Exploring WA’s National Parks with a 4WD Rental: A Complete Guide

People have all sorts of travel stories, some brilliant, others not so much. Over the years, we’ve been lucky to hear some amazing (and cautionary) tales from our clients about their adventures and how they found us. This one’s worth sharing so others don’t hit the same bumps on the road.

I’d never done a road trip like this before, and I thought Western Australia would be the perfect place to start. I was very excited for the whole trip, but I didn’t give the car much thought. If it had an aircon and a decent stereo, I figured I’d be golden. Turns out, I was wildly wrong. The car you pick can make or break the whole journey and I learned that the hard way.

I was looking for car hire Australia online and almost booked the cheapest compact car. Luckily, a friend said, “You’re crazy, you need a 4WD for WA.” At first, I thought, nah, that’s overkill. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Day One: The Wake-Up Call

Picked up my 4WD in Perth. Felt like overkill driving it out of the city, but as soon as I hit the highway heading north, it made sense. WA is HUGE. The roads go on forever, and then suddenly they’re not sealed anymore. Gravel, red dirt, soft sand, all in one day.

On the way to Karijini National Park, I saw a little car stuck on a gravel road. Two people were digging their tires out with plastic bags. I pulled over to check if they were okay. They said they didn’t realize their rental wasn’t made for unsealed roads. That could’ve been me.

Karijini was worth every kilometer. The gorges, the swimming holes, the silence but let me tell you, some of the roads in the park? No chance for a standard car.

The Lesson in Purnululu

Next stop: Purnululu National Park. I’d seen pictures of the Bungle Bungles and couldn’t wait to get there. What they don’t tell you is there’s 50+ kilometers of rough track just to reach the park. Big rocks, deep dips, and dust everywhere. Without a 4WD, you’re turning back.

And I kept thinking, imagine if I’d booked that little sedan. My trip would’ve ended right there.

Francois Peron and a Bit of Panic

In Shark Bay, I went to Francois Peron National Park. Gorgeous red cliffs and turquoise water. But oh man, that sand is so soft, deep, and everywhere. I saw a car ahead of me sink down into it. I stopped, took a deep breath, and kept my 4WD steady. Slow and steady won. No getting stuck for me.

What I Learned Fast

• Always check the road conditions before you head out.
• Fill up your tank whenever you see a station. They’re rare in some parts.
• Carry water and snacks. I didn’t realize how long stretches without shops could feel.
• Let someone know where you’re going. WA is beautiful but remote.

Why not to Skip a 4WD Again

I get it now. A 4WD isn’t about being fancy. It’s about getting to see the real WA, the places most people never reach. It’s about feeling safe when the road turns rough or when the rain comes out of nowhere.

So yeah, if you’re going to rent a car in WA, think twice before picking the cheapest option. That 4WD might just make your trip unforgettable.

Dream Car Rental had the perfect vehicle for me. Well maintained, ready for off-road, and it gave me the confidence to go places I never thought I’d see.