Australia is a land of beaches. With more than 25,000 kilometers of coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to get your 4WD out and explore. Here are 10 of the best beach places to go driving on in Australia:
1. Fraser Island, Queensland
Located just off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. The island is home to rainforests, freshwater lakes, and beaches with dramatic coloured sands.
Fraser Island is a popular spot for 4WDing, as there are many beach tracks that wind through the island’s forests and dunes. The island also has a number of shipwrecks that can be explored, as well as freshwater lakes that are perfect for swimming.
2. Moreton Island, Queensland
Moreton Island is another large sand island located off the coast of Queensland, south-east of Brisbane. The island is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving. There are also many tracks and trails suitable for 4WDing, making it the perfect place to explore by vehicle.
3. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Rottnest Island is a small island located off the coast of Western Australia, near Perth. The island is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters and unique wildlife. There are many different tracks and trails suitable for 4WDing, making it the perfect place to explore by vehicle.
4. Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia
Dirk Hartog Island is a large island located off the coast of Western Australia, north of Perth. The island is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving. There are also many tracks and trails suitable for 4WDing, making it the perfect place to explore by vehicle.
5. Eyre Peninsula
Blessed with coastline on three sides, the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia is a paradise for beach driving enthusiasts. The area is best known for its surfing beaches, but there are also plenty of great spots for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Eyre Peninsula’s west coast is home to some of the best surf breaks in the country, including Cactus Beach, which is a popular spot for surfing competitions. The east coast features calmer waters, making it ideal for swimming and fishing. There are also numerous bays and inlets to explore, as well as shipwrecks that make for interesting diving sites.
6. Ballina Beach
Ballina is located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The beach here stretches for over 20 kilometres, making it one of the longest beaches in the state.
There are plenty of things to do on Ballina Beach, such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and walking. The beach is also a great place to take the family for a picnic or BBQ.
4WDing is also popular on Ballina Beach, with many people using the beach to access the nearby national parks and forests. There are plenty of tracks to explore, and the scenery is simply stunning.
7. Great Barrier Reef
The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland. The reef is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving.
The Great Barrier Reef is also a great place for beach driving, as there are many tracks that wind through the reef’s islands and coral cays. Be sure to keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, and other marine life while you’re exploring the reef.
8. K’gari (Fraser Island)
K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) is a small island located off the coast of Queensland. The island is home to rainforests, freshwater lakes, and beaches with dramatic coloured sands.
K’gari is a popular spot for 4WDing, as there are many beach tracks that wind through the island’s forests and dunes. The island also has a number of shipwrecks that can be explored, as well as freshwater lakes that are perfect for swimming.
9. Lake Elizabeth
Located in Western Australia, Lake Elizabeth is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is also a great place for 4WDing, as there are many tracks that wind through the surrounding forests.
Be sure to explore the lake’s islands, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, reptiles, and birds. You may also spot some of the lake’s resident freshwater crocodiles while you’re driving around.
10. North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is located just off the coast of Brisbane in South East Queensland. The island is a popular destination for 4WD enthusiasts, with plenty of beach driving to be had.
The island is also home to some of the best surf beaches in Queensland, so it’s a great place to come for a waves. There are plenty of camping spots on the island, as well as a few hotels and resorts.
Do You Need Permits To Drive On These Beaches?
In order to drive on any of the beaches listed above, you will need to obtain a permit from the relevant authority. In most cases, this will be the local council or national park.
Be sure to check the requirements for each beach, as some may have 4WD-only access, while others may require that you stay on designated tracks.
Our Top Pick on The List!
Our top pick would have to be Fraser Island! As the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island boasts some of the best beaches in Australia.
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, stretching over 123 kilometers in length. The island is home to rainforests, eucalyptus woodlands, mangrove forests and more than 100 freshwater lakes.
There are over 150 kilometers of beach on Fraser Island, making it a 4WD paradise. The island’s west coast is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, while the east coast offers visitors stunning views of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island’s Great Sandy Strait.
4WD vehicles are required to access most of Fraser Island, as the island’s sandy terrain can make driving difficult. 4WD tours are available from a number of companies, and there are also camping and accommodation options available on the island.