Beaches carry two-way traffic and have hazards including washouts and exposed rocks, particularly after heavy rain and rough seas. Safe travelling speeds could be much lower than signposted limits. Plan to travel two hours either side of low tide when there is wide beach and hard surface to drive on. No go zones – Be aware of vehicle free designated areas. Road rules – road rules on beaches are the same as those on bitumen roads. Vehicles must be registered and seatbelts worn at all times. All drivers must hold a current driver’s licence. It is illegal to carry passengers outside the vehicle cabin, in utility trays or on boat trailers. Speed limits apply. Stay off the dunes – it is illegal to drive on dunes. Only use defined access tracks. Foredunes provide the only nesting places for shorebirds and sea turtles. Fragile grasses are easily damaged leading to dune destabilisation. Give way to people on the beach – pedestrians often cannot hear approaching vehicles above the sound of surf or strong winds. Slow down near people on the beach, especially around children. Pedestrians have right of way. Give seabirds a wide berth – so they can rest, feed and breed. Reduce speed and keep your distance. There are not many Pied Oystercatchers or Little Terns left, so please drive carefully! Watch out, they often shelter in wheel ruts.