Beach driving is one of the great joys of 4WDing in Australia. There are countless opportunities for coastal exploration, with stunning scenery and great outdoor activities. But while it can be a lot of fun, driving on sand comes with its own set of challenges. This guide will walk you through some essential tips and advice for safe 4WD beach driving so you can enjoy your trip with confidence.
Check Local Beach Permits
You can’t drive on all beaches in Australia, and some beaches require a permit before you go beach driving. Always be sure to check local regulations before driving on any beach. Visit the relevant local government website for more information on each beach’s driving restrictions.
Tyre Pressure
Reducing tyre pressure gives tyres extra surface area on the sand by maximising the tyre footprint. On the road, our 4WDs typically use tyre pressures between 35 and 45psi, depending on the model. However, we recommend reducing the tyre pressure to 16-20 psi when driving on sand. Remember to inflate the tyres to the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle whenever you reach hard surfaces and before returning to the road.
Check the Tides Before Driving
You should never drive on a beach during high tide or a couple of hours before and after. The rising tide can easily submerge vehicles, leading to damage and potentially endangering the passengers. The soft, wet sand at high tide also makes it more likely to get bogged. There is also less room to drive on a beach at high tide. It’s important to always check the tides and weather on the day.
Avoid soft sand and salt water
Stick to the high tide mark when driving on a beach, but don’t go below or above it. This is where the sand is hard and compact enough to drive on. Be careful to avoid seaweed piles and watch out for steep drops. Every beach is different, so stay alert!
Drive Slowly & Keep Your Momentum
It may sound obvious, but be sure to go slowly and allow extra time to get to your destination. Always respect the conditions you’re driving in. Sun glare and mist may reduce your visibility on beaches, and some coastal tracks have blind corners. Also, remember to slow down when your tyre pressure is reduced. This helps to maintain control of your vehicle. There’s no rush, so enjoy the drive and the surrounding views!
Remember to turn off traction control and engage 4WD before driving on sand. It’s best to be in second or third gear in low range. Try to avoid quick turns or sudden stops to keep your momentum. Your chances of getting stuck increase if you suddenly stop or slow down. Be aware of any changes in terrain ahead of you so that you can adjust your power to maintain momentum.
Have the Right Recovery Tools
If you get stuck in the sand or bogged, it’s important to have the right recovery equipment. Our 4WD campers come with the following recovery tools:
- Recovery Sand Tracks: to help vehicles get unstuck by increasing the surface area.
- Recovery Shackles: to connect the tow strap to the vehicle’s recovery points on your chassis.
- Air Compressor: to deflate/inflate tyres before and after sand driving. Also for deflating tyres further if you get bogged.
- Shovel: for digging a ramp out of the hole you’re bogged in.
- Tow Strap: In case you get really stuck, a tow strap can pull a vehicle out of a recovery situation or tow one vehicle behind another.
Our 4WD hire vehicles are made for beach use and can be driven on any beaches where vehicles are permitted. If you follow these basic rules and use your common sense, you’ll stay safe and have an amazing four-wheel driving adventure.
