Sydney has a lot going for it. The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, fantastic restaurants and bars that you could spend days exploring.
Yet, for those looking to escape the city and do some exploring, you’re also in luck. NSW and the surrounding Sydney area has some great destinations for the adventure seekers among us. If you’re keen to spend a day or two out on the tracks doing some off-road 4WD’ing then you’ve come to the right place.
With various tracks within driving distance of Sydney, you’re sure to find a track to match your taste. Take a look at our best 10 4WD tracks near Sydney.
1. Wattagans National Park
Just over an hour from Sydney, Wattagans National Park features hundreds of possible 4WD tracks for you to explore. We recommend setting aside a few days to explore the area.
The campgrounds are perfectly located so that you can head off in any direction. The tracks range from suitable for all vehicles, to tracks that should only be attempted by experienced drivers. Wattagans Park is a great place to get off the beaten track.
2. The Lobs Hole Ravine Trail
Located in the Snowy Mountains, Lobs Hole offers spectacular mountain views, fresh air and nature as far as the eye can see. Used by gold miners in the 1800s the trail is a 4WD enthusiasts dream. Accessible all year round, the trail leads from Jounama all the way to Wallace Creek viewpoint.
The area is also fantastic for other activities including bush walks, fishing, swimming and camping. Lobs Hole is a fantastic way to experience a piece of Australian history.
Note: The Lobs Hole Ravine Road is currently closed in 2022 due to the Snowy Hyro 2.0.
3. Turon National Park
Approximately two and a half hours northwest of Sydney, past the Blue Mountains, Turon Park offers spectacular scenery. Turon National Park is a fantastic location to reach many tracks in the area. From the two main campgrounds at Turon Park, you can reach the Pinnacle Firetrail and Ben Bullen tracks which are just to the east.
The tracks can get quite difficult in wet weather. Expect steep climbs, rocky sections and water crossings that can get deep and bogy after rains.
Remember to always take a recovery kit and some traction boards if you’re travelling alone.
4. Blacksmiths Beach
There’s no doubt that driving down the beach is one of life’s simple pleasures. Blacksmiths Beach is often considered one of the toughest, but most fun beach drives in NSW.
For anyone keen to spend a weekend away, you can camp on Blacksmith Beach and it even allows dogs. So, why not bring the whole family to experience one of the best beach drives left in NSW.
The northern and southern ends of the beach are pedestrian-only, so be careful when you’re driving.
5. Abercrombie River National Park
If you’re looking for great camping alongside some of the best tracks in NSW, you’re in luck. Abercrombie River National Park offers four main campgrounds and a huge selection of possible 4WD tracks.
If you’re keen to give a more challenging trail a go, Bald Hill Trail is one of the steepest and rockiest tracks in the area. It’s just waiting for the game drivers to give it a go.
For those who are looking to spend a night or two experiencing the NSW wilderness, The Beach campground, located near the Bald Hill Trail is one of the best. It even has a waterhole you can go swimming in just upstream from the camping area.
6. Newnes
Newnes is arguably one of the most popular off-roading tracks in NSW. Approximately a three-hour drive from Sydney, Newnes is home to some of the most well-known 4×4 tracks in NSW.
From the main campground, you have access to a plethora of tracks and also some great tourist sites. Take some time to explore the Glow Worm Tunnel and the Old Newnes Industrial Ruins (old shale mine ruins).
7. Barrington Tops National Park
Located a little further away from Sydney than other tracks, Barrington Tops is well worth the effort. You’ll find stunning scenery and challenging tracks waiting for you there. With plenty of campgrounds for you to choose from why not take advantage of the area and stay a few days?
Barrington Tops offers some great, challenging tracks for the more experienced drivers. Tugalow Trail is one of the more difficult sidetracks available. Expect bog holes, muddy ruts and creek crossings to keep your 4×4 adventure interesting.
8. Yalwal
Approximately three hours south of Sydney, Yalwal is home to some of the most challenging tracks in NSW. Previously a gold mining town, Yalwal is now a 4WD mecca.
One of the more challenging tracks, Monkey Gum isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you are planning on giving it ago, be sure that your vehicle has all the necessary gear. If getting out and finding some of the most challenging tracks is your thing, then Yalwal is just the place for you.
Yalwal campground is a free camp, however, it’s also a national park. Be sure to bring along your own firewood if you were planning to stay a few days.
9. Colo River
Colo River is only an hour and a half northwest of Sydney. Colo River is often regarded as the last pristine river in NSW and it’s easy to see why. Colo River offers great off-road tracks as well as some great camping options.
It’s well worth a weekend away. Colo boasts some challenging trails for the more experienced drivers, with Gees Arm South Trail being one of the more popular tracks. If you do decide to give Gees Arm ago, be sure to keep in mind that it is a technical track. It isn’t suitable for standard vehicles.
Don’t forget that the campgrounds in the Upper Colo Reserve are closed during winter.
10. Yengo National Park
About two hours north of Sydney, Yengo National Park offers a great selection of off-road tracks for everyone to enjoy. The tracks are great for drivers of all skill levels.
With some great camping options in the area, it’s easy to see why people come back to these tracks again and again. The Big Yengo Loop Trail is a track that is locked and only accessible to those who pay the entrance fee. It is definitely worth the entrance fee, however, boasting a fun, well-maintained track.
NSW is spoilt for choice when it comes to spectacular 4WD tracks. With tracks ranging near and far, from the Blue Mountains to the Southern Highlands you’re sure to find off-road tracks to your liking. Most of these tracks are easy driving distance from Sydney. You can head off for a quick day trip or spend the weekend away adventuring. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll find fantastic tracks, great camping and stunning scenery. What more could you want?
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I’m looking for some mild to semi difficult 4×4 track’s within a few hours of Sydney. Mainly to get some experience for my trip to Cape York next ýèar. Some experience before diving in the deep end sounds sensible. So I’m looking for ideas