If you’re an experienced 4X4 driver with a craving for a challenge, you’re likely looking for some new tracks to check out this winter. Driving in different seasons brings varied terrains, with winter being one of the most difficult to tackle. Your chances of being bogged increase, so recovery equipment is a must, and water and mud should be approached with caution.
If you’re ready to take on the winter terrain, check out these six awesome 4X4 tracks in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia to get a taste of this winter.
The Victorian High Country
Mount Terrible
Despite the name, Mount Terrible track is not a hard track to drive under average conditions; it’s considered low grade and high clearance. If you’re a more experienced driver and you’d like to have a go at side-tracks, you’ll find a few that detour off the main track, such as Ryan Spur Track. Ranging from medium difficulty to hard, make sure you’re well equipped with recovery gear, especially in wet and snowy conditions. Once you reach the top, take advantage of the panoramic views of Australia’s largest mountain range, the Great Dividing Range.
Davies High Plains
If you’re up for a challenge through remote Alpine landscapes, you’ll want to add this iconic 130-kilometre route to your list. A mixture of both high and low range is required and the steep and rocky climbs are likely best handled by your vehicle in low gear. The stunning, open snow plains and snow gum woodlands make a picturesque view before you attempt to tackle the steep Limestone Creek Track.
Considered very difficult in dry conditions (under Victoria’s new 4WD Recreational Track Classification System), drivers need to be very experienced and accustomed to mountain track conditions. Assess how wet the tracks are and keep in mind that snow is possible at any time of year.
Western Australia
Mount Nameless/Jarndunmunha
Ironically, Mount Nameless has made a great name for itself amongst the 4X4 community. It’s the second-highest accessible mountain by four-wheel drive vehicle in Western Australia. It also provides a beautiful outlook over Tom Price Mine Site and township. Known as Jarndunmunha to local First Nations people, this mountain requires a low range 4WD when driving to the summit.
Lake Jasper
The largest freshwater lake in WA is best seen by visitors during winter to witness the gorgeous green vegetation. You can expect mud and water crossings on this route which I recommend approaching with caution! The last thing you want to do is get stuck. Lake Jasper can be accessed via the 4WD track which is just outside of Pemberton. Ensure you reduce your tyre pressure to suit the conditions when driving on the sand.
NSW
Corner Country
Best avoided in summer due to the ridiculously high temperatures, Corner Country is best tackled in winter. These wide-open plains allow you to get a true sense of the Australian outback with a 469-kilometre trip from Broken Hill to Cameron Corner. This trip features tiny timber outback towns, the Dingo Fence, and is considered as outback as you’re going to get without visiting the Northern Territory.
Levuka 4WD park
Upon arrival at Levuka 4WD park, you’re provided with a welcome pack containing a map of all the available tracks. Expect a mix of medium to challenging driving conditions as you pass through rainforest, open hardwood forest and open farming country. If you’re looking to develop your driving skills, gullies, creek crossings, a playground and test track are there to assist. The welcome pack also includes a warning that all track difficulty will increase once the rain arrives. Keep this in mind for your trip.
