4WD & Camping

The vast stretch of country between the Victorian border and the iconic Coorong is a four-wheel-driving dream with astonishing diversity and a far-from-anywhere vibe. Ease the tyre pressure and take the road less traveled for an exhilarating closer look at the Limestone Coast’s rich scenery.

Experience 4WD & Camping

explore-4wd-campingRugged, caramel-coloured cliffs and long sandy beaches link fishing ports filled with sleepy charm. From the Victorian border to Port MacDonnell, Brown Bay is a surf fishing hotspot, and the beach breaks are also popular among beginner wave riders.

Port MacDonnell is widely known as the Southern Hemisphere’s Rock Lobster Capital, and is perfect for a leg-stretch or an overnight stay. There are many secluded coves offering excellent snorkelling on the drive towards Carpenter Rocks.

This is the gateway to Canunda National Park, and the wild landscapes command a high level of 4WD expertise – look for the tracks clearly marked with orange-topped posts.

canunda-national-park-4wd-exploreCanunda National Park has six designated campsites near sandy beaches, rock pools and lagoon beaches; fees apply and permits are available online.

Be on the lookout for evidence of Aboriginal middens near these secluded hideaways – the large mounds of shell remains are the result of thousands of years of harvesting food from the sea.

There’s also an abundance of wildlife from wallabies and wombats to the more elusive Swamp Antechinus, Rufous Bristlebird and the endangered Orange-bellied Parrot. During the winter months, you may even spot a Southern Right Whale on its slow journey to the head of the Great Australian Bight.

Further north, the Coorong is famous for its network of shallow lagoons and desert-like dunes that run parallel to the Southern Ocean for almost 100 kilometres. More than 230 bird species have been recorded among the large tracts of coastal vegetation, with some waders flying in from as far away as Siberia for a slice of the serenity.

Safe and respectful use of the coastal strip is a must

– the rugged landscape may look hardy, but it is easily damaged when four-wheel-drives and motorbikes drive off the tracks and disturb dunes or vegetation.

While driving is permitted on most Limestone Coast beaches, please remember that they are also home to rare and endangered migratory shorebirds that spend the Arctic winter here. Species including the Pied Oystercatcher, Hooded Plover and the Red-capped Plover often build their nests in the sand and can be difficult to spot.

“Rough is just the beginning.”