Whether you're a 4WD enthusiast or you're mad about motor bikes, it's important to be safe when travelling off-road. It's also important to be considerate of your neighbours and to make sure that you're allowed to drive in the area you are visiting.
Lancelin Off-road Vehicle Area (LORVA) / Lancelin Sand Dunes
The popular Lancelin sand dune system is approximately 2km long and located directly inland from the Lancelin township. It is a shared area and provides recreational space for off-road driving and sand boarding at no cost to visitors for entry.
Given the very nature of the area, it should only be entered by four-wheel drive vehicles. Only the parking area at Lancelin is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles which could otherwise easily become bogged in other tracks within the dunes and thereby cause a dangerous situation for anyone else in the area.
The sand dunes are subjected to strong winds from the south-west, and at times the east, which cause the shape of the dunes to change. These wind conditions cause drop-offs to occur which cannot be seen when approaching the crest of the dune. Always check the area out before driving/riding.
NOTE: Medical facilities in Lancelin are minimal. The doctor does not open the medical centre on weekends and Silver Chain staff (9655 1033) are only available for emergencies. The St John Ambulance service is operated by volunteers and the ambulance stationed in Lancelin is also required to respond to all other medical emergencies, as well as traffic accidents on public roads including Indian Ocean Drive.
Extreme care should be taken by all those who use the area. Death and serious accidents have occurred in this area so please be sensible and mindful of other users.
LORVA Map
Conditions of Use
- Read and abide by all signage.
- Helmets must be worn by riders and passengers. Full protective gear is strongly recommended.
- Seatbelts must be worn in all vehicles (where fitted).
- Intoxicated persons are not to enter.
- No riding in/on the back of utilities or the side of vehicles.
- Adult supervision is required for all vehicle users under the age of 16 years.
- No riders under 8 years of age permitted.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
Sand Boarding & Pedestrians in the LORVA
The LORVA is divided into two areas being the area where you can sand board and then the rest of the area which vehicles can operate in.
If you are heading to the sand boarding area please note that ALL VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED IN THIS AREA.
- The activity of sand boarding can be dangerous and may result in personal injury
- If you undertake this activity or enter this area you do so entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety
- Park in designated Sand Boarding Car Park area only
- Stay in the designated Sand Boarding Area
- Pedestrians must keep clear of moving sand boards
- Do not venture into other areas of the dunes and always be on the lookout for vehicles, pedestrians and other sand boarders
Operating a Vehicle in the LORVA
Everywhere else in the LORVA aside from the sand boarding area is where you can operate vehicles. It should be noted however, that the vehicle operating area is divided into different speed zones that users need to take note of. When you enter the LORVA please:
- Maintain a slow speed from the entrance track, through the parking and unloading areas and on the first row of dunes (maximum 10km/hr. If you don’t have a speedometer then keep to first gear or walking pace).
- Save your off-road driving for the dunes.
- Stay away from the designated sand boarding area (it is prohibited for vehicles to operate in this area).
- Park in the designated off-road vehicle area and leave room for larger vehicles to manoeuvre.
- Travel slowly around the dunes and make yourself familiar with the area and any hazards before increasing speed.
- Exercise particular care and caution when approaching dunes crests and never ride or drive over crests without knowing what is on the other side.
- Always ride or drive within your capabilities.
- Travel with a friend.
- Do not exit/dismount from your vehicle if possible unless you are getting out to check the other side of a dune before going over. Stay in/on the vehicle. If you wish to take photographs or film, please stay in/on the vehicle.
General Advice
- Make sure you keep hydrated and stay alert.
- Don’t drink alcohol or drugs. It puts you and others at risk.
- There are no toilets or water on site. The nearest facilities at located at Harold Park, Gingin Road, Lancelin.
Ledge Point Off-Road Vehicle Area (LPORVA)
The LPORVA is a smaller circuit-style off-road vehicle area which caters to motorcycles and quads of all engine capacities.
There are two tracks:
- A junior riders' track intended for 8-14 year olds.
- An advanced riders track open for all ages (with adult supervision of younger riders).
It is generally less crowded than the Lancelin Off-road Vehicle Area and there is no cost to visitors to use the area. Just as with the Lancelin Off-road Area, there are a few rules drivers should follow, namely:
- Maintain a slow speed from the entrance track, through the parking and unloading areas (maximum 10km/hr. If you don’t have a speedometer then keep to first gear or walking pace).
- Save your off-road riding for the dunes.
- Park in the designated off-road vehicle area and leave room for larger vehicles to manoeuvre.
- Travel slowly around the track and make yourself familiar with the area and any hazards before increasing speed.
- Always ride within your capabilities.
- Travel with a friend.
- Do not dismount from your motorbike if possible whilst on the track. If you wish to take photographs or film, please stay on your motorbike.
LPORVA Map of Track
Filming & Photography in Off-Road Vehicle Areas
Planning to film or take photographs in either the Lancelin or Ledge Point Off-road Vehicle Areas? There are a few things you need to know. Read on to find out more.
Casual Visitors
If you are taking just a casual snap or video of yourself, your friends or your family, then you do not require permission from the Shire to do so whilst you are in either off-road vehicle area.
Note: Unless you are in a parking area or the sand boarding area in Lancelin however, then you are not permitted to exit your vehicle. Taking photographs in the parking zones outside of your vehicle is acceptable but please do not exit your vehicle whilst you are in the dunes area where recreational drivers operate. Not only is this dangerous to you but also to other users in the area.
