As Australia’s coastline is heaving with epic beaches, it’s possible that in search of an epic surf spot, remote campground, or secluded waterhole, you find yourself driving on a stretch of sand to reach your adventure destination.

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It’s a privilege to be able to access hard-to-reach places via the beach – an adventure not possible in most other countries – so it’s integral that you know what you’re doing before you head out. Here’s how to drive on the beach safely without wrecking yourself, your car, or the planet in the process.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

Basics of Driving on the Beach

If you’re new to beach driving, here’s what you need to know before hitting the sand. If you’re already an expert, skip to the safety section because we all need a little reminder sometimes!

Can my car go on the beach?

To drive on the beach, you’ll typically need a 4WD or AWD vehicle. On some very compact, wide, flat beaches, a high clearance 2WD could work but it’s hardly worth the risk. For very soft sandy beaches, a 4WD is crucial. This is because sand has much less traction than the road and you’ll need all four wheels connected to your engine to push your heavy car along the surface.

Another critical factor is tyre pressure. You need to be able to let your tyres down if you’re going beach driving (and pump them back up when you leave).

 

 

The less air in your tyres, the more they’ll spread out on the track providing more surface area for the car to sit on (think about the difference between pressing something thin into sand vs something wide and flat).

Having your tyres at the right pressure can be the difference between being stuck in sand and cruising through with ease.

How to Adjust Your Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure is measured in PSI i.e Pounds per Square Inch. For normal compact beach driving you might go down to 20 PSI, and for a really soft sand dune it might be all the way down to 15 PSI.

To let the air out you’ll need your tyre pressure gauge. Take the cap off your tyre valve, check the pressure by pressing the gauge to the valve, then use the pin to release the air.

 

 

Check the PSI every so often until you reach the pressure you want. Replace the valve cap and repeat this until all tyres are the same PSI.

Before you get back on the bitumen you’ll need to use your compressor to pump air back into the tyres. Driving on sealed roads with low tyres damages them and wears them out faster.

How to Drive on the Beach

Driving on compact, damp sand below the high tide mark is relatively straightforward. Aside from driving slower, allowing more time for breaking, and avoiding sharp turns, everything else is the same as being on the road (rules included).

When you’re driving on SOFT sand, such as up and over a dune, the technique changes. You want your tyre pressure lower, your car in a low gear, and your revs high. If you feel your car start to slow down, keep your foot on the accelerator and have a little faith in your car – don’t lift off the throttle or break unless the car has come to a complete stop.

And if your car does get stuck? First, don’t panic. Second, don’t spin your wheels in one spot and dig yourself into a hole. Take your foot off the accelerator and gently reverse out of where you’re stuck. Most of the time you should be able to reverse out of a sand bog.

If you can’t reverse out, try letting more air out of your tyres, or in the worst case, dig out the sand around your wheels and use recovery boards or have a mate winch you out.

When you’re driving through sand that already has defined ruts for the wheels to go through, don’t try too hard to keep the wheel straight, just hold it loosely and the wheels will naturally follow the pre-made trenches. Don’t fight it, just roll with it!

 

What recovery gear do I need to drive on the beach?

The Essentials

  • Long handled shovel – for digging out sand or mud from under your car if you get bogged
  • Jack and spare tyre – to lift your car if you need to change a tyre
  • Tyre pressure gauge – to check and lower tyre pressure
  • Compressor – to pump tyres back up before you get back on the bitumen

Having these with you and knowing how to use them will stop you ending up in unnecessary and potentially deadly situations.

 

Optional But Recommended 

  • Sand flag –  A tall flag attached to the bonnet that helps you stay visible to oncoming cars while driving over large dunes
  • Sand platform – To place under jack to stop it sinking into the sand while changing a tyre
  • Recovery boards – To wedge under your tyres and give you a hard surface to get out of a bog
  • Winch – Essentially a heavy duty cord wound onto a barrel that you can use to pull yourself or others out of bogs
  • UHF radio – To communicate between your convoy or with other cars on the track
  • Snatch straps – Used to drag other cars out of bogs. These are really dangerous and should only be used as a last resort

Beach Driving Safety for Nature

We all love the beach, that’s why we’re there right? So it only makes sense to look after the environment you’re exploring.

