Paying to play has never been more fun! How many of these amazing four-wheel drive parks have you visited?
Private four-wheel drive parks have grown in popularity, which is logical considering how popular four-wheel drives and off-roading have become. While there isn’t much that beats the feeling of finding your own slice of heaven while out exploring, you have to admit visiting a private four-wheel drive park with all the amenities you require not only makes sense but also sounds like a great way to spend some free time. We touched on this topic back in #27 of Unsealed 4X4 and picked nine four-wheel drive parks worth exploring (CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE). This time around, we want to take a closer look at some other four-wheel drive parks out there that slipped under our radar… as there certainly are no shortages. Grab your family and friends, pay your fees and enjoy yourself. Oh, don’t forget to tell them we sent you!
BENDLEBY RANGES
If you are looking for that real ‘homestead’ vibe, and a bit of red dirt under your boots, Bendleby Ranges is a prime destination. There are enough four-wheel drive tracks to keep you exploring for days, ranging in length from one to five hours and from sedate touring-style tracks right up to extremely challenging. Maps are supplied; or if you would prefer, a guided tour is available including wine and antipasto at the conclusion. Stunning views, ample camping and the brightest stars you will ever see. If you are passing through the Flinders Ranges, or visiting Adelaide (just 3.5 hours away) then Bendleby Ranges is a ‘must see and do’.
HOW TO GET THERE: https://www.bendlebyranges.com.au/getting-to-bendleby/
ACCOMMODATION: Starting with unpowered sites, right up to separate homesteads.
TRACKS: Ranging from mild to wild.
PRICE: Camping from $20 a night, 4WDing from $55 per vehicle.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes (with permission and kept on a leash).
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes, with free wood provided.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: Yes (by prior arrangement).
CONTACT: Jane, Warren, Kylie or Charlie Luckraft on (08) 8658 9064.
https://www.bendlebyranges.com.au/
LANDCRUISER MOUNTAIN PARK
LandCruiser Mountain Park is one of the most iconic 4WD parks in Australia, and has been home to hundreds of events over the years. With 200km of tracks, unrestricted camping areas and natural attractions such as creeks and waterfalls, it’s not hard to see why it is so popular. LCMP is a working cattle property, as well as a wilderness area. Having said that, it has been designed with 4WDers and camping enthusiasts in mind. There are four main camping areas, all of which have gas hot water showers and toilets. If peace and quiet is more your thing, you can camp where you wish on the property too.
HOW TO GET THERE: LandCruiser Mountain Park is two hours from Brisbane via Kilcoy, 16km past Jimna Forest on the Kilcoy-Murgon Road (turn onto Diaper Road).
ACCOMMODATION: Unrestricted camping, with amenities in main camping areas.
TRACKS: Over 200km of tracks, ranging from dirt roads right up to extreme competition tracks.
PRICE: $60 per vehicle per night; $35 per vehicle for a day trip.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: (07) 5497 3164.
https://www.landcruisermountainpark.com.au
TJ’S 4B PARK
TJ’s 4B Park is one of the newest 4WD parks in the country, and it is doing things a little differently to others. Only small numbers of campers are allowed at a time, meaning noise is kept down… bookings are essential, basically! Located just 1.5 hours from Windsor or 1 hour from Singleton, it is easily accessible yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney life. There are thousands of acres to explore with your 4WD, and bushwalking is also a very popular pastime on the property. Light a fire in the provided fire pits, enjoy the creek or hit the tracks. Sounds pretty good to us.
HOW TO GET THERE: Head to the Howes Valley, 1.5 hours from Windsor along the Putty Road.
ACCOMMODATION: Self-sufficient camping only
TRACKS: Plenty on offer, with routes ranging from steep rocky climbs to slippery muddy tracks.
PRICE: $20 per person; kids under 15 free.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes, if well-behaved and the owner cleans up after them.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes, only in provided fire pits.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: Jamie 0412 293 574 or Tanya 0405 672 522.
https://www.facebook.com/howesvalley/
BYLONG CREEK 4X4 PARK
We included Bylong Creek 4X4 Park in the last 4WD parks article we published, but feel we should include it again in this article. Bruce the owner is quite possibly the nicest bloke in the 4WD scene, and has been kept very busy updating and improving the facilities wherever possible. This means more tracks, more firewood, more camping areas and better amenities. Bylong Creek has recently hosted winch challenge events, and is a favourite with 4WD clubs Australia-wide. There’s 800 acres to explore – and if you can find a track that deserves to be cleared, Bruce will even name it after you. How is that for waving a red flag at a bull?
