Check out these Australian 4X4 parks, where they genuinely want you to drive their tracks!
The reality is four-wheel driving is big news these days, so access to campgrounds has become easier via graded tracks due to this popularity. Then when you finally arrive at camp, chances are there is a freshly fenced-off camp area where you are forced to set up within slapping distance of your neighbour. Now, that is not my idea of a good time! With the rise in popularity of four-wheel driving, we have also seen a rise in the popularity of private four-wheel drive parks. Parks with tracks graded to your skillset, parks with amenities (in most cases) and parks with more open space than you know what to do with. Here are nine four-wheel drive parks in Australia, which we feel should have a spot on your off-road bucket list.
For images, videos and the full Unsealed 4X4 experience, read this in our online magazine.
BYLONG CREEK 4X4
WHAT’S THE GO: Bylong Creek 4X4 is a caravan and camper trailer accessible four-wheel drive park, with two large main campsites available as well as many other secluded sites. Firewood is available onsite, and well-behaved pets are also allowed. All rubbish must be removed, and no glass or cans are to be put into fireplaces. Drop toilets are onsite, and there is also a 5,000-gallon fresh water tank for drinking water. Tracks vary from scenic muddy touring tracks, right up to full-blown competition rock crawling challenges. As the name suggests, there is a creek at Bylong – which flows after decent rain. Bruce (the owner of Bylong Creek 4X4) is one of the nicest blokes around too, so be sure to say g’day and ask him about the best tracks to drive… and his custom Unimog.
HOW TO GET THERE: Located 50km east of Mudgee, and 60km north of Rylstone NSW. The park is 3½ hours from Penrith NSW, and 3 hours from Newcastle.
ACCOMMODATION: Ample camping sites are available.
TRACKS: Ranging from easy to advanced; have a chat with owner Bruce who can recommend the best places for your vehicle and skillset.
PRICE: $15 per person per day, with kids under 15 years of age free.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes, with wood available on a cut-your-own basis.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: Quads and dirt bikes allowed for an additional $10 per day.
CONTACT: Bruce Kerney 0417 492 917.
For more information, visit: bylongcreek4x4.com
GORDON COUNTRY
WHAT’S THE GO: The slogan for Gordon Country is ‘the way Australia used to be’, and it seems the owners want all Australians to experience a taste of living off the land. With so much land available (4,000 acres), the Gordon Country operators pride themselves on never filling to capacity – so there is always room for riverside camping or more secluded spots if peace and quiet is in order. 4WD tracks litter the property, with challenges ranging from easy to intermediate. Drinking water is not available, however there are five amenities blocks with three of them having shower facilities. River water can be boiled for drinking, although it looks like more fun to swim or fish in the river.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Brisbane, take the Cunningham Highway towards Warwick, continue 21km from the top of Cunningham’s Gap, turn right at the driver reviver station and continue 10km to the intersection where a hard right turn is required. From here, the first Gordon Country sign is 20km down the road.
ACCOMMODATION: Riverside and more secluded camping is available, as well as cabins for those wanting more comfort.
TRACKS: Tracks are rated easy to moderate; low-range gearing and medium levels of experience are required.
PRICE: From $15 per night (adult), $8 per night (child), kids under four years of age free. A mandatory booking fee of $10 per car or $30 per 4WD also applies.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No
CONTACT: Ian and Sue Gordon (07) 4666 6179 or 0488 318 911.
For more information, visit: gordoncountry.com.au
LEVUKA 4WD PARK
WHAT’S THE GO: Levuka 4WD Park is located near the NSW Scenic Rim, and is surrounded by lush rainforest as well as farming land. The property is open to camping, four-wheel driving, bushwalking and canoeing in Lake Levuka. Fishing is also popular on the property, with the farm dam being stocked with native fish. There are two main camping areas, which offer hot showers and flushing toilets as well as BBQ amenities, a bush weather shed and rainwater tank. There is also a smaller camp area known as The Cedars, which has space for seven tents and is located right on a creek.
HOW TO GET THERE: Levuka 4WD Park is located just 2½ hours from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast in the town of Urbenville NSW. The Levuka team suggest that GPS systems have a habit of leading people astray, and recommend following the supplied map on the homepage of their website for directions (listed below).
ACCOMMODATION: Ample camping areas onsite.
