In South Australia, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches and lucky to be able to drive along some coastlines. But we all have a responsibility to be safe and environmentally considerate so read on to find out how you can play your part.

Follow the rules

When your tyres hit the sand, you’re not on the set of Mad Max 2, where anything goes. Beaches across SA have different regulations, not only to protect native wildlife and the environment but also because of potential dangers, including other vehicles and beachgoers, distracted children and wandering dogs.

Before your adventure, check if driving on the beach you’re visiting is legal. Vehicle access on some beaches is restricted to certain hours (or seasons), and on some beaches, you’ll need a special permit or to pay a ramp fee before you can drive on them.

Some beaches traverse private property too, so check with the local council before you go. If you’re planning on camping or lighting a fire for cooking or comfort, first check the rules carefully, especially during summer.

Once you’re venturing down to the sand, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, understand the rules and consider the environment.

The beach is no place to be reckless behind the wheel, says RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain.

The beach is still a road, which means the Australian road rules apply,” Charles says.

Stick to defined tracks where possible and obey the usual give-way processes.

“Your vehicle must be roadworthy and registered, and you must always wear your seatbelt. Children and pets should be properly restrained and if you’re driving, it’s best to stick to non-alcoholic drinks.”

Speeding drivers make beaches particularly dangerous. Between 2017 and 2021, 29 crashes were recorded on SA beaches, resulting in one fatality, 15 serious injuries and 13 minor injuries. Speed was a factor in half of these crashes.

To help address the issue of speeding drivers on the beach, and to improve the safety of all beachgoers, the State Government conducted an extensive community consultation and survey this year. This has now been finalised and default beach speed limits will be lowered as a result.

On 1 December 2023, the default (not signposted) speed limit on SA beaches dropped from 100km/h to 25km/h, when within 50m of a person or 40km/h in any other case (unless otherwise signposted). Around 80 per cent of respondents to the consultation survey supported a reduction.

Some beaches, such as Moana (10km/h), Aldinga (10km/h), Sellicks (10km/h) and Goolwa (40km/h) are already posted with speed limits, and these must still be followed. RAA recommends sticking to a 10km/h speed limit – like you would in a car park – when pedestrians are around.

Be prepared

Beach driving is unpredictable, so be realistic about your vehicle’s capabilities. Your front-wheel drive hot hatch might be fun on the freeway, but it wasn’t built for beach driving. Although some beaches have tracks and access roads suitable for a two-wheel-drive vehicle or SUV, you can’t be sure the sand on the beach is firm enough to support the weight of your car.

RAA Car Advice Manager Andrew Clark says not all beaches are the same, so be sure of what you’re getting into.

If there’s soft, loose sand, a two-wheel-drive vehicle can become bogged quickly,” Andrew says.

It’s better to check with the local council first than get stuck and have to call for help.

“Better yet, play it safe and only use a four-wheel-drive vehicle for beach driving. If you have it, use the sand setting to improve your vehicle’s ride and traction and help you avoid sticky situations.”

Before you go, check the local tides and weather forecasts. Nothing spoils a perfect day at the beach like getting bogged with an incoming tide. Plan ahead and leave the beach well before high tide.

As for equipping your vehicle properly, four-wheel-drive accessory stores are an Aladdin’s Cave of fancy kit, where you can spend seemingly unlimited dollars. Whether you drive off-road regularly or only occasionally, make sure you have the essentials like shovels, traction ramps, recovery gear, tyre deflation and inflation equipment, a visibility flagpole and a tyre pressure gauge.

Do some research into basic beach driving tips and techniques like what to do if you get bogged or how to deflate and inflate your tyre pressure to give yourself a smoother ride.

To boost your ability and get the most from your vehicle, RAA offers recreational four-wheel-driving training courses with discounts for members.

Respect our precious environment

The futures of many of our native wildlife species are in our hands and some, like the hooded plover, are particularly vulnerable. These threatened birds nest in some of our most popular coastlines, including along the Southern Fleurieu. Alexandrina Council has recently changed the speed limit on Goolwa Beach to 40km, to encourage careful driving, and has a range of initiatives to help protect hooded plovers. Its Chief Executive Officer Nigel Morris says drivers need to be aware of any birds or other animals on the beach and wait for them to move.

“The hooded plover breeding season overlaps with the busiest time of the year for beach recreation and their nests are often disturbed by beachgoers, vehicles and dogs,” Nigel says.

Newborn chicks feed themselves from day one and need to venture away from the safety of the nesting area and travel across the beach area where cars travel back and forth.

“Keep an eye out for them whenever you are on Alexandrina beaches or other coastlines.”

If you plan to drive on the beach, be aware and respectful of protected or sensitive areas and the flora and fauna on the approach to the beach and along it.

Stay away from sand dunes and nesting birds, and avoid pebble banks, dry, soft sand or where seaweed accumulates. Contact the local council or visit its website to see if there are any areas to avoid and how you can do your bit for the environment.

If your beach drive involves a picnic or a camping trip, leave the area in pristine condition. Try to make it even better than you found it by asking the people in your group to pick up any litter they see while you’re packing the car or getting lunch ready. Wrap and take all your rubbish – especially plastic items – and dispose of it in proper bins or when you get home.

Get out the bucket and sponge

When you’re back from the beach, give your car a thorough wash on top and underneath to remove the sand and salt spray (making sure you follow the regulations about where you can wash your car). Your paintwork and undercarriage will love you for it and it’ll keep your vehicle beach-ready for years to come.

Whether it’s a windswept, isolated stretch of sand or a teeming suburban shore with towel space at a premium, beaches are nature’s Disneyland. Beach driving can be fun and trouble-free, but it takes the right preparation and attitude. Do your homework, obey the law and respect the environment.