As the weather cools down in the southern states, autumn is an ideal time to head out on a four-wheel driving adventure. Here are a few routes through various unique Australian landscapes.

Blue Rag Range Track, Victoria

• Distance: 140 kilometres
• Time: one day

The Victorian High Country boasts some of Australia’s most impressive panoramic scenery. Featuring endless rolling mountain ranges, and magical forests and streams, the alpine region is an ideal place to take the four-wheel drive for a spin. The Blue Rag Range Track is a great choice for experienced four-wheel drivers, and rewards skill with spectacular scenery around every corner.

Wombeyan Caves to Jenolan Caves, New South Wales

• Distance: 180 kilometres
• Time: one day

This route weaves its way through the Kanangra-Boyd National Park, south of the Blue Mountains, to two of New South Wales’s most impressive cave locations. It’s a great trip to complete in one day, and is also perfect for a weekend trip for those wishing to take their time.

Mount Jacob Back Track, South Australia

• Distance: approximately 10 kilometres
• Time: 2–3 hours

The Flinders Ranges have a lot to offer, and this red, rocky track takes you to some of its most impressive lookout opportunities. The track begins about 14 kilometres north of Arkaroola Village on Arkaroola Road. There is quite a bit of challenging four-wheel driving required on this route, with a few steep climbs along the way.

Montezuma Falls via Melba Flats, Tasmania

• Distance: 14 kilometres
• Time: three hours, return

Drive among towering ferns and mountain gums as you follow this trail deep into the Tasmanian rainforest. The route follows the old North East Dundas Tramway – closed in 1932 – and provides spectacular forest scenery all the way to the impressive Montezuma Falls.

Denham to Shark Bay, Western Australia

• Distance: 55 kilometres
• Time: four hours, return

Situated on the westernmost point of Australia, Shark Bay is a wonderland waiting to be explored. From its red desert sands to its white sandy beaches, the Francois Peron National Park has plenty of scenic four-wheel drive locations on offer.

Jim Jim Falls, Northern Territory

• Distance: 65 kilometres
• Time: 2.2 hours from Bowali Visitor Centre

The Jim Jim Falls track is an adventure to savour, so wait for the end of autumn for the best experience. The track takes you through the beautiful scrubland and semitropical rainforest, past pandanus, cycads, spear grass, and gum trees with the stunning escarpment in the distance.

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