We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful country, with so much to explore, and NSW is no exception. Whether you live there or are planning a road trip, there are plenty of 4WD tracks throughout the state that are perfect for all levels of off-roading expertise, and showcase a variety of sights and terrains. We take a look at some of the best places to get off the road and into nature.
Top 4×4 Tracks in NSW
1. Corner Country
- Distance: 469km Broken Hill to Cameron Corner
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Don’t miss: Silverton, a small town on the route with a few pubs, galleries and mining ruins.
One of the best things about NSW is the vast differences in landscapes, white sand beaches, thick bush, mountain ranges and even the red centre. NSW has it all. For our first 4WD track we are heading to Cameron Corner, where SA, QLD and NSW meet. This track includes grand vistas that will take your breath away, but make sure to stay away in peak summer as the temp can reach the upper limits.
There’s a few different routes you can take, but if you head around 30km north from Broken Hill, you’ll find Corona Road – a proper dirt track that will take you through flat plains, the southern part of the Barrier Ranges and private stations (with access for the general public – just remember to close those gates if needed!) You can also check out the old Tarrawingee Tramway – an old quarry town that was once home to several quarries, with the tramway taking the spoils all the way back to Broken Hill.
Things then become a bit more sandy as you head through the southern end of the Strzelecki Desert in the Pine View area. As you continue your journey, you can take a visit to the famous Dog/ Dingo Fence that runs along the SA border, just be sure you obey all signage, especially regarding where you can and can’t drive by the fence. From here you can head over the white hills towards Milparnika, and on to Tibooburra (where you can restock on any essentials). Then it’s onto Cameron Corner (and its famous ‘Corner Store’). From here you can visit several different tracks in QLD, NSW and SA, making it a great point to choose your adventure!
2. Stockton Beach
- Distance: 32km Anna Bay to Stockton
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Don’t Miss: The largest sand dune in the southern hemisphere.
Track number 2 takes us from the red centre to those sandy beaches. The Stockton Beach 4WD track is one of the most popular, and if you attempt it, you will understand why. The 4WDing on and around the beach is phenomenal, so make sure you get your Beach Access Permit (available from several spots around the beach) so you don’t miss out on the stunning drive.
You can enter the beach from Gan Gan Road in Anna Bay, then take the 32km journey from Anna Beach to Stockton across the vast wide beaches and indulge in everything from fishing and sandboarding to camel riding, and even take a break from the car and take a quad bike adventure. You can challenge yourself on the many sand dunes in one of the largest dune driving areas in NSW, as well as take in the majesty of the crashing waves and sea breeze as you go. Please take note that the drive is on the sand, so read our blog about driving on the beach to ensure you’re prepared.
3. Barrington Tops
- Distance: 15km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate,
- Don’t Miss: On a stay at the Junction Pools campsite, it can accommodate only 5 campers and is only accessible by 4WD.
Open October to May, the Barrington Tops trail has only recently been converted to a 4WD track. Look out for hikers and mountain bikers, as the tracks and trails are shared by everyone. A shorter track than most, why not stay at one of the few campsites along the track, some of which are only accessible via 4WD? Talk about exclusive!
One of the most iconic tracks in Barrington Tops, this track has will take you through the ferns and gums from the lower Barringtons up to Tomalla road. While the track itself isn’t too challenging, you’ll be treated to some fantastic views, as well as an array of forest environments and wildlife. There’s also plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs on one of the many walking tracks in the area, before heading off to do some fishing! Take one of the 4wd only tracks to a camp spot along the way, or head to Junction Pools, where you can take a dip in the pristine (but rather cold) water.
The Best Blue Mountain 4WD Track
Kings Tableland
- Distance: 42km return from Wentworth Falls to McMahons Point
- Difficulty: Medium
- Don’t Miss: A stop at the heritage-listed Kings Tableland Aboriginal Place to learn more about the site’s significance to our First Nations people.
