Australia’s beaches are the envy of the world—endless stretches of golden sand, rolling surf, and the kind of natural beauty that makes you want to kick off your shoes and stay forever.
For many of us, especially those who grew up with sand between our toes, the beach is more than just a destination—it’s a way of life.
And for thousands of Australians, that way of life includes the thrill of four-wheel driving along the shoreline, camping under the stars, and sharing these moments with family and friends.
But as the popularity of 4WD beach adventures continues to surge, a growing chorus of experts and conservationists is sounding the alarm: our beloved pastime may be putting the very places we cherish at risk.
The hidden cost of 4WD beach driving
It’s easy to see why beach driving is so appealing. It’s affordable, accessible, and offers a sense of freedom that’s hard to match.
But beneath the surface, the impact of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on our fragile coastal ecosystems is becoming impossible to ignore.
Professor Thomas Schlacher, a leading beach ecology expert from the University of the Sunshine Coast, has spent years studying the effects of 4WDs on our dunes and shorelines.
His latest research, published earlier this year, is sobering reading for anyone who loves the coast.
Analysing data from 443 records across 253 species, Schlacher’s team found that even minimal vehicle traffic, as little as one or two cars, can cause significant and lasting damage to dune vegetation and the creatures that depend on it.
The problem isn’t just about flattened grass or a few tyre tracks. ORVs compact the sand, destroy delicate plants, and can crush the nests of marine life such as turtles.
For hatchlings, the deep ruts left by tyres can be a death trap. Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care describes how baby turtles, just five centimetres long, struggle to cross 25-centimetre-deep tracks on their way to the ocean. Many don’t make it.
No ‘safe’ level of beach driving?
One of the most striking findings from Schlacher’s research is that there may be no truly ‘safe’ level of beach driving.
Even a handful of vehicles can set off a chain reaction of ecological harm. The sand compacts, roots are damaged, and the natural processes that keep dunes healthy are disrupted.
Over time, this can lead to erosion, loss of habitat, and a decline in the very wildlife that makes our beaches so special.
Despite these concerns, Schlacher isn’t calling for a total ban on 4WDs at the beach. Instead, he’s urging for stricter monitoring and smarter management.
‘There is no such thing as a trip down a beach, in a vehicle, that doesn’t have some form of impact,’ he told The Project. But with more than 90 per cent of Australian beaches currently open to vehicles—including many in national parks—he believes it’s time for a rethink.
Australian beaches: A cultural battleground
Of course, not everyone agrees. For many, 4WDing is a cherished tradition, woven into the fabric of coastal life.
Brett Lynch from the Bundaberg 4WD Club speaks for countless families when he recalls camping trips with his late father—memories he now shares with his own children.
‘Being able to share that with my kids, it just helps them have those memories and keeps those memories alive,’ he says.
Supporters of beach driving argue that, when done responsibly, it can coexist with conservation. They point to the economic benefits for local communities, the joy it brings to families, and the sense of connection to nature it fosters.
Many believe that with proper regulation, such as designated driving zones, seasonal restrictions, and better education, we can strike a balance between recreation and preservation.
What’s happening elsewhere?
Australia is far from alone in grappling with this issue. In South Africa, beach driving has been banned for two decades, a move credited with helping to restore damaged coastal ecosystems.
Closer to home, Victoria is the only Australian state to outlaw cars on beaches entirely. Yet in Queensland, some popular tourist beaches have seen up to 2000 vehicles in a single day—a staggering number that highlights just how popular (and potentially problematic) the activity has become.
Finding middle ground: What’s next for our beaches?
So, where do we go from here? Schlacher and others are calling for a more nuanced approach—one that recognises the cultural significance of beach driving, but also acknowledges our responsibility to protect these precious places for future generations.
This could mean reserving certain sections of the beach for emergency vehicles only, introducing stricter vehicle number limits, or closing off particularly sensitive areas during nesting season.
As Schlacher puts it, ‘We’ve got an incredible moral obligation to pass on ecosystems, and not dead piles of sand.’ It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s ever watched a sunrise over the dunes or seen a turtle hatchling make its first journey to the sea.
Should 4WDs be banned from Australian beaches?
We know this is a hot topic, and there are passionate views on both sides. Have you seen the impact of 4WDs on your local beach? Do you think stricter rules are needed, or is responsible driving enough? Have you got treasured memories of family camping trips you want to pass on to your grandkids?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your stories, opinions, and suggestions in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and work together to ensure our beaches remain a source of joy for generations to come.
Also read: Mysterious tracks on the beach lead couple to eerie discovery: It’s ‘always watching’
