For Perth four-wheel drivers, getting the fourby out of the garage and into the sand is tough. There’s just not that much offroading one can do close to the city. That said, a Perth and Mandurah favourite is only 45 minutes from Perth city: Tim’s Thicket beach, one of the best spots to hit the sand without travelling too far from the urban area.
Located just south of Mandurah, this beach is well-loved by off-road tragics for its mix of soft sand tracks, coastal views and beach fishing opportunities. Whether you’re chasing waves, casting a line or just looking to escape the city for the day, Tim’s Thicket Beach has plenty to offer.
The 4WD Experience at Tim’s Thicket Beach
Tim’s Thicket is a simple shot to the beach, with a few berms to enjoy on compact sand and limestone, before the path winds down to the soft stuff via a relatively steep decline. The final northfacing path to the beach needs some speed to navigate as you’ll soon be throwing a sharp “u-ie” to head south.
There are far more challenging off-road tracks out there than Tim’s. Which means it’s a great spot for newbies to test their gear if they’ve little idea how to use it.
That said, the sand can be soft and deep in some areas, making it essential to lower your tire pressures before heading in—around 10 PSI to 12 PSI is my go-to. While most 4WD vehicles can handle the terrain, experience in sand driving is recommended, especially after heavy weather. The beach is wide and open, making it perfect for a scenic drive along the coastline.
While most of the beach consists of soft sand, some rocky outcrops can be present, especially near the entry points. These can be a hazard if you’re not aware, so keep an eye out for exposed rocks, especially during lower tides.
Can you drive from Tim’s Thicket to Preston Beach?
No, you cannot drive directly from Tim’s Thicket to Preston Beach along the coast. The southern section of Tim’s Thicket Beach is closed to vehicles, meaning you’ll have to exit and take alternative inland routes if you’re planning a trip to Preston Beach (i.e. via White Hill Beach).
Can you camp at Tim’s Thicket?
Camping is not permitted at Tim’s Thicket Beach. The area is designated for day use only and overnight stays are not allowed. If you’re looking for a camping spot, nearby Preston Beach or Lake Clifton offer some options.
I won’t condone camping illegally. I also won’t tell you that I’ve never pulled into one of the sandy coves at Tim’s and rolled out the tent for the night.
How do I get to Tim’s Thicket?
Tim’s Thicket beach is located about 15 minutes south of Mandurah. To get there, just take Old Coast Road south from Mandurah. Turn right onto Tim’s Thicket Road and follow it all the way to the end. You’ll see the signs to the 4WD access track, which leads to the beach. This is where you can bleed your tyres.
After you’ve had your fun, you won’t need to trek all the way north again. There’s a southern exit road at White Hill Beach that’ll take you back to Old Coast Road, which is much more of a straight shot than the twisty berms from the Tim’s entrance.
Is Tim’s Thicket always open?
I’ve never seen access to Tim’s closed. But temporary closures can occur due to environmental concerns, safety hazards or seasonal restrictions. It’s best to check with the local Shire of Mandurah or online sources before heading out. I’ve seen the White Hill Road access barred once but I was able to drive around it and head on out to Old Coast Road. So, in short, yes, Tim’s Thicket is always open.
Can you take dogs to Tim’s Thicket?
Yes! Tim’s Thicket Beach is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry pal along for the adventure. Just be mindful of any signage indicating restricted areas and always clean up after your pet.
What you need to 4WD at Tim’s Thicket
To have a smooth and safe beach driving experience, it’s a good idea to have the following:
- A high-clearance 4WD with low-range capability
- A reliable air compressor and tyre gauge
- Recovery gear (including a shovel, snatch strap and traction boards)
- Plenty of water and sun protection
- An idea of the tides (to avoid getting stuck at high tide—half the beach can become submerged)
Want to download our 4WD beach driving checklist? No problem, just click here to download the PDF [124kb].
What’s good to do at Tim’s?
- Beach driving: Tim’s is not only Perth’s closest beach for 4WDing, it’s one of the best. The sand is relatively compact, the beach wide enough for two-lane traffic and long enough to find your own slice of heaven. It’s also busy enough on weekends that if you do get into strife, there’ll be someone with towing gear to help you out.
- Surfing: Tim’s Thicket is known for great waves, making it an excellent spot for a paddle. I’ve had my sharky senses pinging a few times down there, but—touch wood—all limbs still remain intact. Get there early to beat the winds.
- Beach fishing: Casting a rod is probably the second most popular activity on Tim’s, behind putting rubber to sand. Anglers can expect to catch tailor, herring, whiting and even mulloway. The best fishing is often at dawn and dusk, alongside the best winds.
- Chilling out: If adventure isn’t your main goal, Tim’s Thicket offers a beautiful setting to relax and soak in the coastal views. For my wife and I, it’s the spot where we found out we were having a baby girl. So Tim’s will always hold a place in our hearts.
Tim’s Thicket is an awesome 4WD destination just a short drive from Perth. Just remember to respect the environment and your fellow offroaders.
Want a bigger 4WD challenge? Check out our post on navigating Bob’s Track, the southwest’s most notorious off-road trail.
