It wouldn’t be summer in Australia if you didn’t catch a glimpse of a driver desperately trying to get their bogged car out of the sand, but for one infamous beach the irresponsible behaviour of motorists has reached boiling point.
Swarms of visitors from across the country flock to South Australia’s Goolwa Beach, an hour’s drive from Adelaide, to enjoy the warm weather and picturesque waves every year, and this holiday season was no different.
On Wednesday a van was seen stuck in the sand at the entrance of the beach track, just metres from a warning sign alerting drivers that only 4WDs were allowed and merely weeks after a Tesla sedan was caught in the same debacle.
The van became bogged in the sand, despite signs advising the path is suitable for 4WDs only. Source: Facebook
Days earlier another driver was allegedly speeding down an empty stretch of Goolwa Beach before losing control and rolling over, triggering fears vehicle access would be shut down forever and prompting a stern warning from the local council’s mayor.
Annoyed locals call for ‘massive fines’ for bogged cars
A witness who snapped images of the van struggling in the sand this week said online the sight was a “common problem”. “Got down previously but this time had to stop in soft sand and got stuck,” they said.
Just before New Year’s, a Goolwa local lent a hand to rescue a bogged EV. Source: Facebook
Locals chimed in, sharing their frustration over the issue and poking fun at the person behind the wheel. “Gets pretty dangerous sometimes when cars [are] going both directions and it’s a bit boggy,” one person commented. Others called for the introduction of “massive fines to anyone who gets stuck when not driving a 4WD”.
“They ruin everyone else’s day by blocking the path for those who can read and have the required skills/experience to drive through soft sand,” another argued.
Authorities call for changes to access popular 4WD beach
Following the 4WD rollover, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, South Australian Police and Alexandrina Council told Yahoo News Australia bad behaviour would be penalised and that “changes need to be made” to access the beach, with some residents calling for a permit system to help control the crowds.
Goolwa — one of the busiest beaches in the state and a favourite of 4WD enthusiasts — has come under increased scrutiny in recent years over driver behaviour amid a rise in popularity. Authorities and local councils say irresponsible drivers not only put beachgoers at risk but also damage the delicate sand dunes.
The week of Christmas, a 4WD flipped over on Goolwa Beach, prompting a stern warning from the council’s mayor. Source: Facebook
Speaking to Yahoo News late last year, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the local Alexandrina Council, Tash Hunt, said it’s the responsibility of tourists to know the capabilities of their vehicles, to pay attention to the signs and heed the relevant warnings.
“Visitors should also be aware that the vehicle access track to the beach is open to 4WDs only and there are no recovery services for bogged vehicles,” she said.
“Despite the warning signage on entry, sometimes motorists without the correct vehicle, equipment or 4WD experience become stuck and block the track entirely, much to the frustration of other users.”
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