When you’re driving on the beach, remember you’re sharing the space with plants, animals, and ecosystems that are super fragile and often under loads of stress.

 

 

Dunes can be eroded if the plants that hold them together are destroyed by unofficial tracks. Endangered shorebirds often nest right on the sand just above the high tide line and are at high risk of having their nests run over in the summer rush.

All this to say, just because you can drive on a beach, doesn’t mean you should. Think about whether it’s necessary and whether the damage to the beach is worth your adventure. If it’s a must-do then keep some simple rules in mind:

  • Keep to the track if there is one
  • Avoid driving on sand dunes
  • Where possible, drive on the compact sand below the high tide mark
  • Drive slowly and keep an eye out for wildlife
  • Always check if you need a permit, or if you can even legally drive on the beach!

Beach Driving Safety For You

Road Rules Apply

Cars are still dangerous when they’re on the beach and the same rules apply as on the road. Wear your seatbelt, don’t speed like a mad person, keep off the tinnies while you’re behind the wheel, and keep to the left of other cars.

 

 

Chances are you’re not going to be the only car out there and it’s safest to presume other people aren’t driving as safely as you. Use common sense, don’t be a dickhead, and stay alive out there to adventure another day!

Remote Adventure

Beaches are remote places by nature. Take extra water, supplies, and shade in case something goes wrong.

Tell people where you’re going before you head out and be prepared with enough food, water, and shelter in case you get stuck. It’s also smart to bring a fully stocked first aid kit and a PLB, especially if there’s no phone service where you’re going.

Better yet, travel in convoy if you can! Having another car is not only more fun, it’s also handy having someone to pull you out if you get bogged.

 

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Off-Roading Risks

4WDing has some pretty specific safety risks that can be horrifying if things go wrong.

Never have your windows halfway down while you’re driving. As you’re bumping along, you’ll get thrown about a lot from side to side and no one wants to be scalped by their own car window.

Windows should be completely closed, cracked a tiny bit at the top, or all the way down. And for Pete’s sake, keep your limbs inside the car.

 

 

When you use recovery gear, read the manual, use it properly, and don’t get lazy. Keep well clear and to the side of anyone using a winch or snatch straps. They’re under a huge amount of pressure when in use and people have died from winch and snatch strap accidents.

Beach Driving Safety for Your Car

Cars and salt don’t mix. Obviously, don’t drive right in the water, but also keep a close eye on the tides. In some places there are huge differences between high and low tide and the water can come up really fast.

 

 

When you’re turning around on a beach, it’s always safer to turn towards the sand dunes rather than towards the water, lest you get stuck and the tide comes in to claim your car!

It’s also a good idea to wash your car underneath as soon as possible after your venture to avoid corrosion.

When it comes to beach driving safety it’s more about using your common sense (and not being an idiot) than anything else. We all want to arrive home safely and adventure on another day, and we all want beautiful pristine places that we can continue to visit and cherish.

So make sure you’re across when, where, and how to drive on the beach and we can keep exploring Australia’s endless sandy coastline.

FAQs Driving Car on the Beach

Is it safe to drive a car on the beach?

Given that you are permitted to drive your car on the beach, have the right vehicle for it, and use your common sense while commuting – beach driving is typically straightforward. Always check the tides before embarking, and do not drive at high tide. The general rule is to drive within two hours on either side of low tide. Not every beach is the same and conditions vary so make sure you’re acquainted with the spot you’re visiting.

Can you drive a 2WD on the beach?

It is strongly advised not to drive a 2WD on the beach. 2WDs only power one set of wheels, making it difficult to retain a grip on soft surfaces like sand. Even if your car makes it to harder-packed sand, most likely near the shore, the risk of getting bogged is still there – with the added stress of needing to be towed before the tide comes in, as you can’t engage lower gears or shift between wheels to get out.

Should you wash your car after driving on the beach?

Definitely spend some time after your beach adventure to give your rig a good wash. The exterior and all of its nooks and crannies can get salty and sandy, and it’s best to wash it with fresh water to avoid rusting.

Should you air down tyres for beach driving?

Yep! Lowering the air in your tyres provides more surface area for your car to sit on. Think about how much easier it is to walk through soft sand with your foot, compared to say a stiletto. Make sure to pump up your tyres again once you hit the bitumen again.

Read More About Outdoor Safety Before Your Next Adventure

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