Bob’s Track; a great day out near Hamelin Bay

Bob’s Track is a small 4WD track to the beach off Caves road in Karridale (just north of Hamelin Bay). It is one of the better known Boranup 4WD Track options, and is a lot of fun. Pack your fishing gear and wet a line on the magic beach, or just kick back at the end and soak it up. If you want more of tracks like this, check out Margaret River 4WD Tracks.

Finding Bob’s Track

Bob’s Track Boranup starts approximately 600 metres north of Bushby road, on the west side of Caves road. It is marked with a sign that says Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, and has a decent sized entrance. You won’t miss it.

How difficult is the track?

UPDATE JANUARY 2020: I’m told the track has been graded, and was fairly easy in a couple of stock 4WD’s. I don’t expect it will stay this way for too long though!

EDIT: I’m told this track has deteriorated considerably over the years, and would now recommend you don’t attempt it without a second vehicle, or a fairly capable 4WD with your own recovery gear and bash plates if you have any lower hanging bits on your vehicle!

For most of the year the track isn’t too difficult at all. There are a few rocky sections and if you lack clearance these could be an issue. When it’s rained a fair bit there are puddles (I was there when it was very wet, and the deepest puddle was around 40cm) and the washouts are much worse. There was a handmade sign a few metres into the track when I was there that said ‘Caution; very rough track’. It can be rough in a few places, but take your time and you won’t have a problem.

I would suggest most vehicles let their tyres down to around 25PSI. For the beach you will need to lower them even more. The whole track takes around an hour return, but if you don’t spend more than an hour on the beach you are missing out!

What’s the beach like?

The beach is absolutely gorgeous. The water is bright blue and crystal clear. It’s clean, and there is enough room even at high tide to drive up and down a large part of it. The whole south west just seems to have some incredible beaches, and this is one of them.

I drove as far south as I could, but eventually got to a section which had too much of a side angle near the water, so I stopped and turned around. The sand is very soft closer to the water; lower your pressures accordingly. I didn’t drive too far north, but it looks like you can drive a decent distance. Getting back onto the track isn’t too hard providing you have the right tyre pressures.

I must admit that I was a bit lazy with my pressures when I got onto the beach, and as a result had a hard time getting out of a soft section near the water. I ended up dropping the pressures right down to 12PSI anyway. Moral of the story – don’t be lazy with your pressures and you won’t have to keep getting out and lowering them!

Fishing on the beach

The fishing from here is nothing short of spectacular, with plenty of good herring, tailor and skippy regularly biting. The salmon run each year makes it a popular destination too.

Can you camp here?

As it is within 8km of the Hamelin Bay Caravan Park you aren’t allowed to camp on the beach. It is a shame, being such a gorgeous place. You can stay at Conto’s, or head to another amazing place known as Jarrahdene. Alternatively, you can stay at the Caravan Parks, Glen Brook, or Olive Hill Farm.

If you haven’t done Bob’s Track, I’d highly recommend it. I will most certainly be back!

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