TRACKS: Easy to extreme without excessive vehicle damage. In wet weather, all tracks will close if track damage is occurring.
PRICE: $30 per day family rate (two adults and two children under 17).
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes
(wood available for purchase at $10 per 35kg).
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: Robert and Rosemary Clark (02) 6634 1338.
For more information, visit: levuka.com.au
LOVEDAY 4WD PARK
WHAT’S THE GO: Loveday 4X4 Adventure Park is a working cattle station and off-road complex set on 8,000 acres of private property, with over 14km of Murray River access. Camping is permitted on the property, with all sites accessible by 2WD vehicles, caravans and camper trailers. Boats are also welcome, with Murray River access being a huge drawcard for many visitors. A unique feature of Loveday 4X4 Adventure Park (other than the exciting four-wheel driving) is the Loveday Tavern – where you can relax with a cold drink at the end of a hard day’s exploring. There is a playground for the kids, and a mixture of terrains to navigate including stony hills, mud, creek beds and deep soft sand hills. Male and female toilets are onsite, and a hot shower is available for a gold coin donation.
HOW TO GET THERE: Loveday 4X4 Adventure Park is located two hours east of Adelaide and two hours west of Mildura in the town of Barmera, SA.
ACCOMMODATION: There are many camping sites along the river, or at the Tavern campground.
TRACKS: From easy dirt tracks, through to full-blown competition jumps and obstacles.
PRICE: $40 per vehicle (day trip); $60 camping; and $10 per extra night.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes (at campsites only).
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes (collection of firewood on the property is banned).
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: Yes.
CONTACT: Tony Whateley 0418 839 787.
For more information, visit: loveday4x4adventures.com
ROVER PARK
WHAT’S THE GO: Rover Park is a 4WD park with a difference, as it has many other attractions to offer families and individuals alike. Starting with the giant 76-metre waterslide and swimming area… as well as a games room to keep the kids entertained. There is plenty of space for fossicking, as well as mountain bike and motorbike riding. Bushwalking tracks run through the property and there is even a television setup for those who can’t miss out on major sporting events. All activities are included in the price of admission, except for motorcycle riders who will need to pay a small additional fee for using the property.
HOW TO GET THERE: Rover Park is situated on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range between Casino and Tenterfield. The park itself is located on Rover Park Road, 35km from the township of Tenterfield.
ACCOMMODATION: Unpowered but well maintained campsites, with separate sites for 2WD and 4WD vehicles as well as motorbike riders. There are also onsite vans, the Diggers Cabin, the Mountain Lodge and the Loggers Cabin for those wanting accommodation.
TRACKS: There’s a variety of tracks on offer – from deep mud holes and slick climbs to tougher rocky sections.
PRICE: From $45 per vehicle for families (2 adults plus 3 kids max); and onsite vans from $65 per night.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes, if well behaved and on a leash.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes, with wood available onsite.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: Yes, but bikes must remain under 94 decibels and be fitted with factory mufflers.
CONTACT: Heidi and Hans (02) 6737 6862 or 0427 376 862.
For more information, visit: roverpark.com.au
THE SPRINGS 4X4 PARK
WHAT’S THE GO: The Springs 4X4 Park is located in the Granite Belt of south-east Queensland, which is highly regarded for fine food and wine. The property is based on 700 acres of varying terrain, even offering 360-degree views from the fittingly named Love Hill, which is a main attraction at The Springs. Tracks flow through the property, with varying difficulty ranging from easy to extreme. In fact, The Springs still holds off-road competitions on the property from time to time. Hot tip for anyone planning to stay over the weekend: Every Saturday from 4.00pm people are welcome to attempt driving Beer O’Clock Hill or even enjoy the spectacle of watching others clamber to the top… which is easier said than done.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Springs 4X4 Park is located 190km from the Brisbane CBD and 85km from Tenterfield in NSW – situated on the New England Highway 25km South of Warwick.
ACCOMMODATION: Ample camping on the property.
TRACKS: Ranging from simple touring tracks, right up to extreme conditions for experienced drivers with suitably equipped vehicles.
PRICE: From $25 per vehicle day entry; $45 per vehicle overnight camping.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: Carolyn and Neil Taylor 0448 948 608.
