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.

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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.

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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.

A 25-minute drive from Perth is all you need to be amongst generations of grape growers.

You might not know Swan Valley, but the vines here twist through almost 200 years of history. Today, plump grapes are still plucked, pressed by juice-stained hands and fermented into wine – a journey led by the same families who will pour it into your glass. And with that first taste, you’ve unknowingly become part of a generations-old tradition.

So, sit back and take a sip of a crisp white under that sun-speckled pergola and listen to the warbling of magpies – here’s what makes the Swan Valley so special.

Western Australia’s oldest wine region

Mandoon Estate bathed in the warm glow of sunset. — Sip your way through Swan Valley’s rich wine heritage. (Image: Tourism WA)

In 1829, the very year Europeans settled in Perth, the first vines were planted in the Swan Valley. Later, Croatian and Italian migrants blended their southern European winemaking traditions into the local viticulture, a combination that works so well in the Mediterranean climate here.

The result today is crisp, tropical Verdelho, dark, fruity Shiraz and plenty of Chenin Blanc – a third of the country’s Chenin Blanc is crushed here.

So where to start uncorking? Mandoon Estate has an Aboriginal art gallery and a sculpture trail, where you can taste an Indigenous food platter of smoked crocodile and emu sausages.

For a taste of the valley’s Italian heritage, head to Pinelli Estate Winery. Or, for something indulgent – and a little unusual, considering the inland location – RiverBank Estate Winery serves lobster straight from tanks, paired with that Chenin Blanc.

If you prefer something stronger in your glass, Talijancich Wines knows a thing or two about fortified drops: try its aged tawny, Muscat and liqueur Verdelho.

Sensational dining

A beautifully presented dish paired with champagne. — Pair great food with a scenic winery setting. (Image: Tourism Caversham)

The Swan Valley follows that great Australian wine-country tradition, with everything from unfussily fantastic pub meals and beer gardens to unexpected fine dining at cellar doors.

Start at Edgecombe Winery, which does brunch as well as drops. Their brioche French toast with raspberry and rhubarb coulis, poached pear and roasted pistachios will taste best when you’re perched at a table outside. Don’t forget to explore their orchard and wetland afterwards.

Pick up a box of freshly baked macarons from Maison Saint-Honoré (bien sûr) before heading to Valley Social for a North American barbecue-inspired feed. Chow down on beef brisket burnt ends and wash them down with a hemp-infused craft beer.

Baskerville Tavern is brewing beer again in the former Feral Brewpub. Order their Monday special – a classic chicken parmi – and try Slumdog Brewing’s regular range, including a tart blueberry sour made with fresh and freeze-dried berries. In winter, it’s time for their seasonal seven-malt stout, with notes of dark chocolate, coffee and caramel.

An unbeatable visitor’s centre

In Guildford is the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in a restored 1866 courthouse. Its award-winning staff know everything about anything happening in the Swan Valley. Pick their brains (and pick up a free map) before setting off. But, check out the centre’s Welcome to Country mural by local Whadjuk artist Chloe Caylon first.

Scenic drives

Use that handy Visitor Centre map to get a bit of everything on the Swan Valley’s 32-kilometre scenic loop, which connects over 150 attractions. Think roadside produce stalls, art galleries and historic buildings. Just remember to organise that designated driver if you’re extra keen on the vineyard stops.

Other drops

If the thought of wine makes your temples pulse, there are plenty of other tipples to tickle your fancy. Txoko Brewing in Baskerville takes its name from a Basque gathering place for cooking, drinking and socialising. Work through its rotating beers and plates of Spanish croquettes and sardines, then settle on the grass while the kids let off steam in the playground.

AmberChes Spirits Distillery uses locally sourced botanicals and fruit to make saltbush gin, lemon myrtle gin and Gincello, a twist on limoncello. Try its award-winning sloe gin, which was named Australia’s best at the 2025 Gin Guide Awards. Better yet, have a go at making your own in a hands-on gin-blending and distilling class among the vines.

Historic architecture and an arts scene

Traditional art celebrating First Nations culture. — Explore the stories behind the Swan Valley. (Image: Tourism WA)

Next: Guildford. It is one of WA’s earliest colonial settlements – but the history here goes back much further. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the land’s Traditional Custodians, whose Dreaming tells of the Wagyl serpent creating the gum tree-lined Swan River. Today, Guildford’s original town layout remains largely unchanged. Follow one of four heritage walks past 19th-century buildings, galleries and James Street’s antique shops.

Take home pantry staples

The display counter at Margaret River Chocolate Company. — Treat yourself to a chocolate-filled detour. (Image: Tourism WA)

Sometimes the little stops are just as good as the big hitters. Pull over at Margaret River Chocolate Company for free tastings of white, milk and dark chocolate. Then stop by Harvey Cheese Swan Valley for Lemon Myrtle Ash Brie or St Duke’s Red. End at The House of Honey, where you can sample local honey and get buzzy on honey ice cream pancakes.

Nature and wildlife

A close-up of a koala in its natural habitat. — Add a little wildlife adventure. (Image: Tourism WA)

If the kids have had enough of winery lawns, save the bottles for later and head to Caversham Wildlife Park. Here, you can hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas and wombats. Catch working sheepdogs and sheep-shearing demonstrations at the Farm Show. Elsewhere in Whiteman Park, hop aboard a vintage train or tram, or cool off in the splash pool.

Finish at Bells Rapids, where fuchsia grevillea, crimson bottlebrush and yellow wattles bloom each spring.

Start planning your culinary escape at swanvalley.com.au.

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

The new master plan aims to protect the environment.

Which parts of the coastline will close – and why?