloured sands, the infamous Maheno Shipwreck and, of course, 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island is definitely one for the bucket list!

Vehicle, barge and camping permits can be purchased through the Queensland Department of National Parks website.

 

Best 4WD Beach Drives in New South Wales

4. Nine Mile Beach 4WD Drive

Nine Mile Beach in Tuncurry

The serene Nine Mile Beach in Tuncurry stretches for 10 km, offering an exhilarating 4WD drive experience. Image Credit: Kgbo, Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry, New South Wales, 2023, 07, CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Location: 140 km north of Sydney. There are two access points – Kalaroo Road near Jewells Crossing and Awabakal Street at Blacksmiths Beach.

Closest Marshall Batteries store: New Castle

Nestled amongst the native bushland, coastal wetlands and dunes of Belmont Wetlands State Park, this 4WD track stretches between Blacksmiths Beach in the south, to Redhead Beach in the north.

With more than 10 km of sandy coastline to explore, you’re bound to find your own private piece of paradise. Edging on the northern tip of Lake Macquarie, the park is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming and surfing.

Vehicle and camping permits can be booked through the Belmont Wetlands State Park website.

 

5. Myall Lakes National Park 4WD Beaches

The Myall Lakes National Park sand dunes.

The Myall Lakes National Park sand dunes. Image Credit: Eduardo M. C., Myall Lakes National Park Dunes 2, CC BY 2.0

 

Location: 95 km north of Newcastle

Closest Marshall Batteries store: Tuncurry

Home to large freshwater lakes, coastal headlands, rolling sand dunes and heritage-listed Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Myall Lakes National Park is a must for those keen to get off the beaten track.

There are two beaches in the park that allow 4WD access – Mungo Beach in the north and Lemon Tree Beach in the south. Many campgrounds are located within the park, serving as the perfect base for vehicle-based beach fishing, surfing, sailboarding and kayaking along the lower Myall River.

Mungo Beach can be accessed from Dees Corner Campground, while Lemon Tree Beach can be accessed from Piper’s Creek.

Vehicle and camping permits can be booked through the NSW National Parks website.

 

6. 4WD Drives at South Smoky Beach

The jetty at Smoky Bay Beach.

The jetty at Smoky Bay Beach. Image Credit: Bahnfrend, Smoky Bay beach, 2017 (02), CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Location: 306 km north of Newcastle

Closest Marshall Batteries store: Nambucca Heads

The Mid North Coast of New South Wales is a mecca for 4WD beach enthusiasts, with over ten accessible beaches scattered along the coastline between Diamond Head and Nambucca Heads.

One of our favourite off-road hot spots is South Smokey Beach, offering the region’s longest stretch of 4WD access. Spanning 14.5 km in length, this long sandy stretch is nestled between Hat Head and South Smokey Lighthouse, both of which offer incredible views along the coast!

Vehicle and camping permits can be booked through the NSW National Parks website.

 

Best 4WD Beach Drives in Victoria

7. The Portland Dune 4WD Drive at the Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Location: The Portland Dunes are 364 km west of Melbourne, within the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, a remote reserve stretching between Cape Nelson and the South Australian border.

Closest Marshall Batteries store: The park is set in a remote area, so have your 4WD battery checked and replaced at one of the many Marshall stores located across Melbourne before you set off.

Portland Dunes is home to 55 km of ocean beach, freshwater lakes, rugged coastal headlands and rolling dunes that make for a unique off-road experience.

A number of tracks provide controlled access to the beach for those keen for a spot of fishing or swimming. There are also a number of campgrounds within the park for those keen to settle in overnight.

Vehicle and camping access permits can be booked through the Portland Dune Buggy Club.

 

Best 4WD Beach Drives in Western Australia

8. 4WD Beaches at Yeagarup Dunes

Location: 349 km south of Perth

Closest Marshall Batteries store: Busselton

From Yeagarup Lake to Warren River, this short yet rewarding drive will have you climbing across some of the largest sand dunes in South West WA.

While the route can be challenging, the views across the ocean from the top of the last dune are well worth it!

The track continues down the dunes to Yeagarup Beach before continuing south along the coastline to the idyllic waters of Warren River. We highly recommend staying overnight as there are loads of incredible camping spots in South West WA to choose from.

 

Best 4WD Beach Drives in South Australia

9. 4WD Beaches at the Yorke Peninsula

Location: 228 km north of Adelaide

Closest Marshall Batteries store: Adelaide

Boasting 700 km of sandy coastline, the Yorke Peninsula offers two incredible beach drives for 4WD adventurers – a 20 km stretch between Parsons Beach and Minlacowie, and a scenic route between Flaherty’s Beach and Point Turton.

Keep your eyes peeled as dolphins are regularly cruising alongside the peninsula.

 

10. Coffin Bay 4WD Beaches

Serene views of Yangie Bay, which is a starting point for the 4WD Coffin Track.

Serene views of Yangie Bay, which is a starting point for the 4WD Coffin Track. Image Credit: Wikipedian, Yangie Bay panorama – panoramio, CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Location: Coffin Bay is situated on the tip of Eyre Peninsula, 688 km west of Adelaide and 50 km west of Port Lincoln.

Closest Marshall Batteries store: Port Lincoln

Coffin Bay National Park is a remote coastal wonderland offering fantastic boating, surfing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and windsurfing.

With towering sand dunes and coastal cliffs, the region’s 4WD beach trails are well worth the venture.

The northern beaches of the national park are home to Coffin Track, an off-road scenic route between Yangie Bay and Gunyah Beach.

Visit South Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Service website for more details.

 

Best 4WD Beach Drives in Tasmania

11. Sandy Cape 4WD Track

Location: 314 km north-east of Launceston.

Closest Marshall Batteries store: Smithton

This one is for the experienced 4WD drivers! Beginning in Temma, the initial route weaves through coastal headlands towards Greenes Creek. From here, drivers will be rewarded with a 12 km stretch of remote and rugged coastline to Sandy Cape Beach.

The views across Tasmania’s west coast from Sandy Cape Lighthouse are well worth the challenge. There are also a number of campsites located throughout the park – our favourites are Sandy Cape and Greenes Creek.

All drivers require an Arthur-Pieman Recreational Drivers Pass which can be cooked through the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service website.

 

Tips and Essentials For 4WD Beach Driving in Australia

Australia’s diverse terrain caters to different driving abilities and conditions. While some beach tracks may be suitable for beginners, others require experienced drivers. So, before heading off, be sure to check the following:

  • Tide times
  • Weather conditions
  • Required clearance levels
  • Recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle

These essentials will also come in handy when 4WD beach driving:

  • A reliable tyre deflator
  • 12V compressor
  • Tyre pressure gauge
  • A trusty shovel
  • Snatch strap in case you find yourself bogged!
  • Lanolin spray if you’re planning to travel through saltwater as this can be used to prevent rust from
  • developing underneath your 4WD.
  • A reliable battery is a must – especially for those remote corners of the Australian coastline, so don’t forget to visit your Closest Marshall Batteries store for a FREE car battery check!

Curious about how best to set up your 4WD with batteries for the ultimate off-road adventure? Watch this demo of a Marshall Batteries 4WD battery set-up for a Toyota Landcruiser.

This battery set-up enables the 4X4 to travel through remote locations in rugged conditions and without mains power for extended periods of time.

And that’s a wrap on our picks on the best 4WD beaches! If you find yourself in need of roadside assistance or urgent battery replacement anywhere in Australia while off-roading, you can always HOLLER for a Marshall on 1300 627 742, and we’ll be there in a flash to get you back on the road – no annoying membership fees or wait times, its pay-as-you-go!

 

 

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