6 hours ago
6
Yep, it’s beach driving season, folks. Any stock 4WD can do it, and all you really need is a means of tyre deflation and re-inflation and some basic recovery gear.
Even so, it’s not a risk-free undertaking but with a little awareness and knowledge you can safely navigate the sand, salt and sea spray and enjoy summer without damaging your pride and joy.
Legal beach access and permits by state
First thing's first – access permits to your local beach are usually council-run, so a quick pre-check online can provide you with all the info you’ll need, but here’s a quick state-by-state overview:
New South Wales
All NSW beaches with 4WD access will require a permit, available online or approved retailers, or National Parks Pass.
Victoria
There are only a couple of beach-drives in Victoria. Portland Dunes is the first, which is managed by the Portland Dune Buggy Club. The second is Shallow Inlet, which is part of the National Park and has free access.
Queensland
There are more beaches and sand islands to drive in QLD than arguably anywhere else in the country. From Bribie, Moreton, Stradbroke (North and South) and Fraser Islands (K’Gari) to the innumerable beaches on the Cap York peninsula and multiple locations in between. Vehicle Access Permits are available online.
South Australia
Boasting the best dune system in Australia, SA is the hidden gem for sand-driving adventure-seekers. Permits are required for most locations with 4X4 access.
Western Australia
As you’d expect, there are no shortage of accessible beaches in the state with the largest coastline. As with the other states, however, local rules and permit systems both apply.
Northern Territory
Same goes with our north-dwelling mates. Plenty of access but you’ll need to check for permits (not all places require them) and be croc-wise, as well as aware of the local tidal shifts, which can be huge.
Tasmania
There are plenty of beach adventures to be had in our smallest state, some of which do require permits to access. The conditions down here are also quite different than the mainland, so be prepared.
Sand driving, as far as off-road driving techniques go, can essentially be boiled down to a few steps:
You’ve become bogged. First step is to try reversing out, you’d be amazed how often this works.
If not, hopefully you’re travelling in convoy with another vehicle and have brought your recovery gear, namely a snatch strap and a set of shackles to use on your recovery points (never on your tow bar).
A quick tug and you’re on your way.
If nobody’s around it’s time to start digging. It’s hot and tiresome work, but digging a gentle slope out of the sand and dropping a bit more pressure out of the tyres will get you out of all but the most severe of sand traps.
Salt-spray prevention & rinsing
The quickest way to kill any car is to not wash it after a beach trip. The sand and salt-spray gets into every nook, cranny and crevice and a comprehensive bath is needed as soon as possible.
Post-beach cleaning checklist:
In the past 15 years as an automotive journo and 35-plus years of inveterate car-guy antics, Dex has worked across numerous titles and has even occupied the occasional editor’s chair when nobody was watching. He spends his downtime doing engine swaps (plural) on the nature strip out front and also once ripped a handbrake spin into a perfect car park. His parents remain indifferent.
