Best 4WD beach camping spots in Australia

When is the best time of year for a 4WD adventure

While there is no bad time for a 4WD adventure, there's something special about northern Australia between April and November. The weather is bright and sunny (without being sweltering), and the country buzzes with life. Most importantly, travelling at this time ensures that you miss the turbulent monsoon season that occurs during the hottest months of the year (between November and March). No matter where the road takes you, this is the perfect time of year for a 4WD Australia adventure. 

Top tip: Make sure to check your route for any road restrictions or alerts for the time of year you're planning to travel.

 

 

The best 4WD Beach camping spots by state

Australia, a camper's paradise, is home to countless beach camping spots, each with a unique charm. Let's explore some of the best beach campsites, state by state. 

 

Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Cape Tribulation is a crown jewel of natural splendour in the heart of Northern Queensland. It's here, amidst this ancient landscape, that the world's largest coral reef system meets the oldest surviving tropical rainforest. Whether you're behind the wheel of a 4WD exploring the legendary Bloomfield Track or basking in the sun on the white sandy beach, you'll marvel at the harmony of these diverse ecosystems. Every footstep on the hiking trails opens up a new panorama, while the crystal-clear waters hold countless adventures and abundant marine life. 

Where to park: Just south of Cape Tribulation, Noah Beach campground is the perfect (and only) camping area in the Daintree National Park. While not directly on the beach, it's only a 50m walk from your campground up under the ancient canopies. This is a perfect campervan beachside campground for a 4WD adventure to Cape Tribulation. 

How to get here: After picking up your camper from the Cairns Britz 4WD branch, this region is a convenient two and a half hour's drive in your 4WD camper.  

 

Great Sandy National Park, Queensland

With its untamed beauty and expansive beaches, the Great Sandy National Park is a 4WD beach camper's dream. Named after its enormous sand dunes, this park offers a rugged, diverse terrain perfect for 4WD adventures. Great Sandy National Park covers a huge stretch of the Sunshine Coast coastline, with lakes, rivers, forests, and gorgeous beaches that attract thousands of 4WD enthusiasts, surfers, anglers, kayakers and hikers every year. Best of all, this is the perfect destination for slow travel: taking the time to follow the tracks through the park's wild centre, discovering hidden waterfalls and lakes nestled within the rainforest, and relaxing at beachside campsites under the star-studded sky. 

Where to park: As the park stretches for over 500 km², there are plenty of different camping spots and zones where you can set up for the night (Teewah Beach alone has seven different zones!). We recommend Zone 4, as this puts you just behind the foredunes beneath the she-oaks and pandanus palms backing onto the steep coloured sand cliffs – it definitely takes the cake for being one of the best beach campsites in Australia. 

How to get here: The closest Britz 4WD branch is in Brisbane, offering a range of vehicles that can tackle the park's sandy tracks and bring you to the best-secluded beach spots. Even though the drive north is only 200 km, make sure to budget a bit over three hours to get up to your camping spot, as sand driving can be slow going.

 

Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia

Cape Le Grand National Park on Western Australia's south coast is a mesmerizing terrain of rugged granite peaks, sweeping heathlands, and white sandy beaches. The charm of this park extends beyond its stunning vistas: the local kangaroos are known for lounging on the beach, making this a must-do Australian experience. Taking your 4WD campervan along the hard sands of Lucky Bay, you'll be awed by the pristine beauty of the Australian coast and may even have some bouncy friends join you for lunch. 

Where to park: After exploring the incredible sites at the beaches of the park, including Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove and Twilight Cove, the Le Grand Beach Campground offers incredible sites only meters from the stunning aqua waters while also providing flushing toilets and (although not guaranteed) there are even hot showers on site.

How to get here: Starting your journey from the Perth Britz 4WD branch, you'll have everything you need for this remarkable beach camping experience. The drive into Le Grand Beach Campground from Perth will take you just over 8 hours, making it a perfect stop on a Perth to Esperance road trip.

 

Cape Arid National Park, Western Australia

Aptly named Cape Arid National Park, this secluded spot on Western Australia's southeastern coast (about 125km east of Esperance) offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-track adventure. The journey to reach the park is a 4WD adventure in itself, with rugged tracks challenging you every step of the way. But the reward is priceless: vast, untamed landscapes, crystal-clear waters lapping against squeaky-clean sandy beaches, and the bounty of native wildlife, including countless bird species, emus, kangaroos, and more. From birdwatching to fishing or simply lounging on the beach, Cape Arid offers an Outback Australian beach experience like no other. 

Where to park: Within the park's designated campgrounds, Thomas Fishery campground and Jorndee Creek campground are the best for beachside camping.  

How to get here: Start your adventure from the Perth Britz 4WD branch and take the road less travelled, around 9 hours east, just beyond Esperance. 

