Western Australia is built for big adventures. With a landmass larger than many countries, WA offers everything from remote desert expeditions to turquoise coastal tracks and dramatic gorges. The Kimberley, Pilbara, and Goldfields are home to some of the most iconic 4WD journeys in the world. Whether you’re chasing a multi-week desert crossing or a quick day trip along red sand beaches, WA delivers adventure on a grand scale.
1. Gibb River Road (Kimberley)
The Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most famous drives, stretching 660 km through the Kimberley’s rugged heart. Expect long corrugations, rocky river crossings, and side tracks leading to waterfalls and swimming holes. It’s a journey that combines natural beauty with true Outback grit.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 660 km, 7–10 days
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Location: Derby to Kununurra
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Best time: Dry season (May–Oct)
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Terrain: Corrugations, river crossings, rocky trails
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Permits: National park passes and station permissions may apply
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Vehicle prep: Suspension upgrades, dual batteries, recovery kit
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Waterfalls, gorges, remote camping, Kimberley scenery
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Camping: Station stays, bush camps, NP campgrounds
2. Canning Stock Route
The Canning is the ultimate test—1,850 km of remote desert country with 900+ sand dunes to cross. It’s one of the world’s longest and toughest 4WD tracks, demanding a serious kit, fuel management, and teamwork. Completing it is an achievement few can claim.
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Difficulty: Extreme
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Length/Time: 1,850 km, 18–25 days
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Location: Wiluna to Halls Creek
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Best time: Winter months (May–Sept)
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Terrain: Sand dunes, corrugations, desert scrub
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Permits: Multiple Aboriginal land permits required
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Vehicle prep: Long-range fuel tanks, spares, winch, comms, suspension upgrades
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Bucket-list desert crossing, sense of isolation, serious challenge
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Camping: Bush camping at wells and clearings
3. Cape Leveque Road (Dampier Peninsula)
North of Broome, this route delivers turquoise waters, red cliffs, and remote Aboriginal communities. Much of the road is now sealed, but the sand and dirt sections still make it an adventure. Stopovers at cultural camps and fishing spots add to the appeal.
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Length/Time: 200 km, 1 day
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Location: Broome to Cape Leveque
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Best time: Dry season
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Terrain: Sand, corrugations, red dirt
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Permits: Community permits may be required
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Vehicle prep: Suitable for most 4WDs; tyre deflation gear helpful
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Remote beaches, cultural stays, Kimberley coastline
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Camping: Beachfront camping at Kooljaman, Pender Bay
4. Holland Track (Goldfields)
Originally cut during the gold rush, the Holland Track is now a classic WA off-road adventure. The 350 km track is narrow and winding, with sandy stretches and notorious bog holes after rain. It’s a fun challenge with plenty of bush camping along the way.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 350 km, 3–4 days
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Location: Broomehill to Coolgardie
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Best time: Dry season; avoid after heavy rain
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Terrain: Sand, mud, tight scrub
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: Recovery gear, lift kit, underbody protection
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: History, muddy fun, classic WA bush camping
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Camping: Numerous bush camps along the track
Photo by Matheus Bertelli
5. Francois Peron National Park (Shark Bay)
This track is all about contrasts—deep red sand against turquoise ocean. It’s short but challenging, with soft sand demanding the right tyre pressures. The reward is some of WA’s most stunning coastal views, plus fishing and camping spots that feel worlds away.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 40 km one way, half-day
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Location: Near Denham, Shark Bay
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Best time: Year-round (avoid extreme heat)
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Terrain: Soft sand, coastal cliffs
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Permits: Park entry fee required
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Vehicle prep: Tyre deflation essential; compressor and recovery boards recommended
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Red dunes, turquoise sea, remote beach camping
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Camping: Designated beachfront sites
6. Steep Point (Edel Land National Park)
Steep Point is Australia’s westernmost tip, accessible only by 4WD. The track combines sand, limestone, and corrugations, leading to rugged cliffs and world-class fishing. Getting there feels like a real achievement, and standing on the edge of the continent is unforgettable.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 200 km return from Denham, 1–2 days
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Location: Edel Land National Park, near Shark Bay
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Best time: Winter–Spring
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Terrain: Sand, limestone, corrugations
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Permits: Park entry and camping permits required
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Vehicle prep: Tyre deflation, recovery gear
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Westernmost point in Australia, rugged cliffs, remote access
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Camping: Steep Point campground
7. Karijini National Park Tracks
Karijini is all about gorges—deep, dramatic, and unforgettable. The tracks themselves are relatively straightforward but often rough with heavy corrugations. The real highlight is exploring the gorges and waterfalls once you’re there, making this a must-do stop in the Pilbara.
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Length/Time: Multiple tracks, 1–3 days
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Location: Pilbara region
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Best time: Winter–Spring (avoid peak summer heat)
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Terrain: Gravel, corrugations, creek crossings
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Permits: Park entry fees apply
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Vehicle prep: Suspension protection, spare tyres, recovery kit
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Epic gorges, swimming holes, Pilbara scenery
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Camping: NP campgrounds like Dales Gorge
Big Country, Big Adventures
Western Australia rewards those who are ready to go the distance. From multi-week expeditions on the Canning Stock Route to quick coastal escapes in Shark Bay, every track offers something different. But in WA, preparation is non-negotiable—long distances, corrugations, and soft sand will test any setup. With performance exhausts, suspension kits, snorkels, and recovery gear, you’ll tackle the west with confidence.
DEA Performance is here to help you prepare for the journey. Explore our blog for more off-road tips, or check out our high-performance exhaust kits to get the most from your next WA adventure.
