We’ve been on a metaphorical journey around the Australian coastline recently, highlighting the best 4WD tracks in Perth and some of the top routes in Brisbane. Today, we’re heading south to the picturesque hills of Adelaide to share some of the best 4WD tracks in and around the South Australian capital. So sit back, buckle up, and get ready to explore.
Top 4WD Tracks in Adelaide
Eagle View 4WD Track
Located just under 80km from the Adelaide CBD, Eagle View is a privately owned 4WD track outside Sanderson. Because it’s situated in a conservation area, you will need to leave your furry friends at home for this trip and make sure you stick to the designated 4WD tracks to avoid damage to the beautiful landscape.
The entire track can be completed in around 3 hours and will set you back about $60 per vehicle.
- Destination: Eagle View 4WD track
- Distance: Approximately 22km in a loop
- Difficulty: Eagle View is a moderately tricky track and can only be attempted in a 4WD with low-range capabilities.
- Don’t miss: Open all year round, you can expect to take in some rocky outcroppings and even an old gold mine on the site. Don’t worry about bringing your gold pan, though, as it’s been out of commission for over a few generations.
This track features rocky terrain and tight switchbacks. Engaging low-range early helps maintain traction and control, especially through the uneven climbs.
Adelaide Hills 4WD Park
A trip to Adelaide isn’t complete until you have explored the surrounding Adelaide Hills. The Adelaide Hills 4WD park is perfect for every competency level and even offers training as an official Australian Driving Institute provider.
- Destination: Adelaide Hills 4WD Park
- Distance: The distance can vary depending on which course you take and your experience level. So you can choose your own adventure.
- Difficulty: Depending on the tracks, you can take either a shorter ‘White track’ for novice 4WD operators or take on the extreme ‘black level courses’ for the courageous amongst us.
- Don’t miss: Stay the night and don’t miss a thing; Adelaide Hills 4WD Park has a range of camping options, including some self-contained units on site.
Conditions can change quickly after rainfall. Carry recovery gear and reduce tyre pressures before hitting the more challenging tracks.
Arden Hills 4WD track
Keeping to the hills, this 4WD track takes you deep into the Kuitpo Forest Reserve to see some of the best views in and of the Flinders Ranges. You also have 2 options depending on your level of expertise, and the tracks start just 11km from Quorn.
- Destination: Arden Hills 4WD track (Kuitpo Forest Reserve)
- Distance: It will take you a minimum 3-4 hours to traverse the stunning hillside track at Arden Hills and explore.
- Difficulty: With some rather thrilling climbs and descents, you can choose your difficulty level from easy to more challenging routes. Note, clay patches throughout this trail can become extremely slick when wet.
- Don’t miss: The views from the Flinders are some of the best you can find in the mountain range, so take your camera and take the time to appreciate the stunning natural vistas.
Mount Gill Track
While there is a fee attached to entering the Warraweena Conservation Park, take one look at some of the views from its lofty peaks, and you can easily understand why.
- Destination: Mount Gill Track
- Distance: 30km -100km, depending on which track you take on
- Difficulty: Difficult – with sharp rocky outcrops, steep ascents and descents, plus some river crossings, it should not be attempted unless you are an experienced 4WD off-roader. This is a true high-clearance track with sharp rock ledges and loose climbs.
- Don’t miss: As it’s situated in the Warraweena Conservation Park with some of the highest peaks in the Flinders Ranges on a clear day, you can take in views of Lake Frome.
Coorong National Park
Nestled between the Southern Ocean and the Younghusband Peninsula, the 140km long stretch of lagoon, the Coorong National Park, is one track you don’t want to skip. A genuinely unique 4WD track awaits you with added entertainment options like kayaking, birdwatching and more places to swim than you can poke a stick at.
- Destination: Coorong National Park
- Distance: Traverse some of the most pristine coastline in all of South Australia with approximately 65km of beach driving tracks at Coorong National Park.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. As you will be driving on sand, make sure you have read our tips on beach driving.
- Don’t miss: We can’t think of any other 4WD track with this many varied forms of water- ocean beaches, freshwater lakes, estuaries, a vast 140km saline lagoon and the Murray River mouth. Pack your swimmers in the warmer months and try to hit them all.
Tyre pressure should be dropped to 15 to 18 PSI for better performace on soft sand. Always check tide times before entering and travel with a mate or recovery boards
Hardest 4WD Tracks near Adelaide
Mount Jacob Backtrack
Some of the most challenging off-road tracks available to drivers in all of South Australia can be found at Mount Jacob Backtrack. Get ready for rocky trails with steep climbs and some of the best views in the stunning Arkaroola region of the Flinders Ranges.
- Destination: Mount Jacob Backtrack
- Distance: 10km -30km, depending on whether you take a detour to Arkaroola Springs, which we strongly recommend you do.
- Difficulty: Difficult – Advanced (do not attempt this 4WD track unless you are an extremely proficient driver). This track offers a serious technical challenge with steep, rocky ascents and tight lines.
- Don’t miss: Make sure you take the time to stop at Barraranna Gorge, especially if it’s a warm day, and cool off for a swim in the natural swimming hole.
Easy 4WD Tracks in Adelaide for Beginners
Oodnadatta National Park
While this drive is generally easy to moderate, the terrain can be tough on your vehicle. Be sure to pack two spare tyres in case of an emergency. The drive through Oodnadatta National Park is not particularly challenging; with a long stretch traversing the flat red centre, it can be attempted by beginner 4WD explorers.
- Destination: Oodnadatta / Witjira National Park
- Distance: 617 km long, so prepare to tackle this one in a few days to give yourself enough time to take everything in.
- Difficulty: A relatively easy to moderate drive, but keep an eye out for weather changes, as just a tiny amount of rain can turn the flat drive into something more complex and muddy.
- Don’t miss: There are almost too many sights to mention, but for our money, we recommend a short stop at Cowards Springs to take a dip in the hot spring, and you shouldn’t take this route without stopping at Farina for a look back at Australia’s pioneering past in this former ghost town.
Beach Tracks Near Adelaide
Canunda National Park 4WD track
Showing off the best of what the Limestone Coast has to offer, the Canunda National Park is a 4WD track with massive sand dunes for you to take on and spots for bushwalking, fishing, and even camping in selected areas.
- Destination: Canunda National Park 4WD track
- Distance: 65km in total track length between Carpenters Rocks and Southend.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, but as you drive on the beach, keep an eye out for rising tides and pack recovery equipment in case you get stuck in the sand.
- Don’t miss: Stay overnight at the various camping sites along the track to get the most out of this pristine national park’s diving, fishing and other activities.
Map
Preview our map below of the top 4WD tracks near Adelaide.
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