For more information, visit: thesprings4x4.com.au
SCENIC RIM ADVENTURE PARK
WHAT’S THE GO: Scenic Rim Adventure Park is set on 680 acres of bushland, just an hour’s drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. The park offers camping and four-wheel driving, as well as bushwalking and a large variety of wildlife to observe. To keep the family entertained, Scenic Rim has a children’s play area as well as a mountain bike track, remote control car play area, spider walls and a large maze. For those looking to hone their off-road skills, Scenic Rim also hosts 4WD awareness driver training days for those interested. These courses are by arrangement, and will be run with a maximum of 10 vehicles per session.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Beaudesert follow the Mt Lindsay Highway towards Rathdowney; 8km before reaching Rathdowney turn right into Tamrookum Creek and follow the road for a further 6km.
ACCOMMODATION: Fourteen camp areas of various sizes are available, as well as room hire in the main house. Huts and cottages are in the process of being maintained or constructed.
TRACKS: There’s over 20km of off-road driving tracks at Scenic Rim, ranging from easy touring tracks to more extreme courses for modified vehicles. A main track runs through the property, suitable for stock vehicles. Tougher rock and mud tracks can be found off the main track.
PRICE: $45 per vehicle with additional days costing $10; camping from $12 per adult per night, children 5-16 $8 per night and kids under 5 free.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes, dogs must be on a runner while at camp however.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: Wendy 0458 406 236.
For more information, visit: scenicrimadventurepark.com.au
MANAR 4X4 PARK
WHAT’S THE GO: If you are looking for a fun weekend, the Manar Park team tell us that on their property the fun never stops. Set on 15,000 acres, Manar Park is a working cattle station as well as being an off-road park designed to cater for a wide range of motorsports and activities. In terms of four-wheel driving, there’s 230km of 4WD tracks to explore, all of which are graded to suit experience levels. There are also plenty of motorbike trails, and space for buggies and unregistered comp vehicles too. There are many events scheduled at Manar Park throughout the year (including dirt bikes and music events, and an open day where you can see what Manar Park has to offer).
HOW TO GET THERE: Manar Park is located roughly 1½ hours north-west of Kingaroy, 1½ hours from Dalby and 1 hour from Gayndah and Mundubbera.
ACCOMMODATION: There are several options at the park, including powered and non-powered camping sites, cabins, dongas, and a larger facility known as The White Quarters.
TRACKS: Manar Park is a little different, as it is also a motorbike friendly park. Tracks are available for four-wheel drives, competition vehicles, quad bikes, buggies, and endurance bike riders. There is also a skid-pan for those wanting to cover their vehicles in mud.
PRICE: $45 per vehicle per day, camping from $10 per adult.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: Yes.
CONTACT: Dave Laidler (07) 4161 2188.
For more information, visit: manar.com.au
JANOWEN HILLS CAMPING & 4WD PARK
WHAT’S THE GO: The property is spread over 1,000 acres, consisting of hilly terrain, rocky gullies and flowing creeks. Amenities-wise, there are septic toilets, hot showers, rubbish bins, picnic tables and potable water onsite. There are eight different 4X4 tracks on the property; all have been rated with degrees of difficulty ranging from easy, medium and difficult to extreme. The grassy campground is easily accessible for those towing caravans and camper trailers, and there is a second campground with a large shed, entertainment area and bathroom amenities. A shop (run by the Jenowen Hills team) is located just 4km up the road; it stocks basic supplies such as groceries and takeaway food. All fees are to be paid at this shop when heading into the property… which is open on weekends, public holidays and for limited times during school holidays.
HOW TO GET THERE: Janowen Hills Camping and 4WD Park is located in the Goomburra Valley, two hours west of Brisbane through Cunningham’s Gap and an hour’s drive south of Toowoomba.
ACCOMMODATION: A grassed camping area is located beside a flowing creek, and there are plans for building cabins in the future.
TRACKS: Janowen Hills has hosted several off-road events over the years, and as such has a variety of terrain to explore. A buddy system is in place for the tracks at Janowen Hills – so you will need to travel with at least one other vehicle while four-wheel driving.
PRICE: Camping from $12 per night;
four-wheel drive access from $28 per day.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: Jan and Owen Lawrance (07) 4666 6207.
For more information, visit: janowenhills.com.au
