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Continuing our round-up of Western Australia’s top 4WD tracks, this time we take a closer look at Graham Cahill’s favourite spots around Perth. If you missed Graham’s must-explore tracks South of Perth, check them out here.

The beauty of WA is its endless variety. Whether you’re into serious off-roading or looking for a remote destination to pull up and enjoy a good campfire, these top recommendations from Graham have got you covered…

Mundaring Powerlines Track

To kick it off with one of the most well-known 4WD spots in WA, we’ve got the Mundaring Powerlines Track. This is the hardest track close to Perth, and as Graham puts it- ‘it’s got some gnarly obstacles and it’s pretty hardcore.’

It’s been the learning ground for many 4WD newbies, but don’t be fooled- its got everything from rocks, mud, sand and water, to challenging hill climbs and descents.

This track’s only a short drive east of Perth, and takes about 5-6 hours to complete if everything goes to plan. But let’s be honest – you could easily spend a whole day here. The track is definitely tougher during winter, so if you’re up for the challenge and a mud bath, that’s the time to go. Otherwise- visit during summer and enjoy  the dust instead. Getting stuck is all part of the fun, just take your MAXTRAX and recovery gear. If you’re after an action-packed day and want to push your 4WD to the limits, the Mundaring Powerlines is definitely a track to add to your list. Click here for the coordinates.

Image: https://www.4wdingaustralia.com/

It’s worth noting here that while mud, dirt and water make for good times, you don’t want any of it in your engine. This is where a good quality snorkel and airbox are a no-brainer. Not only do you get total peace of mind off road, but you can also increase the performance, efficiency, and potentially the fuel economy of your rig. The best part – you can combine function with a design that really makes your 4WD stand out from the crowd. Check out all the details on Torqit’s Stainless Steel 79 Series Snorkel and Airbox…

Wilbinga

Wilbinga is the closest beach you can drive on near Perth, and it has a good variety of easy to difficult tracks to tackle. There’s plenty of dunes to drive on including some steep ascents and descents, plus a few limestone outcrops thrown in. For a quick day trip only about 70 km from Perth, this spot is hard to beat. The sand here can be very soft so come prepared with a compressor and appropriate recovery gear.

“It’s got some gnarly obstacles and it’s pretty hardcore” – Graham Cahill, 4WD 24/7

Wilbinga used to be Graham’s second home when he lived in the area, and he’s spent many days surfing and fishing at this stunning location. We recommend you pack your rod and also a couple of sand flags- it’s a popular spot for motorbikes so you’ll need to keep a good look out while driving. There’s two entry points to Wilbinga- one off Wanneroo Road and the other off Wilbinga Road. Click here for the coordinates.

Dwellingup

These days the main reason Graham visits Dwellingup is for mountain biking, but it’s also where he has spent countless days fishing, canoeing and 4WDing. Just 90 minutes from Perth, the riverside town of Dwellingup has plenty of different trails to offer plus spectacular forests and camping spots.

Whether you’re an adventure junkie or weekend camper, we suggest pitching your tent alongside the Murray river and spending a couple days to really enjoy this stunning part of the world. The tracks include everything from bog holes and rutted sections to steep hills and river crossings.  The latter can be a challenge after high rainfall- we recommend going with a second vehicle during winter. Here’s where Dwellingup is on the map.

While on the subject of camping, take a moment and think about how much load your 4WD is under. Some people are happy with a swag and an esky, but if you’re anything like us you’re also bringing along a caravan or a trailer. Maybe your rig is decked out with a full canopy, rooftop tent, and all the extras to really enjoy life on the road. If this is the case, no doubt you’ve noticed adding more weight to your vehicle has impacted its power and response. Likely you’ve noticed a drop in fuel economy, or found your 4WD sluggish and struggling to overtake. The good news is,  you don’t need to compromise. Check out why TJM Hunter Valley remapped their Troopy, and the incredible boost they saw in performance…

For more info on Torqit’s revolutionary ModuleMap remapping solution, click here.

Captain Fawcett Track

If you’re in the Dwellingup area, Captain Fawcett Track is a little known but excellent touring track through the south west. Running through bush alongside the river, the track can get extremely muddy and boggy so we recommend picking the right time of year to visit.

…“it looks like a scene from Mad Max” – Graham Cahill

The track takes you through some of WA’s most stunning Jarrah forests, and historical landmarks such as early settler bridges and farmhouses, and the old Western Australia railway. We also recommend exploring the many tracks that lead down to the river for some beautiful views of the Murray.

Starting from Lane Poole Reserve, Captain Fawcett Track is graded as easy- medium difficulty, and makes for a great day trip. Find the coordinates to Captain Fawcett Track here.

Lancelin

WA is spoilt for beaches but the famous Lancelin dunes are definitely worth a mention. Only 1.5 hours north of Perth, this spot is a 4×4 paradise and showcases some of the most spectacular sand dunes in Western Australia. It’s one of the few spots near Perth you can use vehicles such as buggies, quads and motorbikes offroad. According to Graham “it looks like a scene from Mad Max”.

The formation of the dunes vary from week to week, so take it easy and be aware of steep drop offs and what’s on the other side before driving over the top. Sand flags are highly recommended. The dunes are open from 8am to 7pm, entry is free of charge. Click here for directions to the Lancelin Dunes.

So what are you waiting for…get off the beaten track and enjoy some of the most incredible spots WA has to offer!

Heading elsewhere in WA? Check out Graham’s top 4WD tracks south of Perth.

Is your rig equipped for 4WDing and long range touring and towing? Check out our range of performance upgrades to get your 4WD up to speed, or fill out the below form to chat with our team.