Wilbinga Beach at Sunset
Wilbinga is a beach located only a few kilometres north of Perth, and is used for fishing, camping and motorbike riding. It has become a popular destination over the last few years because it’s one of the closest camping grounds to Perth, and you are allowed to ride motorbikes there. There are a large number of four wheel drive tracks that you can play around on, some of which are actually quite challenging for the average car. The beach is much like the rest of Western Australian beaches; simple beautiful. We managed to get some decent fish there as well, which adds to the fun!
A few 4x4 tracks at Wilbinga
A few 4x4 tracks at Wilbinga
Where is Wilbinga?
Wilbinga is about 60 kilometres north of Perth. To get there, you just head straight up Wanneroo Road. After around 35km you will go over a little hill, and see a big pine tree forest on the left. There is a limestone track which runs directly west. This is known as Wilbinga Road, and can be driven by normal 2wd cars if you take it slowly. A few kilometres down the track there are some signs and a ‘parking’ area. This is where you need to let your 4x4 Tyres down. A number of people leave their 2wd cars here and ride their motorbikes through the rest of the track and onto the beach.
Soft sand and not enough deflation
Soft sand and not enough deflation
Wilbinga 4x4
There are a lot of 4x4 tracks that run through the bush near Wilbinga. Some are solid and easy to drive, whilst others can be more difficult. We had a lot of fun trying to drive up the big hills (which are very obvious when you come across them). A lot of the hills have huge offset articulation, which is good fun to test your suspension on! We found that 15 PSI was a good pressure to run our tyres at, as the beach is quite soft at times. You can drive both north and south of Wilbinga, depending on what you want to do. If you are in a 4x4, keep a keen eye out for those on motorbikes, as they can often fly around a corner without expecting oncoming traffic! Also, take a look at the post I wrote on Beach Driving.
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AU $32.50
My new car at Wilbinga
Wilbinga Motorbike Riding
A huge number of people take their motorbikes to Wilbinga. As far as I am aware this is totally allowed, but it wouldn’t hurt to give the ranger a call! There are a lot of tracks that you can have a huge amount of fun with. Quads and two wheelers are popular in this area if you go on a nice day. As there are very few ‘one way tracks’ it pays to slow down when you can’t see too far ahead. Running into a bull bar of a 4x4 at speed is not going to make your day!
Trying to drive up a dune
Trying to drive up a dune
Wilbinga Camping
When we visited Wilbinga, there were a number of people who were setting up camp on the beach, or behind a dune. If it’s windy, then setting up behind a dune is a very smart thing to do. There is nothing worse than a wind howling all night when you are trying to sleep. On days where the wind is calm, it’s great to go camping on the beach, but be sure that you don’t block off any tracks or ruin any vegetation. Again, I believe camping is accepted in this area, but you should double check with the ranger.
The sandy track entrance
The sandy track entrance
Driving from Wilbinga to Moore River
If you are up for an adventure, you can start on the beach of Wilbinga and head north until you get to Moore River. In saying this, we tried it and got incredibly lost and had to turn back! There are a number of properties as you head further north with fences and no trespassing signs. We ended up at someone’s front door (without trespassing to our knowledge) which was quite embarrassing. Be careful of the cattle as well, because you will see them fairly regularly as you drive along. We started back on the beach near Ledge Point and drove all the way up to Greenhead (through Lancelin and Wedge Island). We did have to pull onto the tarmac a few times, but you can do most of it on the beach.
Maxtrax are a handy recovery device
Maxtrax are a handy recovery device
What to take to Wilbinga
This depends entirely on how long you are planning on going for, but there are a few things that you should take even if you are just going for the day. I would suggest Tire Deflators will make your life much easier when letting air out of the rubber. I bought one for $20 (a ferret tyre deflator) and am very happy with it. A Car Air Compressor is also a must, as there are no petrol stations within a close distance, and driving on the road with low pressures in your tyres is not a good idea.
Take plenty of water and food, and bring the rods and other fishing gear. We had a fair bit of fun catching fish at Wilbinga, and if you pick the right time and place you can get some decent sized fish. I have heard of people surfing in this area as well, but you need to pick the day. A snatch strap is also a good idea, as well as a shovel and Maxtrax. It’s easy to get stuck (see the pictures) and not so easy to get out. Just remember that snatch straps are only meant for so much force; dig a bit around the car before you try to pull it out!
Wilbinga was the first place that I took My Hilux, as you can see from the lack of modifications. It’s a great place to go four wheel driving as there are easy tracks and more challenging ones. It is also very close to Perth and well worth a visit. Whether you want to have a cheap camping trip or just want to kill a few hours I would highly recommend Wilbinga!
Relaxing with a line out
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Any idea why the main Wilbinga track has been closed?
Has it? I didn’t even know that. Last time I was up there was only a few weeks ago too. Maybe because of motorbike riders? I hope it doesn’t stay shut.
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
Do you have a place to post/ share GPS way points? or easting/ northing information? I have done the ‘wilbinga to seabird’ trek a few times now. What made this simple was the gps info I got from ’4wd Day Trips out of Perth’ book. I’d be happy to share the info (if it doesn’t breech copyright laws).
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the offer – I appreciate it. I don’t know whether I am allowed to post their GPS information – I better not do it just in case. I will have to get a GPS and start posting way points myself. Once again mate – really appreciate the offer.
Aaron
Hi,
do you know if beach camping is still allowed at Wilbinga ? Just wanted to check given the recent changes to Wedge and the like.
Thanks heaps.
G’day Paul,
I don’t know if it is allowed or not, but I would suggest it has only ever been tolerated and not ‘legal’ anyway. I’d be ringing the shire up to double check
Aaron
OK will do. Thanks for that.
Secondly, are the beach and beach access trails suitable for towing in a camper trailer (very light weight one) ?
You should be able to tow a camper on 99% of Australian beaches, but I have heard the Wilbinga and Two Rock beaches are very soft and mushy at the moment. I guess it depends on what you are towing it with, and how confident you are on the beach
Aaron
hi
i think that the main entrance to the track is closed but it you drive up a bit further (100m) there was another track with a detour sign that lead into the same place (i think) Not sure why they did this but i think it may have been because of the road works/ dangerous to turn in as on a hill and oncoming traffic cant see)
not sure if this helps but any way.
Hi Stefan,
Thanks for letting me know – I haven’t been there for a while. Have a good one
Aaron