Skip to content
Menu
Alerts
Search the site
Google
Translate
Disclaimer

Search the site

Close search form
Get your parks pass
Bridport to Bellingham 4WD traverse sign with basic map and stay on marked track message
Bridport to Bellingham 4WD traverse

Bridport to Bellingham 4WD traverse

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • 4WD tracks
  • Camping
  • Fishing

About

​​​​​​Map : Tasmap​​ 1:50,000 - Nolan
Distance : 22 km
Rating : Difficult​ - for experienced and licenced users with registered 4WD vehicles​ and motorbikes only. Deep bogs, steep slopes, soft sand are likely to be encountered.

The Bridport to Bellingham 4WD traverse is a coastal track, offering opportunities for bird watching and surf fishing, with a number of designated, un-serviced campsites available along the route. Campfires are not permitted on beaches, bring a fire pot outside of fire restrictions.

The track is marked with orange triangles to be followed throughout the traverse. Sections along side of the track are signed to exclude entry into sensitive bird breeding sites.

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service have installed car parks on both ends of the traverse, one at Bellingham (end of Gees Marsh road) and one at Bridport (end of Sandy Points road). These are to provide an area for recreational users to deflate tyres. An information panel with general authority to access the site is also provided at each car park. Entry is subject to conditions as signed. Conditions of entry include but are not limited to, all vehicles and bikes being ​registered.​

​From Bridport take the Sandy Points Road to Lades Beach. Follow the marked route through the dunes.

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.

Conditions change frequently with shifting sand dunes throughout the traverse that can prove challenging.

There are two points that are excluded and signposted from any access, due to sensitivities around bird breeding sites. These are important areas and we ask that you do not enter them at any time.​

Bellingham end of the traverse has Pipers River crossing to consider which is influenced by tidal movements. Tide times need to be considered.​

​​​​​​​​​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.

​​If travelling on the beach, avoid driving above the high tide mark on beaches. Shorebirds such as Oystercatchers and Plovers lay eggs in small scrapes on the soft sand. These are almost impossible to see while driving.

Drive on dunes only in designated vehicle recreation areas and do not drive on vegetated dunes at any time. ​

​​

​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.​​

​

Contact

Scottsdale Field Centre
PO Box 260
Scottsdale TAS 7260
Phone: 03 6778 8520