4WD & Off Road Adventures

The Shire of Waroona offers the perfect backdrop for 4WD and offroad adventures, with its diverse terrain ranging from coastal dunes to forested tracks and rugged bushland. Enthusiasts can explore scenic routes along Preston Beach or tackle more challenging trails at Lane Poole Reserve or Waroona Dam. Whether you're after a leisurely drive with stunning views or a more adrenaline-fueled offroad experience, Waroona's natural landscapes provide a thrilling escape for adventurers of all levels.

Preston Beach

Preston Beach is one of the few places in Western Australia where you can drive your 4WD directly onto the beach. The beach stretches both north and south, allowing for extensive coastal exploration. Access is via the main car park at the end of Preston Beach Road. It's important to note that driving is only permitted on the beach; access to the dunes is prohibited. 

Safety Tips:

  • Tyre Pressure: Reduce tyre pressure to 15–20 PSI when driving on soft sand to improve traction.
  • Equipment: Carry recovery gear, including a shovel, snatch straps, and a tyre pressure gauge.
  • Travel Companions: It's advisable to travel with at least one other vehicle, especially in remote areas.
  • Environmental Respect: Stay on designated tracks to minimize environmental impact and avoid fines.
  • Speed Limit: The designated speed limit along the beach is 30km/h.

Waroona Dam (Lake Navarino)

Waroona Dam, also known as Lake Navarino, offers a variety of 4WD tracks suitable for different skill levels. The eastern side of the dam features easier tracks, ideal for beginners, while the western side presents more challenging terrains with bog holes and steep hill climbs. Scarp Road serves as a boundary to many of these tracks. Please remember to always check the depth of bog holes before entering, only stick to the tracks, and drive to the conditions.  

Lane Poole Reserve & Nanga Brook

Lane Poole Reserve encompasses over 50,000 hectares of jarrah forest and offers several 4WD trails:

  • Captain Fawcett Track: A 105 km trail starting from Nanga Mill and ending at Quindanning Hotel. It's a moderate to difficult track suitable for medium to high-clearance vehicles and takes approximately four hours to complete. The track often closes during periods of heavy rainfall due to safety and accessibility. 
  • Nanga Heritage Circuit: A 51.3 km loop that provides a mix of gravel roads and bush tracks, showcasing the natural beauty of the reserve. 

These trails offer a combination of scenic views, historical sites, and varying levels of driving challenges.

Lake Clifton

While Lake Clifton is renowned for its thrombolites and birdlife, it's important to note that off-road driving is not permitted in this area to protect its sensitive ecosystems.