While tackling the steepest, narrowest, or roughest terrain might be a rewarding way to assess and improve your driving skills, if you’re looking for a quieter holiday, there are multiple tracks around the country to keep you busy.
Queensland
North Stradbroke Island can be accessed via the Stradbroke Ferry across from the mainland at Cleveland. Four-wheel drives are permitted on Flinders Beach and Main Beach, but be sure to book a Vehicle Access Permit before embarking on this beautiful stretch. On the beach, you’ll see camping grounds tucked away in the bushland, and the rolling waves of the ocean on the other. The track is suitable for beginners. From Point Lookout, you’ll also experience some of the most stunning panoramic ocean views anywhere in the state.
Victoria
Blue Range via Little Bunyip Track is a 15-kilometre circuit from Black Snake Creek Road to Bunyip River Road in Victoria’s eastern Bunyip State Park. The state park includes multiple four-wheel drive tracks for different levels of experience, and gives you the chance to weave between the trees in sprawling mountain ash forests.
Western Australia
The Wildflower Drive in Nannup’s Kondil Wildflower Park is best tackled by a four-wheel drive. The track runs for two and a half kilometres, and takes between one and three hours to complete. Most of the track is narrow and winding, but once you’ve tested your driving skills there are two walking tracks in the state park – the 700-metre Casuarina Loop and the 2.5-kilometre Sheok Trail – where you can also test your legs!
South Australia
Copper Track in the Warraweena Conservation Park is three to four hours’ drive from the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. This track is rated easy to moderate and runs for roughly 67 kilometres, beginning at Sliding Rock and ending with spectacular views over Lake Torrens and Mount Samuel. A short diversion off the main track will also take you to the historic ruins of the Nuccaleena Mine. Restrictions do apply, so be sure to check with the local council before leaving.
New South Wales
The Six Foot walking track runs between Katoomba and Jenolan Caves, roughly two and a half hours from Sydney, and is a popular day-trip destination for four-wheel drivers looking for an engaging track that’s not too much of a hassle. The 20-kilometre dirt road is considered easy by most four-wheel drivers, although there are at least three crossings of Little River that would be best managed by a higher vehicle. The track also includes steep climbs, camping and fishing opportunities, and not too far from the camping grounds, is a swing bridge that runs high across the river.
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