Beach driving in Western Australia is normal.

It’s how you access camps, reefs, fishing gutters and entire stretches of coastline. But “normal” doesn’t mean forgiving.

Most beach recoveries in WA aren’t dramatic. They’re avoidable.

Tyre Pressure Is Everything

If you take one thing seriously, make it this.

Lowering tyre pressures:

• Increases footprint
• Reduces digging
• Protects tracks
• Saves your clutch

There’s no universal number, but soft WA coastal sand regularly demands lower pressures than people expect.

If the vehicle feels laboured, you’re too high.

Lower first. Drive second.

Momentum Beats Power

Beach driving isn’t about horsepower.

It’s about:

• Smooth throttle
• Carrying consistent momentum
• Avoiding sudden direction changes

Aggressive acceleration digs. Sudden braking buries. Tight turns carve trenches.

WA sand, especially in dry summer months, doesn’t recover quickly. Once you’re down to the chassis, it’s a long afternoon.

Tides Decide Access

Ignoring tides is how vehicles end up in the surf.

Some WA beaches:

• Narrow dramatically at high tide
• Hide soft sections near dunes
• Leave no safe turnaround points

Before entering:

• Check tide times
• Identify exit points
• Have a plan to reverse out if necessary

Water doesn’t negotiate.

Know the Sand Type

Not all sand behaves the same.

• Firm, damp morning sand is forgiving.
• Midday dry powder near dunes is not.
• Recently churned entry tracks are softer than untouched areas.

Watch where other vehicles struggle. That churned section is telling you something.

Choose your line deliberately.

Recovery Gear Isn’t Optional

At minimum:

• Rated recovery points
• Snatch strap
• Dampener
• Shovel
• Maxtrax or similar boards

A shovel alone solves most beach boggings if used early.

The mistake is spinning wheels for five minutes before getting out.

If forward motion stops, stop immediately.

Towing Changes Everything

If you’re towing a camper trailer:

• Lower both vehicle and trailer tyre pressures.
• Avoid sharp turns.
• Keep momentum smooth.

Trailers increase rolling resistance and dig quickly in tight manoeuvres.

Plan wider lines and avoid soft dune approaches unless necessary.

When Not to Attempt It

Don’t enter the beach if:

• You’re unsure about recovery points.
• You’re travelling alone in extreme heat.
• The tide window is too narrow.
• You don’t understand how to lower pressures properly.

There’s no shame in turning around.

WA coastlines are long. Another access point always exists.

What Breaks Trips

It’s rarely mechanical failure.

It’s ego.

Trying to:

• Maintain road pressures
• Rush a soft section
• Follow a rutted track blindly
• “Power through” instead of reassess

Beach driving rewards patience and punishes pride.

Done properly, it becomes routine.

Done poorly, it becomes a recovery lesson under the sun.

Western Australia doesn’t make beach access complicated.

It just expects you to respect it.