Film Crews & Students
If you are a film crew or film students and you are planning to film in the area then you require permission from the Shire to undertake this activity. This is to ensure that safety requirements and other concerns are met, especially if your film project is going to involve a large entourage.
Visit our Filming in the Shire page to submit your application to film
Use of Trail Bikes & other Off-road Vehicles
The use of trail bikes in residential or rural/residential areas has become an increasing problem within the Shire of Gingin in recent years. Many people believe that trail bikes can be ridden indiscriminately on their property or on other land such as public open space, road verges or government land. This is not the case as there are several laws that either restrict use or disallow use in certain areas. These laws have been established in order to control the nuisance effects of trail bikes and other off-road vehicles such as excessive noise, dust, danger to people and damage to environmentally sensitive areas. The following is a brief summary of the laws that you should be aware of in relation to the use of trail bikes and other off-road vehicles.
Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act 1978
This Act prohibits the driving and use of off-road vehicles without a permit. A person shall not drive or use an off-road vehicle in any area other than:
- On private land with consent of the owner;
- On land comprised within a permitted area, unless permitted to do so pursuant to section 8(4) of the Act; or
- As deemed to have been permitted to do so pursuant to section 8(5) of the of the Act.
Penalties Apply.
Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997
Regulation 14 of these Regulations allows the use of specified equipment (meaning any item of equipment which requires the constant presence of an operator for normal use) to be used on residential premises. However, this is subject to certain conditions:
The specified equipment (other than a musical instrument) is used in a reasonable manner and has not been used for more than 2 hours since the beginning of a relevant day.
In the case of a musical instrument, for more than one hour since the beginning of the relevant day.
The noise resulting from the use of the specified equipment on those premises, having regard to the duration of the noise emission, the frequency of similar noise emissions from those premises and the purpose for which the equipment is used, does not unreasonably interfere with the health, welfare, convenience, comfort, or amenity of an occupier of premises receiving the noise.
The specified equipment is used –
- Between 0700 hours and 1900 hours on Monday to Saturday inclusive; or
- Between 0900 hours and 1900 hours on a Sunday or public holiday.
Riding/Driving on Strategic Fire Breaks
Riding or driving on strategic fire breaks contravenes the Bush Fires Act 1954 and is not permitted when the Shire has declared a Harvest, Hot Works & Vehicle Movement Ban. Note that strategic fire breaks must be maintained in good condition to allow access for fire-fighters and as escape routes for residents. Damage to strategic fire breaks by trail bikes and off-road vehicles could cause a risk to lives. Riding on fire breaks on Total Fire Ban days also increases the risk of a bush fire.
Use of Trail Bikes and Off-road Vehicles on Commonwealth Land
The Crimes Act 1914 – Section 89 prohibits trespassing on Commonwealth land.
A person who, without lawful excuse (proof whereof shall lie upon him or her), trespasses or goes upon any prohibited Commonwealth land shall be guilty of an offence. (Penalties Apply)
Where a person is found upon prohibited Commonwealth land, a constable, a protective services officer or an authorised Commonwealth officer may request the person to furnish his or her name and address to the constable or officer and, if the person fails to comply with the request, he or she shall be guilty of an offence. (Penalties Apply)
Use of Trail Bikes and Off-road Vehicles on State Government Land
(e.g. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions areas, Water Catchment areas)
Off-road registered trail bikes and off-road vehicles are not allowed in these areas.
Off-road registered trail bikes and off-road vehicles are only allowed to be ridden in Gazetted Off-Road Vehicle Areas. (ORVA)
A complete list of designated ORVA is available on the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries website including a map of all these areas and other pertinent details.
To ride in the Shire’s two designated ORVA (Lancelin and Ledge Point) your vehicle needs to be either ORV registered or road registered. Riders must be a minimum of 8 years old.
Use of Unlicensed Vehicle/Drivers on Public Roads
This is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1974.
A carriageway/roadway covers the area from fence line to fence line, including the verge and footpaths. Offenders will be reported to police.
Riding on Public Open Space, Parks & Reserves
This contravenes the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act 1978 and Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (Regulation 6 – Regulation of noise from public places).
Complaints Handling & Assessment
If the operation of a trail bike is considered to unreasonably interfere with the health, welfare, convenience, comfort or amenity of an occupier or if it affects a noise sensitive premises (which includes a home, motel, caravan park, or nursing home) then an offence can occur under Regulation 7 of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997
for which an Infringement Notice can be issued and which carries a modified penalty of $250 (first offence) or $500 (ongoing offences).
Alternatively, the matter can be taken to court and may be subject to higher penalties (and court costs) if convicted.
In assessing whether the use of trail bikes, quad bikes, off-road vehicles, etc. is reasonable or unreasonable, consideration will be given to factors such as:
How many days of the week does it occur?
How many vehicles are involved?
Does the activity stop/start throughout the day or is it undertaken in 1 or 2 time periods?
How loud are the vehicles? Do they have efficient silencers?
What distance are the vehicles being operated to neighbours?
Have there been previous complaints?
Shire officers will try to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution to allow the activity to occur. This may involve negotiating with neighbours as to the acceptable times of the day and length and frequency of the activity (e.g. only 1 hour per day may be considered acceptable providing it is between certain times and on designated areas of the property
Please be considerate - nobody has the right to unreasonably interfere with the health, welfare, convenience, comfort or amenity of an occupier. Be considerate to your neighbour(s) and be prepared to compromise. In some situations, particularly in built-up areas with smaller lots, the exemption under Regulation 14 will not apply and operators of trail bikes, etc. will be subject to the normal noise provisions of the Regulations.