
Nine Mile Beach
Vast 4WD beach paradise offering secluded camping and endless driving adventures along the coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier driving and more space

Nine Mile Beach
Best Time
Easier driving and more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast 4WD beach paradise offering secluded camping and endless driving adventures along the coast.
"Great for a day out of beach driving. The beach is vast and there is always free space to pull up."

🚗 4WD & Permit Required
A 4WD is essential. Purchase your permit ($45/week or $120/year) before heading out.
⬇️ Lower Tire Pressure
Drop tire pressures significantly for soft sand. Consider bringing recovery boards.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Beach Driving
Entire length of the beach
Vast, flat sand stretches perfect for 4WD adventures and a day of beachside relaxation.

Secluded Beach Camping
Designated beach camping areas
Camp under the stars with forest at your back and ocean views. Not permitted on sand dunes.

Picnic and Family Fun
Various pull-up spots along the beach
Ideal for a leisurely day out with the family, offering space for kids to roam and enjoy the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
4WD Essential for Beach Access
Tides and Swimming Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD & Permit Required
A 4WD is essential. Purchase your permit ($45/week or $120/year) before heading out.
⬇️ Lower Tire Pressure
Drop tire pressures significantly for soft sand. Consider bringing recovery boards.
🌊 Check Tides & Swim Safely
Visit at low tide. Avoid swimming after rain and be aware of rips.
📏 Respect Speed Limits
Rangers patrol with radar guns. Adhere to the 30km/h speed limit to avoid fines.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD & Permit Required
A 4WD is essential. Purchase your permit ($45/week or $120/year) before heading out.
⬇️ Lower Tire Pressure
Drop tire pressures significantly for soft sand. Consider bringing recovery boards.
🌊 Check Tides & Swim Safely
Visit at low tide. Avoid swimming after rain and be aware of rips.
📏 Respect Speed Limits
Rangers patrol with radar guns. Adhere to the 30km/h speed limit to avoid fines.
🏕️ Beach Camping Rules
Camping is allowed on the beach, not on dunes. Enjoy the isolated atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nine Mile Beach is lauded for its vastness and excellent 4WD driving opportunities, offering a secluded escape for camping and day trips. Visitors appreciate the open space and natural beauty, though the need for a 4WD, permit, and awareness of tides and swimming safety are crucial considerations.
"Pretty tough train. Essential to have a 4WD or an AWD with diff lock. Needs a permit to go to the beach which is about 45 dollars for a week or 120 for a year"
Aman
"Can access by 4WD (entry at south and north ends of beach) or from the Fernleigh Track via a hiking trail over the sand dunes. Camping permitted along the beach (not on sand dunes). Avoid swimming after rain due to proximity of Belmont Wastewater Treatment Works."
Oliver Descoeudres
"Great for a day out of beach driving. The beach is vast and there is always free space to pull up and make a day of it.
Best access is from Kalaroo Rd in Jewells
Make sure you go on low tide though and drop those tire pressures. Do not attempt in anything less than a 4x4 or AWD.
9 mile is notorious for having extremely soft sand so it wouldn't hurt to take some recovery gear or recovery boards either just in case you get stuck. The beach UHF channel is 21.
Rangers patrol the beach so ensure you are doing the 30km speed limit as they have radar guns and will fine you for speeding."
MountainScape Creative.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is typically via 4WD from the south and north ends of the beach. Another option is the Fernleigh Track, followed by a hike over the sand dunes.
Many suggest Kalaroo Rd in Jewells as a good access point.
No, a regular car is not suitable. You absolutely need a 4WD or an AWD with a diff lock due to the extremely soft sand.
Public transport is not a viable option for reaching Nine Mile Beach, as it's primarily accessed by 4WD. Planning a trip with a suitable vehicle is necessary.
The sand is notoriously soft, making it essential to lower tire pressures and drive cautiously. Rangers patrol and enforce speed limits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is mandatory for beach access. You can purchase a weekly permit for approximately $45 or an annual permit for $120.
Permits are typically available for purchase online or from designated local outlets. It's best to check with local authorities or park rangers for the most current purchasing information.
While there's no specific parking fee for beach access itself (beyond the permit), if you access via a track that has a separate parking area, there might be associated costs. The primary cost is the beach driving permit.
Nine Mile Beach is generally accessible 24/7 for permitted vehicles, but it's always wise to check local advisories for any temporary closures or restrictions, especially concerning tides or weather.
Yes, rangers patrol the beach and issue fines for driving without a valid permit. Ensure you have yours displayed correctly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Swimming is not recommended after rain due to the proximity of the Belmont Wastewater Treatment Works. Be aware of potential rips and the absence of lifeguards.
