Australias Best Off Road Trails

Exploring Australia’s Best Off Road Trails: A Guide for Enthusiasts

Western Australia isn’t just big, it’s massive. With some of the most remote, untouched, and challenging off-road tracks in the country, WA is a dream for any 4WD enthusiast. Whether you’re chasing red dirt, white sand, rocky climbs or coastal views, this state has it all. Here’s our guide to the best off-road adventures WA has to offer, complete with difficulty ratings, highlights, and essential gear recommendations.

Gibb River Road

Location: Kimberley, Northern WA
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~660 km

One of Australia’s most iconic outback adventures, the Gibb River Road takes you through the ancient heart of the Kimberley. Expect river crossings, rough corrugations, and jaw-dropping scenery.

Highlights:

  • Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge, and El Questro
  • Remote cattle stations and outback camping
  • Majestic boab trees and red cliffs

Tip: Upgrade your suspension and pack UVP. The corrugations are relentless, and water crossings can be deep after the wet.

Holland Track

Location: Hyden to Coolgardie
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~300 km

Blazed in the 1890s gold rush, the Holland Track offers a mix of narrow bush trails, mud ruts, and granite outcrops. It’s a favourite for weekend adventurers.

Highlights:

  • Camping at Mount Holland
  • Wildflowers in spring
  • Historical markers from early pioneers

Tip: A winch and traction boards can be lifesavers if it’s been raining. Travel in convoy during the wetter months.

Cape Arid & Israelite Bay

Location: East of Esperance
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced (depends on sand conditions)
Distance: Varies by route

An isolated coastal escape offering beach runs, dune climbs, and epic headland views. The reward? Solitude and pristine southern coastline.

Highlights:

  • Remote beach camping
  • Sand dunes and cliffside views
  • Birdlife and fishing spots

Tip: Carry a tyre deflator, compressor, and recovery gear. Always check tides and beach conditions before driving.

Steep Point & Edel Land National Park

Location: Shark Bay Region, WA
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~200 km round trip from Denham

Steep Point is the westernmost point of mainland Australia and reaching it is half the adventure. Expect soft sand, limestone ledges, and wind-blasted terrain.

Highlights:

  • Epic cliffs and ocean blowholes
  • World-class fishing
  • Remote beach camps at Shelter Bay

Tip: High clearance, sand recovery gear and low tyre pressures are essential. Permits required for camping.

Kennedy Range National Park

Location: Near Gascoyne Junction
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~200 km of trails

Less travelled than Karijini, Kennedy Range offers a red rock landscape with short hikes, gorges, and desert solitude.

Highlights:

  • Temple Gorge hike
  • Stunning sunsets over the range
  • Great stopover on the way to Mt Augustus

Tip: Carry plenty of water and supplies, services are minimal. Great for those chasing isolation and scenery without extreme 4WDing.

Wedge Island to Lancelin Beach Run

Location: North of Perth
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~25 km

This coastal sand route is a favourite for Perth locals. Enjoy open beaches, challenging dune sections, and epic ocean views.

Highlights:

  • Soft beach sand driving
  • Coastal camping near Wedge
  • Great day trip potential

Tip: Check tides carefully and always lower tyre pressures. Avoid travelling solo.

Canning Stock Route (WA section)

Location: Wiluna to WA/NT border
Difficulty: Very Advanced
Distance: ~1,400 km within WA

Not for the faint-hearted, the WA section of the Canning is one of the most isolated 4WD adventures on the planet. Sand dunes, salt pans and history await.

Highlights:

  • Aboriginal cultural sites and historic wells
  • Vast desert wilderness
  • Extreme remoteness

Tip: Requires serious planning, fuel drops, spares, satellite comms and travel in convoy. This is bucket-list stuff for seasoned off-roaders only.

Get Kitted Before You Hit the Tracks

Off-roading in WA means being self-sufficient and ready for anything. At Off Road Equipment, we’ve been helping local adventurers get track-ready since 1972. Before you head out, make sure you’ve got:

  • Suspension kits for corrugations and load carrying
  • Recovery gear (snatch straps, winches, max trax)
  • UVP kits to protect underbody components
  • Roof racks, fridges, and power setups for long-haul touring
  • Tyre pressure tools for beach and desert driving

Respect the Country, Enjoy the Ride

WA’s off-road trails are as beautiful as they are brutal. Be prepared, tread lightly, and respect both the land and its traditional owners. With the right vehicle and the right gear, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most unforgettable 4WD experiences on earth.