You're missing out if you haven't journeyed down a 4WD track in Margaret River! It's the best way to access our beautiful coastline and secluded beaches.
We are blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you know what's even better? You can grab your friends or family, and your 4WD, and take an adventure down one of these tracks!
Do You Need a 4WD in Margaret River?
No, all of the standard roads are suitable for 2WD vehicles. In fact, you can get almost everywhere in Margaret River with just a regular car. If, however, you want a bit of extra adventure, then bring your 4WD and try something different!
These tracks are all fairly easy, but if you don't have experience, we recommend going with someone who does, plus carrying Max Trax or similar and winches/snap straps in your car just in case. Don't forget to let your tyres down if you're going anywhere where the tracks are soft.
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Kilcarnup
Commonly referred to as 'Joey's Nose,' Kilcarnup is a relatively easy 4WD track onto the beach. Only about ten minutes out of Margaret River, Joey's Nose is popular with families as it's a fun, surf spot for kids.
The entrance to the track is easy to find, just take a right at the end of Kilcarnup Road and then left along the coastline. The track is very sandy but easy to navigate. It's better in summer when the track is dry but it can get quite busy so stay courteous, slow down and stay safe.
Take a picnic and let the kids have a surf and be sure to take all your rubbish with you. Part of the track is shared with Cape-to-Cape walkers so you might even see some hikers along your way!
Boranup
A beautiful 4WD in Margaret River with access to the beach and a popular surf spot, Boranup is a must-see on your 4WD adventure. A bit more of a complex track to get in on with some deep washouts depending on the time of year.
There are a few different routes to get down to Boranup Beach. The easiest way is down the southern entry of Boranup Drive, past Boranup campground and then left onto the 4wd track at Grace Road.
The harder alternative but a stunning drive is down Reserve Road (off Caves Road). You'll be treated to stunning views of the Karri Forrests before popping out on the white sandy beach.
It can take up to an hour to get to the beach on the track depending on the condition but plan to stay at least a couple of hours once you are there! Take recovery tracks, water, and your snatch strap! Even better, travel with a second vehicle.
Reception can be patchy as well so let someone know where you're going and the expected return. Worthy of its own mention, Bob's Track is another option to get down to Boranup.
Bob's Track
This is a very adventurous 4WD track in Margaret River! Bob's Track starts just north of Bushby Road in Karridale and if you make it, you'll end up on Boranup Beach.
The entrance is clearly visible and quite wide. It would be hard to miss. Bob's Track can be quite gnarly! We definitely recommend traveling with a second vehicle and all of your recovery gear.
There are a few rocky sections and can be deep puddles and washouts after rainfall. It's important to let your tyres down on Bob's Track and be aware of your clearance, especially over some of the rocky sections. The track can be busy on good surf days or during the salmon run so be aware of other drivers!
Be sure to take your fishing gear! Boranup Beach offers the perfect opportunity to wet a line off the white sand and even if it's not during Salmon run you'll have the opportunity to catch Herring, Tailor, and Mulloway.
Check out other fishing locations here.
Point Road
If you are camping anywhere in the Boranup Forest, this is a great 4WD in Margaret River.
Point Road begins off Conto Road, near the campgrounds. It is about a half an hour drive through the Karri forrest. It cuts right through the middle of Point Road campground.
The track is mostly gravel and limestone and not too difficult.
Three Bears Track
This is a fun track to a local favorite surf spot. Aptly named three bears because baby bear wave caters to beginners, mama bear wave for intermediate, and papa bear wave for more advanced surfers. (You can check out our other surf spot recommendations here)
It is not a difficult track, as far as 4WD tracks in Margaret River go, mostly made of compact sand with a few rocky spots and offers views of some of the beautiful coastlines at the northern end of the cape. We still say let your tyres down even if the sand is compact just so you don't corrugate it up for other users!
The track runs from Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup and can be completed in either direction. It can take a couple of hours to do the whole track. If you're starting from the North, drive out Cape Naturaliste road and then turn on to Sugarloaf Road. The track starts about 500m down the road to the left.
If you're starting from the southern end you can enter from Hemsley Road and drive north. There are sections of the track close to the coast that is now fenced off so you might encounter some gates and diversions.
The views of the ocean on this track are its main drawcard. You'll see glistening turquoise waters and will most likely be able to watch some surfers at 3 Bears Break! It's a fun track, not too difficult, and worth doing!
Conclusion
Once you've tried all of these 4WD tracks in Margaret River, further afield and worth an overnighter we love Black Point and Yeagerup for some more heavy-duty 4WD adventures!
Our friends over at 4wding Australia have also done some 4wding around Margaret River, find out their thoughts here.
It goes without saying we urge you to follow some simple 4wd tips to keep you safe while you explore. We recommend you carry extra water, a UHF radio, shovel, Max Trax or similar, tyre deflator, First Aid Kit, and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
It’s also important to ensure your vehicle is capable of going off-road. Do you have good quality off-road tyres, recovery points, and a snatch strap?
If you are new to going off-road it might be worth completing a basic 4WD course or familiarizing yourself with the capabilities of your vehicle on short, easy tracks first.
Stay safe and have fun!
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