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.

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.

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