Taking this unsealed 4WD track from Wentworth Falls will take you through some of the most pristine wilderness of the Blue Mountains. Keep an eye out for mountain bikes, as keen mountain bikers can also attempt this trail. At McMahaons Point, continue on foot and head to the lookout, where you’ll be treated to expansive views of Lake Burragorang. Ensure adequate supplies in wet weather, as the unsealed road can sometimes get boggy.
Head west on the Great Western Highway, then make the turn onto Tableland Road. The track will take you through native woodland and forests, before climbing and winding its way up to a number of lookouts. Along the way there is plenty of amazing views to take in, as well as some of the oldest history in Australia, with a rock shelter and toll-sharpening grooves on the sandstone ridge that is Kings Tableland.
If it’s wet, a 4wd is a necessity as this track has some steep pitches and rocky climbs to deal with – but it’s all worth it when you use that view.
The Best 4WD Track Near Sydney
Kurrajong
- Distance: 81km round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Don’t Miss: The lookout via Sam’s Way for a view of Colo River Gorge and Wollemi Wilderness.
This is the perfect trail for 4WD beginners; the track will take you around a circuit beginning and terminating in Kurrajong. A mixture of roads, highways, and unsealed tracks, it’s the perfect beginner’s course, and at a 2-hour round trip, it can be done in half a day.
The Kurrajong Discovery Trail will take you through bushland and forest, past lakes and great views. With a mix of sealed, unsealed and 4wd off-road tracks, this is a great place to cut your teeth and get used to driving on different types of road, as well as take in some spectacular scenery along the way too.
Kurrajong village is just off of Bells Line of Road, and the loop will take you through the area before returning to the same road.
The Toughest 4WD Tracks in NSW
1. England Track
- Distance: Unknown
- Difficulty: Hard
- Don’t Miss: The sweeping mountain views
This track is not for the faint of heart or the 4WD novice. Located just south of Coffs Harbour, be prepared with your recovery gear. The England Tack is steep, slippery and challenging to navigate regardless of the weather.
If you’re up for a challenge, the England Track will reward you with some amazing mountain views. The track itself is for experienced drivers to test their nerve and their vehicles as they head upwards on some very steep and rocky terrain. Big mud tyres are recommended all year round to get you to the top – and you better be familiar with your recovery gear…you might be using it a lot! There are several side tracks you can tackle, but you do so at your own risk. It’s best to take on this track with a friend to help you get there and back safely.
2. Monkey Gum Fire Trail
- Distance: 10-30km (depending on which path you take)
- Difficulty: HARD
- Don’t Miss: YOUR RECOVERY KIT, and be prepared for a scratch or two.
Don’t let the short distance fool you. This track is described as one of the toughest you can attempt, and only for seasoned professionals. Located in Yalwal near Nowra, the track includes sections that are washed out, steep and very tricky. Do not attempt it alone, and ensure your vehicle has substantial lift and good tyres.
This track is ominously known as the ‘4WD Breaker’ the Monkey Gum Track is a real test. Take Deans Gap Road to Mintbush Trail (south) and you’ll find this track. If it’s dry this technical track will give you a great sense of achievement when you get through. If it’s been raining – you will almost certainly need to make sure your winch is working, as it’s incredibly hard to pass some sections without one in the wet – oj and watch out for the notorious bog hole too.
Map of the best 4WD Tracks in NSW
If you are planning a long trip, why not explore the map below and see how many of the best 4WD tracks in NSW you can visit?
Exploring the outback via 4WD tracks is one of the many great outdoor activities we love to experience here at Ultra Vision. To ensure your ride is completely kitted out, check out our LED driving lights and light bars so you can find your way through even the toughest of tracks. And remember to stick to the defined paths, take nothing but photos and leave nothing but tyre tracks to take the best care of our great outdoors. Do you know a 4WD track we missed? Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook and let us know.
What’s next? Check out our breakdown of the best 4WD tracks in Victoria.