Yes, camping is permitted along the beach itself, but not on the sand dunes. It offers an isolated and scenic experience.
The speed limit is strictly 30km/h. Rangers use radar guns, so be mindful to avoid fines.
If you get stuck in the soft sand, use your recovery gear or boards. Having a UHF radio tuned to channel 21 can be helpful for communication.
Facilities are minimal, emphasizing the natural and isolated feel. It's best to come prepared with everything you need, including food, water, and any camping gear.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Nine Mile Beach is a natural, undeveloped area. You'll need to bring all your own food and drinks for a picnic or camping trip.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a picnic lunch. Consider a cooler to keep items fresh, especially on a warm day.
The nearest amenities for purchasing food would be in nearby towns like Belmont or Redhead, so it's best to stock up before you head to the beach.
While there are no designated BBQ facilities, if you bring your own portable BBQ and use it responsibly, it's generally acceptable. Ensure you clean up thoroughly afterward.
Prepare sandwiches, wraps, and pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Pack easy-to-eat items that don't require much preparation on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vastness of the beach, the 4WD tracks, and the scenic coastal landscape. Sunrises and sunsets can be particularly stunning.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or park management regarding any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and reduce glare on the water.
The long, uninterrupted stretches of sand, the transition from beach to forest, and the ocean itself are the main photographic subjects. Look for interesting patterns in the sand or waves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When it comes to swimming, exercise caution. Lifeguards are not always present, and rips can form. It's best to supervise children very closely or opt for playing in the shallow water. Avoid swimming after heavy rain. Consider bringing beach toys, buckets, and spades for sandcastle building to keep the little ones entertained.
🚗 4WD Enthusiasts
Carrying essential recovery gear like sand ladders or a snatch strap is highly recommended. Familiarize yourself with the beach's UHF channel (21) for communication. Remember to purchase your beach driving permit and adhere to the 30km/h speed limit to avoid fines from patrolling rangers.
🏕️ Campers Seeking Solitude
Remember that this is a primitive camping experience. You must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all your food, water, and camping equipment. Pack out everything you bring in to maintain the pristine environment. Be mindful of the tides when setting up camp and ensure you are in a designated camping area, not on the dunes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Nine Mile Beach: The 4WD Experience
Driving on the beach requires constant vigilance. Always check the tide times before you go, as high tide significantly reduces the available driving space and can make certain areas impassable. Aim for low tide for the most comfortable and safest driving experience. Be aware of the terrain; while much of the beach is flat, there can be soft patches and washouts. If you're new to beach driving, consider going with someone experienced or practicing in a less challenging environment first.
Beyond the driving, Nine Mile Beach offers a sense of isolation and natural beauty. The vastness of the beach, with the forest at your back and the ocean stretching out before you, makes it a perfect spot for a long, relaxing day. It's an ideal location for a picnic, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the open space.
Camping and Safety at Nine Mile Beach
Safety is paramount when camping here. Due to the beach's natural state, lifeguards are often not on duty, so swimming requires extra caution. Be aware of potential rips and always supervise children closely. As mentioned, avoid swimming after rain due to the proximity of the Belmont Wastewater Treatment Works, as this can affect water quality.
When camping, come fully prepared. There are no facilities, so you'll need to bring all your own supplies, including food, water, and waste disposal bags. Leave no trace and ensure you pack out everything you pack in to preserve the pristine environment.
Photography Opportunities
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to fully encompass the vastness of the beach and ocean. A polarizing filter can be invaluable for cutting glare on the water and enhancing the colors of the sky. Experiment with different angles and perspectives; the transition from the sandy beach to the bordering forest offers a unique contrast. Drone photography can also yield spectacular aerial views, but always check local regulations before flying.
Beyond the grand vistas, look for smaller details: the patterns left by the waves on the sand, interesting driftwood, or the textures of the dunes. The natural, undeveloped character of Nine Mile Beach means you're capturing raw, untamed coastal scenery.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit