Wilbinga

Wilbinga is located on the northern outskirts of metropolitan Perth just past Yanchep and Two Rocks. Being so accessible, this track is popular with local 4WD trainers and with local clubs. There are opportunities for every kind of sand driving experience from sandy tracks, soft ruts, uneven sand hills, sand dunes, seasonal beach driving, steep ascents and descents. For experienced drivers, its just a place to go and have a bit of fun.

The sand bowls near the beach tend to be the ideal snack or lunch stop and from here it is only a short walk to the beach. Some of the things you can do include walks along the beach, exploring the historic huts and collecting shells which are often visible along the tide line.

No permits required for the Wilbinga trek note.

Tyre pump, pressure guage and shovels must be carried. Vehicles should ideally use sand flags. Ensure you take hats and sunscreen as this will ultimately be a day in the sun. You should carry sufficient fuel, food & water as there are no facilities in this region. It may be wise to carry some communications and navigation gear. Also take the appropriate recovery gear for beach driving. Camping is not permitted along the track so plan to carry enough supplies for a return trip. Most visitors will find plenty to do to make a day out of the trip so take a picnic lunch, some chairs, a car fridge or esky, fishing rods, sand boards - whatever suits!

Wilbinga is a Quindalup dune area and forms part of the Gnangara Park. In Government planning documents Wilbinga has been earmarked for a combination of nature conservation, recreational use, and potential resource allocation (ground water and limestone). It appears that any development will be low-key with a commitment to retain the "wilderness" quality of this large coastal area. Whilst this is good news for motorbikes, dune buggys and 4WDrivers, it is important to respect the area and take care when visiting. Drive responsibly, don't litter, don't trample or remove wildflowers and plants. Keep to tracks whereever possible and participate in local clean-ups to keep this area accessible for future 4WD recreation.

Along the tracks you will see extensive plant life including banksias, cycads, kangaroo paws, Black Boys or "Grass Trees" (Xanthorrhoea preissi) and dense bushland. Kangaroos, including the Western Brush Wallaby are in the area so keep an eye out on top of the hills. Also you may see eagles gliding overhead.

Although not part of Wilbinga history, the early part of this trek (tar section) passes right by a monument to the 10th Lighthorse Regiment on Wanneroo Road. The 10th Light Horse Regiment is one of the country's oldest and best known. It was formed in 1900 and was trained in Western Australia. The Regiment first saw action on Gallipoli Peninsula as Infantry; their baptism of fire being at Quinn’s Post and Pope’s Hill. In fact, the only Victoria Cross gained by an Australian Light Horse unit in the First World War was won on Gallipoli by a member of this Regiment in 1915. From this memorial, there is an information board and some walking tracks which are well worth investigating.

Once you're into the Wilbinga area, the track will eventually come down onto the beach alongside a small group of shacks. These are apparently similar to what early settlers built here in 1893. It is also believed many army personal lived along the beach side in shacks during the war years.