In October 2021, Proudback ran The Island Explorer, a ten-day 4WD adventure tour through Western Australia’s Coral Coast and inland outback. The trip brought together a party of 11, which consisted of three families and three vehicles. All were keen to experience remote country behind the wheel of a fully equipped 4WD vehicle.
The route combined coast and desert, with a major highlight being Dirk Hartog Island, a remote, windswept landmass steeped in history and ecological significance. Dirk Hartog Island by 4WD offers a rare experience: access to remote beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and the story of early Dutch exploration. It’s one of the few places in Australia where you can drive along a World Heritage coastline without seeing another vehicle for hours. Guests explored abandoned homesteads, crossed salt flats, and camped near sites tied to 17th-century shipwrecks. The driving was varied – soft beach entries, rocky ridgelines, and inland trails that demanded care and control. For many, the sense of isolation combined with the scale of the island made it a defining part of the journey.
Conditions were dry, with no major weather occurrences, steady track conditions, and a well-prepared group. Along the way, we spent time on isolated beaches, crossed red sand flats, and camped under clear skies in station country.
As with all Proudback outback tours, the trip included a hands-on session covering driving technique, track awareness, and vehicle recovery. That early instruction would come into focus partway through the journey, when the group encountered a pair of stranded vehicles.
Off-track, but not off-limits
On day five, the convoy was travelling back late to the campsite on an isolated single lane track. The lead vehicle was stopped by a concerned person in a 4×4 vehicle, rather tense, letting us know that a second vehicle of their party was bogged down in soggy, soft sand. With tides coming in the first vehicle was unable to help. Neither these vehicles were part of the Proudback group. It was clear they didn’t know the terrain and hadn’t come well prepared.
Christian began coordinating a recovery using the Proudback gear and approach. The steps were clear and methodical—lower the tyre pressures, plan the angles, lay the traction board, and secure the recovery points. The rest of the party assisted while Christian worked through the recovery calmly.
The bogged vehicle came free with a controlled pull using a winch and traction support. Once clear, all vehicles were guided back to firmer ground. No-one was hurt, nothing was damaged, and the track was left as it was found. The whole process took under an hour.
Why recovery matters, even when it’s not your vehicle
Proudback tours are built around independence but that doesn’t mean isolation. Knowing how to assist when things go wrong is part of being ready for remote travel. This particular recovery wasn’t part of the itinerary, but it highlighted exactly why every guest is briefed thoroughly at the start of each trip.
The takeaway reinforced a mindset: slow down, assess, and approach each challenge with calm logic and the right tools. It also underlined the difference between well-prepared travellers and those heading into remote country without support.
This experience was a great example of how every track has its surprises. Having the ability and the willingness to stop and help is part of why these small-group 4WD tours work the way they do.
“The Proudback Explorer tour was amazing! Learning beach driving and taking on off-road challenges as a family was pure excitement. The nature part was probably the highlight for the kids – we saw playful dolphins and majestic rays right before our eyes. Proudback nailed the balance of thrilling off-road driving, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters!” – Gillian
Interested in travelling the remote Outback of Western Australia? Proudback’s 4WD outback adventure tours give you the tools, knowledge, and support to explore the Australian outback with confidence.
View our next scheduled departure dates for the Island Explorer or get in touch to discuss a tailor-made adventure tour.
The dedicated digital memory for this party’s tour from October 2021.