HOW TO GET THERE: Bylong Creek 4X4 Park is 50km east of Mudgee, 60km north of Rylstone, 3 hours from Newcastle and 3.5 hours from Penrith NSW.
ACCOMMODATION: There are three main campgrounds, however camping is allowed anywhere on the property.
TRACKS: Ranging from A to E grading in difficulty, so there really is something for everyone… from stock vehicles to rock crawlers.
PRICE: $15 per adult (per day, not night); $5 children aged 5-14; kids under 5 free.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: Yes.
CONTACT: Bruce 0417 492 917.
www.bylongcreek4x4.com
SWAN GULLY PARK
Searching for a relaxing escape close to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich? Well, might we suggest you take a look at Swan Gully Park? The property boasts 900 acres of camping areas and 4WD tracks, as well as level areas for motorhomes and caravans. Off-road driver training is on offer (by arrangement) to newcomers or those still honing their skills. If serious driving is your thing, there are harder tracks requiring lockers and winches also. Hiking shoes and mountain bikes should be brought along too, as there is much to see and do within the property.
HOW TO GET THERE: Located 10km west of Beaudesert off Sandy Creek Road.
ACCOMMODATION: Ample self-sufficient camping, shower and toilet facilities available.
TRACKS: Ranging from easy off-road to ‘winches and lockers required’.
PRICE: $50 per vehicle per night (2 people).
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes (if well-behaved).
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes, in designated fire pits.
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: 0475 630 843.
https://www.swangullypark.com.au
LORELLA SPRINGS WILDERNESS PARK
This isn’t your traditional 4WD park! Lorella Springs offers one million acres of untouched remote Northern Territory wilderness and coast to explore. Put that into perspective, and Lorella Springs is so large you could fit the city of New York inside it five times over. As you can imagine with such a large and remote property, the four-wheel driving is top quality. But it doesn’t end there – with Lorella Springs having some of the best fishing in the country, with everything from Barramundi to Red Claw found locally. Located 15 degrees south of the equator, Lorella Springs is one of the most remote and isolated areas of Australia and you can now explore it in your four-wheel drive. Oh, as the name suggests there are thermal springs dotted around the property… perfect for a soak at the end of an eventful day catching fish and off-roading. This is ‘bucket list’ material right here!
HOW TO GET THERE: 103km from Cape Crawford, 180km from Borroloola and 275km from Roper Bar. Lorrella Springs Station is 29 kilometres north of the Savannah Way in the Northern Territory.
ACCOMMODATION: There’s one million acres; you will find a spot to camp, basically. No bookings are required. There are also cabins and deluxe bedrooms available for hire (which do require booking).
TRACKS: Again, ONE… MILLION… ACRES! Tracks are everywhere, totalling 1,000km of tracks ranging from easy yet slow-going, right up to extreme.
PRICE: From $20 a night
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes (but please be smart about them).
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: Yes.
CONTACT: 08 8975 9917
www.lorellasprings.com.au
JAKEM FARM
Jakem Farm is located on the Mount Barker Creek in South Australia, and offers four-wheel driving and camping opportunities for those keen to get out amongst nature. Kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagles, ducks and turtles frequent the property and there is even a playground area so your kids will be well occupied. Bookings are required mid-week; however they are optional on weekends. Recoveries and advice are free at Jakem Farm, so it is a brilliant facility to cut your four-wheel driving teeth or to hone your skills. The team even offer a 4WD Advisory Course for those seeking training; bookings are required for this (naturally).
HOW TO GET THERE: jakemfarm.com.au
ACCOMMODATION: Camping only currently, but cabins are soon to be built.
TRACKS: From training tracks right up to soft creek crossings and muddy hill climbs.
PRICE: From $40 per vehicle per day.
DOGS PERMITTED: Yes.
FIRES PERMITTED: Yes (in provided fire pits).
MOTORBIKES PERMITTED: No.
CONTACT: 0409 278 123.
https://www.jakemfarm.com.au
