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.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

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