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4WD vehicles driving along a very sandy coastal track
Sandy Cape Track, Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area (photograph: Dan Broun)

Sandy Cape Track

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • 4WD tracks
  • Camping

About

​​​Map: Tasm​ap​ 1: 50000 - Rebecca
Distance: 48 km return
Rating: Difficult - for experienced 4WD and motorbike users only. Deep bogs, steep slopes, soft sand are likely to be encountered. 

Located in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, The Sandy Cape track provides outstanding coastal scenery and beautiful camping spots. The main campsites on the track are at Greenes Creek, Pedder River, and Sandy Cape. 

All users of the Sandy Cape Track require an Arthur-Pieman Recreational Drivers Pass.​​ Camping south of Temma is included in the purchase of a Recreational Drivers Pass. Camping fees apply for sites north of Temma and can be paid at the Arthur River Parks and Wildlife Service office.

About the track​

Temma to Greenes Creek (12 km)

The track is rated medium 4WD standard, however it can increase in difficulty after rainfall with deep-water sections. 

Greenes Creek to Sandy Cape (12 km)

This beach drive is rated as hard 4WD standard.

Travelling in the company of other vehicles is essential along Sandy Cape beach due to the occurrence of quicksand, that has been known to swallow whole vehicles, and the potential need for rapid retrieval, before the tide rises. ​Always check conditions before driving on beaches. Large swell will have an impact on the beach accessibility and beach driving is not recommended with 4 metre plus swells. ​After rainfall in winter, the rivers may also be high, this combined with large ocean swell makes the conditions too dangerous to traverse the 4WD tracks.

The coastal area between Marrawah and Granville Harbour, including between Temma and Sandy Cape is within an area listed as The Western Tasmania Aboriginal Cultural Landscape. Numerous hut depressions and shell middens show that Aboriginal people lived a specialised and sedentary lifestyle in this area, building permanent and semi-permanent villages, and hunting seals, shellfish and land mammals. Aboriginal sites must be respected and not damaged or interfered with. H​e​avy penalties can be imposed for damage to the cultural sites under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975. A number of tracks have been closed to protect Aboriginal sites and heritage.​

​​​Arthur River is 16 kms south of Marrawah via the Arthur River Road. Temma is a further 22 kms south along the Temma Road. The Sandy Cape Track begins at Temma.

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

To drive on recreational vehicle tracks in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, you will need to purchase a Recreational Driver Pass​ available online, in-person from a Service Tasmania outlet or from the Parks and Wildlife Service office at Arthur River.

The Arthur-Pieman Recreational Driving Guide is provided with a Recreational Driver Pass. The guide contains detailed maps of vehicle tracks and routes, and also includes important information on preparing for the trip, safe driving tips, facilities within the Arthur-Pieman, and the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve.

Tracks on beaches will not be closed due to dangerous conditions, if you are planning on undertaking these tracks, you must check conditions ​and make an assessment prior to leaving and reassess on site.

​​​​​​​​​Always carry the map for the route you are taking. These can be purchased from ​​TasMap​.

Tracks can be closed, either temporarily or permanently, due to the potential introduction of plant diseases such as Phytophthora (root rot), damage to Aboriginal heritage sites, dangerous weather conditions, high fire danger or because the track is damaged and not safe to traverse. Contact the appropriate field centre or authority if you are unsure about a track.

Always start the trip with clean gear and a clean vehicle, including the undercarriage and wheel arches. This will help prevent the transfer of plant and animal disease and weeds on vehicles, footwear, tent pegs, and other equipment.

Drive through river crossings at designated points only.

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​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

​​​​To make sure you have an enjoyable and safe time please read and follow the advice below.

Be well-equipped - A winch and recovery gear, such as a snatch strap with correctly rated shackles, are recommended for all tracks listed on this site. Carry a first aid kit. It is recommended that a UHF radio be carried in the vehicle. Check your spare wheel(s) is useable and that all tyre-changing tools are operational. Pack a tent and sleeping gear - even on day trips. Take a fuel-stove. Some tracks are within Fuel Stove Only Areas, meaning that campfires are not permitted. Take clothing for all weather conditions – the weather in Tasmania can change dramatically within hours, so make sure you have warm waterproof clothing with you. Always carry a map covering the area you are travelling in.

Carry extra supplies – Be prepared for the possibility of being stranded on the track as the result of changing weather and track conditions or vehicle break-down.  Carry extra food and water. If you need to use water from creeks it is recommended that it be boiled for 3 minutes before use, regardless of how clean it looks.

Be informed – Contact the local Ranger, or four wheel drive club, to discuss track conditions. Check the weather forecasts before you go. Keep up to date with fire warnings and fire bans.

Tell someone - Leave trip details with someone who is willing to contact Police if your party is overdue. Make sure you notify this person when you return.

Go with a friend - Always travel with at least one other vehicle. Some of the tracks listed here are remote, with poor or no mobile phone reception, so help may be some time away.​​

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Contact

Arthur River Field Centre
1409 Arthur River Road
Arthur River TAS 7330
Phone: 03 6457 1225
Email: ArthurRiver@parks.tas.gov.au

​Visitor Cente opening hours
9am to 4pm, open 7 days