 

 

Dundee Beach, Northern Territory

The alluring call of Dundee Beach is undeniable to those seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled in the Northern Territory's Top End, about a 90-minute drive from Darwin, it offers a rare blend of serenity and adventure. Its striking beauty is characterized by tranquil beaches, dramatic cliffs, verdant mangroves, and turquoise waters teeming with marine life. The sense of isolation, coupled with the raw beauty of nature, makes Dundee Beach an off-the-grid haven.

As you traverse the rugged terrain beyond Dundee Beach township with your 4WD, you'll uncover secluded spots perfect for camping, world-class fishing, beachcombing, or simply absorbing the breathtaking surroundings. As night descends, the beach transforms into a front-row seat to one of the most magnificent sunsets Australia has to offer. The fiery skies reflecting off the calm Timor Sea is a spectacle worthy of any Australia road trip bucket list. 

Where to park: To get the most out of this 4WD Australia adventure and to experience some spectacular beach camping, make the trek to Native Point campground.

How to get here: After picking up your 4WD from the Darwin Britz branch, make your way along 130kms of bitumen towards the signage of “The Lodge of Dundee”. From here, follow the track to Native Point with a short 7km drive into camp. 

Top Tip: Always remember that you are in croc territory when in the north of Australia, so respect the waterways and be croc wise.

 

Nine Mile Beach, Queensland

Tucked away within the vibrant, lush landscapes of Byfield National Park, Queensland, lies Nine Mile Beach, a haven for beach campers and 4WD enthusiasts. As its name suggests, the beach extends across nine stunning miles of Queensland's coastline, bordered by the turquoise-blue Coral Sea on one side and towering native casuarina trees on the other.

Your 4WD is not just a vehicle here but a passport to the extraordinary. Navigate your way through undulating sand dunes, feeling the crisp sea breeze on your face. The untouched beauty of Nine Mile Beach offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and immersing yourself in an authentic beachside camping experience.

Where to park: Nine Mile Beach has four different campsites to choose from: 

• Myrtella: Brilliant ocean views but can often be exposed to the ocean winds

• Melaleuca: This area is protected from the wind with small shady spots, but sacrifices the ocean views for its sheltered campground

• Pandanus: This site has big open spaces with the choice to be shaded and protected or exposed to the wind with the best views of the beach

• Casuarina: Second best of the four, with great views and large campground sites. 

How to get here: After collecting your 4WD camper from the Britz 4WD branch in Brisbane, set your GPS to Byfield National Park and prepare to be charmed by the enchanting beauty of Nine Mile Beach. The drive from Brisbane to Nine Mile Beach is just under 9 hours and an extra few kilometres on the sand to get to your campsite. 

Top Tip: Note that the Nine Mile Beach area is only accessible for 2 to 3 hours on either side of low tide due to four-metre tide changes. As such, you need to plan your sandy adventure carefully to stay safe with the changing tides. 

 

 

Top tips for staying at beaches with a 4WD camper

4WD Australia travel is not just about reaching your destination; it's about savouring the journey. What better way to savour the experience than by knowing the 4WD essentials for a beach camping experience? If you are a novice to 4x4 in Australia, here are some top tips for 4WD for beginners to ensure you have the best beach camping experience:

• Research in advance: Know your route, check road access, and come prepared with a 4WD checklist to ensure you have everything you need. There is usually little to no service in these remote areas, so it’s important to know where you're going.

• Check campground facilities: Most 4WD campgrounds have limited, if any, facilities at all, so make sure you go in prepared. Also, to ensure your campervan's fridge keeps running and to keep on top of your grey water (which usually needs to be emptied every two days), you might need to stop by a caravan park to plug in and empty your tanks.

• Be mindful of fire safety: Keep your campfire under control and always extinguish it before leaving. Some national parks might also have fire bans, so keep an eye on restrictions in the area.

• Follow park rules: Respect the natural environment and abide by all park rules.

• Leave no trace: Keep Australia beautiful by leaving your camping spot as you found it, if not better.

 

Ready to explore Australia's beaches?

Australia's stunning beaches are by far some of the most beautiful in the world and offer the perfect blend of adventure and the chance to kick back and relax. Driving your 4WD camper allows you to explore off-the-beaten track and get out away from the crowds and experience Australia in a totally different light; unlocking the hidden gems of Australia's vast landscape. So whether you're planning to rent a travel van for a short trip or undertake a cross-country Australian 4WD road trip, you're sure to find an idyllic beachside camp along the way.

Ready to explore Australia’s best beaches for yourself? Hire a 4WD camper today and start planning your ultimate 4WD itinerary with our list of the best 4WD beach camping spots in Australia. More tips on 4WD for beginners as well as tips on 4WD essentials can be found all in one accessible hub over on the Britz blog.