Sometimes all you’re chasing is the sand beneath your tyres, the ocean to your side, and the endless horizon of the best 4WD beaches around. Luckily – Australia’s South West is a haven for off-road adventures where you can often wind up with your very own secluded stretch of dunes and waves. But it can be tricky to navigate which beaches are easily accessible for those epic afternoons racing along the shore to hunt down the ultimate fishing spot. We’ve taken the hassle out of the decision making, by narrowing down some contenders that allow you to drive straight onto the sand, away from your problems, and into your dream getaway!
4WD Beaches in Bunbury Geographe
Myalup Beach
Just an hour and a half from Perth, and northwards of Binningup, the white sand 4WD beaches of this area are both dog friendly and boast some of the clearest waters for swimming, fishing, and stand up paddleboarding. In summer be on the lookout for fish like tailor, whiting, herring and flounder, with silver bream often found foraging in the waters year round! Forgot your bait? Don’t fret – the nearby Myalup General store is well-stocked and has tasty options for lunch too once you start to get peckish.
Peppermint Grove Beach
Located halfway between Bunbury and Busselton, this little slice of heaven is tucked away behind the gorgeous Tuart Forest National Park and is one of the most popular 4WD beaches of the region. Drive onto the beach from either the North (Barndi Walk) or South (Peppermint Grove Road) access points. With a picnic area, children’s playground, public toilet facilities, and pet friendly location, this beach is the perfect place to while-away the afternoon!
4WD Beaches in the Margaret River Region
Boranup Beach
Only accessible by 4wd, this beach isn’t for the faint of heart – but boy do the views make up for the challenge of getting there! Completely secluded and backed by the towering Boranup forest, there are no distractions around except the stunning white sand and aqua blue water. Due to the softness of the beach you’ll need to lower your tyre pressure, but make it to the shoreline and you’ll have pristine swimming spots, incredible surf waves, and plenty of solitude. Access down Reserve Road (off Caves road) for a spectacular trip through the Karri forrest to this paradise.
4WD Beaches in the Southern Forests & Valleys
Yeagarup Beach
Located just beyond the mighty Yeagarup Dunes, of all the 4WD beaches this one might be a bit windy once the seabreeze settles in, but its beauty will take your breath away. Renowned as the place where the Warren River meets the sea, this pristine landscape is perfect for a spot of fishing. If four-wheel driving isn’t your thing but you still want to experience the azure blue waters and magnificent stretch of sand, join a tour and let experts like Pemberton Discovery Tours lead the way (and do all the heavy lifting).
4WD Beaches in the Great Southern
Cheynes Beach
With some of the best four wheel driving tracks around it can be hard to pick just one spot in the Great Southern to visit, but Cheynes Beach is up there as a winner – due to its sublime views and easy access. Stretching for kilometres in each direction, it is popular among fishers and families. Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds or come towards the end of spring to see the whales frolicking and breaching through the water. Remember to come prepared with food and provisions, as the trip to Albany can take nearly an hour.
