We have no words for how excited we are to hit the tracks now that Australia is opening up again. Our team loves to get out and explore the best 4×4 trails this country has to offer and torture test the Maxliner Australia gear under real-world conditions. These are our top five; what are yours?
CREB Track – QLD
Aww, Cape York, this Daintree beauty takes away our breath every time we visit. And the CREB track well that generally makes us hold our breath. The perfect combination of rough but steep, it gets even trickier in the wet. Because of this, the Council may temporarily close the track; check the Council’s website before you go.
Know before you go: You will need a proper 4WD and some decent off-road experience if you want to survive this track.
Carson River Track – WA
This one is our holy grail of 4WD trips. The 400km+ track runs from Home Valley to the Kalumburu Road and was once celebrated as one of the world’s most remote and challenging 4WD tracks. The only way to do it these days is a tag-a-long tour that allows you to learn about the region’s history, culture, pioneers, and military significance.
Know before you go: Even on tour, self-sufficiency is a must if you dare to tackle this route. You must carry all the gear you need as well as recovery and repair equipment.
Binns Track – NT
If you have been banking up your annual leave for the ultimate adventure, this track could be what you are looking for. The route runs for 2,230 from the SA/NT border up to Timber Creek and takes you through desert country, the mountain ranges, and the open plains. The landscape doesn’t just change, so does the terrain. Experience sandy slopes, soft riverbeds, jagged rock, bogs, bitumen, and bulldust.
Know before you go: Not just a driving trip. Make sure you take the time to stop and smell the roses and explore the region along the way. The team at Tourism NT has put together an epic ten-day itinerary here.
Oodnadatta Track – SA
The 600km route runs from Maree to Oodnadatta through to Marla. The main road is not a technical track, but the driving and landscape offer plenty of camping along the way. If you want to step up the off-road elements, the Lake Eyre and Halligan Bay access tracks are a bit more of a challenge.
Know before you go: If you don’t have a hardcore 4×4, this could be the track for you. You can still experience the wonders of the outback, but most of the time, the road is in easily driveable condition.
Billy Goat Bluff – VIC
This is Alpine National Park driving at its best; getting up (and down) there is a challenge, but gosh, that view is worth it. In just 7kms, the fire trail ascends 1200m making it one of the more challenging climbs in the high country. Not only is the view worth it, but so are the thrills from traversing the mountain trails.
Know before you go: During winter and high-risk fire days, the tracks in Alpine National Park will be closed. Check with Parks Victoria before you go.
If you are going to hit these tracks, why not take your accommodation with you. Read on to see why the team at Maxliner Australia love themselves a roof-top tent.