While the beaches are buzzing and the city is sweating, pack the car for an outdoor adventure on some of these spectacular tracks: tracks with a view, remote tracks a world away from the hustle and bustle of summer in the city, and beach tracks with glorious ocean vistas are among some of the south east’s best-kept secrets.

Tasmania

Following an old railway line through pristine natural rainforests, the exhilarating Montezuma Falls via Melba Flats track leads to a spectacular 114-metre waterfall. The track includes steep uphill corners, narrow shoulders and multiple creek crossings, and is rated medium in difficulty, making it best suited to experienced four-wheel drivers. When you reach the falls, a narrow suspension footbridge invites visitors right into the heart of the canopy, where you’ll find unmatched views over the falls.

Victoria

The Blue Rag Range track is located in the remote Victorian High Country, just under three hours from Wangaratta. Snaking along mountain tops in narrow gravel lines, the Blue Rag is one of the highest tracks in Australia and is definitely not for the faint of heart. Steep drops, loose gravel and daunting mountain edges are all features that make four-wheel driving experience and a high-clearance vehicle essential. The view from the top is well worth your efforts, with panoramic vistas of the Victorian High Country and the seemingly endless Blue Mountains. The experience is awe-inspiring to say the least, so make sure you take your camera and a couple of spare batteries to capture as much of it as possible!

New South Wales

The Blue Mountains in New South Wales offers some of the best four-wheel driving tracks in the state, but if you’re hoping to embrace the spirit of summer, be sure to find those with the most impressive views. The Mount Hay Road in Leura is an ideal starting point to experience breathtaking vistas over the nearby Fortress and Butterbox canyons. The unsealed road leads to the edge of the Grose Wilderness, where spectacular views of the Grose River and surrounding gorges will leave you awestruck. Multiple walking tracks also offer explorers the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region while getting a rare glimpse of native wildlife in its natural habitat. The track includes some steep areas, but it’s a relatively smooth ride across the sandstone plateau, generally rated moderate for four-wheel drivers.

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