For the off-road enthusiast, nothing can stand above that deep-seated longing to follow adventure in Australia. The variety of trails in this country gives you picturesque dense forests, rocky mountains, and expansive deserts. Let's dive into some of the best off-road trails that will get your adrenaline pumping and your Jeep tires dirty.
Tips for Off-Roading in Australia
- Be Prepared - Maintaining your Jeep as much as possible is the first preparation tip. Always be equipped with recovery gear, spare parts, fuel, and water to keep your engine running and your jeep cruising.
- Group travel - Off-roading can be a potentially dangerous activity, and venturing into areas far from cities is not warranted if you are running solo. Group travel can render additional security and support to those who might suffer vehicle breakdowns. The best adventures are usually with a great company of friends or strangers who become friends.
- Care for the Environment - Stay on track and make as little impact on the environment as possible. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Taking care of the environment ensures that the place is available and in good condition the next time you want to do an off-road adventure.
- Always Check Local Conditions - Be prepared for the weather, know if trails are closed, and check which permits you will need. Avoid any surprises that could cut your trip short or leave you stranded.
- Stay Informed - Know the terrain using topographic maps and GPS devices. Let someone know your travel plans and when you plan to return. You could also use your phone for GPS, but then you need to carry high-quality power banks to guarantee your phone battery never dies.
- It's OK...Really! - As much as we think of ourselves as rough-n-tough back-roaders, it's also OK to, once in a while, check into a local hotel and enjoy some comforts and amenities. Hot showers, good meals (that we didn't have to make over a fire pit), and even a bit of electronic entertainment - check your emails, your fav YouTube comedian, gaming, or just some relaxing music.
Places to go
1. Cape York, Queensland
Cape York offers the ultimate off-road destination in Australia. The remote northern tip of Queensland is something no Jeep enthusiast should ever miss. The trail to the top is an adventurous mix of river crossings and muddy tracks, along with rugged terrain.
You will pass some iconic spots, like the Old Telegraph Track, offering challenging sections like Gunshot Creek and the infamous Nolan's Brook. Aside from the driving excitement, Cape York serves up stunning scenery as sensational as it is vast and a kind of isolation that's hard to find anywhere else.
2. Simpson Desert, Central Australia
If you want to test your mettle in real off-road adventures, Simpson Desert is the right pick for you. This stretch of dunes spans parts of Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The French Line is one of the more popular routes and has over 1,100 dunes that will engage any Jeep's capabilities. Ensure your vehicle is well-prepared for the journey because the desert plays out extreme conditions, demanding careful planning and enough supplies.
3. Victorian High Country, Victoria
For the more adventurous people who are looking for mountainous terrain, Victorian High Country will surely provide an exciting off-road experience. This region offers steep climbs and river crossings together with stunning alpine scenery.
Tracks such as the Blue Rag Range Track offer beautiful panoramic views and the Billy Goat Bluff Track tests drivers on the steep and rocky sections of the track. This place is also rich in history, as many of the trails pass through the old gold mining towns and share glimpses into the pioneering past of Australia.
4. Flinders Ranges, South Australia
The Flinders Ranges offer several rough mountain ranges and deep gorges, making for an extreme offroad experience. Some of the interesting and popular destinations are the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and the Skytrek track, both with challenging terrain and breathtaking visuals. You might also come across wildlife like emu, wedge-tailed eagles, and kangaroos, making your off-road adventure a spectacle.
5. Fraser Island, Queensland
As the largest sand island in the world Fraser Island is actually listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. It is an absolute goldmine for off-roaders, featuring countless trails that dig into lush rainforests, sweep along magnificent beaches, and cross sandy tracks.
Even with all that, the absolute spectacle has to be 75 Mile Beach. Offroaders can enjoy other fantastic spots, such as Lake McKenzie, and the shipwrecks along the beach, like the Maheno Shipwreck. Driving on sand is not easy and requires specific techniques, so make sure you're prepared for the unique challenges Fraser Island presents.
6. Canning Stock Route, Western Australia
As far as off-road driving is concerned, the Canning Stock Route has one of the world's most extended and remote tracks. It stretches over 1,850 kilometers right into the brink of Western Australia's outback. The track has shifting dunes, rocky outcrops, and dry salt lakes.
Due to the remoteness of this route, you need proper planning, where a reasonable amount of fuel, water, and supplies are paramount. Once you have everything set, be ready to enjoy the incredibly challenging but exciting experience that this track has to offer. The rewards are immense, with breathtaking landscapes and a deep sense of adventure.
Conclusion
There are multiple long stretches of off-road trails in Australia that offer quite the adventure for any Jeep enthusiast. Ranging from the Simpson Desert's endless shifting dunes to the Victorian High Country's scenic trails, you would never run out of exciting off-road routes. So, get your Jeep ready, gather your friends, and let the ultimate Australian off-roading road trip begin.
