When it comes to going off the beaten track, any 4WD enthusiast who’s been there will tell you that Tassie has heaps of awesome options to put your skills and vehicle through their paces. One of these, the Bridport to Bellingham 4WD Traverse, is an iconic 22km track on the north-east coast which includes sandy trails, river crossings and mega magnificent beaches. Rated “difficult”, it delivers plenty of challenges (think huge dunes and heaps of soft sand!) so is definitely an adventure for the more experienced 4x4er or one to test out if you’re travelling with a buddy or group of 4x4ers who know the drill. Plus, it goes without saying that having the right equipment on board (along with tyres up for the task!) is also vital. If you haven’t yet tried it yet, or are just keen to find out a bit more, here are a few pointers to help get you on your way…
Getting to the starting blocks
Bridport is about an hour’s drive from Launceston on the East Tamar Highway and Bridport Rd or Piper’s Rd and Bridport Rd. From Devonport (if you’re arriving in Tassie on The Spirit), it will take you about one hour and 50 minutes on Frankford Road/B71. To get to the start of the track, take Sandy Point Road to Lades Beach. The track can also be navigated in reverse (starting from Bellingham and ending in Bridport), accessed at the end of Gees Marsh Road.
A sign at the start of the track includes important information regarding exclusion zones and warnings and there are bright orange triangles that mark the track which must be followed (so keep an eye out for them along the way). Make sure you also check the tide chart before setting off for the purposes of driving on the beach and also bearing in mind that the Little Pipers River (near the Bellingham end of the traverse) can only be crossed at low tide.
Best tyres for the ride
A set of super reliable 4×4 tyres is a non-negotiable to make your traverse of the Bridport to Bellingham a trip to remember for all the right reasons! Maxxis has a great range of 4×4 tyres including the award-winning Maxxis RAZR MT772. Loved by many 4x4ers for its off-road traction and ability to take on Australia’s most extreme off-road terrains, the MT772 also has solid on-road drive capability to get you to and from the track without a hitch – not to mention those aggressive RAZR-sharp good looks!
A bit about what you’ll see along the track
Set in some of Tassie’s most spectacular countryside, the Bridport to Bellingham 4WD Traverse takes you on a sandy track surrounded by beautiful vegetation and trees and some truly amazing coastline, as well as giving you the opportunity to scale (and descend from) two massive sand dunes, West and East Sandy Point. It’s the perfect adventure to combine some bird watching, fishing, surfing or swimming – or just enjoy the drive and the simply stunning views.
Essential gear to have on board
As a challenging off-road trail with heaps of sand, dunes and deep bogs in the mix, you’ll want to have the gear to ensure you’re prepared for whatever conditions and changing weather come your way. Along with a tyre deflator (which you will need to reduce the psi of your tyres in the carpark before setting off on the track), a winch and recovery kit, snatch rope/strap, recovery hitches (for both front and back), rated shackles, recovery board and recovery blanket are just some of the essential items you shouldn’t leave home without. Also ensure you have plenty of water and food (including extra in case you get stuck or encounter unexpected weather conditions), as well as a map and UHF CB radio.
Stay a while
If you’re keen to spend a bit more time in this beautiful unspoilt spot, there are a few camp sites including one at West Sandy Point, perfect for an overnight stop. However, please note that there are no facilities at these sites: If you’re planning to stay, ensure you do the right thing for the environment, wildlife and others using the track and leave no trace (including taking all your rubbish away with you!)
Before you go
As for any road trip or off-road adventure during bushfire season, check for fire dangers and warnings before setting off. For petrol or food supplies, Bridport is a great place to fill up and stock your fridge or esky – plus there are also some great accommodation options if you want more of a look around. Maxxis has dealers in Launceston and Scottsdale (20 minutes from Bridport) and many throughout Tassie if you need any help with selecting a new set of Maxxis tyres for your vehicle (or any assistance with balancing, repairs or other tyre advice). Use the handy dealer locator to find one most convenient for you.
