Escape the city with these 4WD tracks near Canberra

From our country’s capital, there are some fabulous drives to escape the crowded and political world. When there is need for true rest and relaxation time, you may be surprised at what’s on offer.

 

Small yet mighty, the ACT has so much going for it, especially when it comes to outdoor adventure. These 4WD tracks near Canberra are only a short distance from the city but make you feel as if you’re miles way, surrounded by Aussie bushland, peace and quiet.

 

4WD in Brindabella National Park

At the most northern part of the Australian Alps, this park, only 58 kilometres from Canberra, is a perfect escape from the city for a day, weekend or for those that choose to stay longer. Within the 18,454-hectare park, there are spectacular views, many 4WD and walking trails, and some terrific fishing spots all located within this remote alpine bush environment. The area was the traditional home of the Walgalu Aboriginal people who famously named the valley Brindabella, which means ‘two kangaroo rats.’

 

 

Brindabella National Park home to an enormous range of native animals, birds, reptiles and plants: many are threatened like the corroboree frog and powerful owl. Over 80 species of birds have been witnessed inside the park, including the peregrine falcon and yellow-tailed black cockatoo. The tiger quoll also calls this park home.

Most of Brindabella sits on volcanic rocks dated 400 million years old, with a large part of these belonging to a group that is called the Mountain Creek Volcanics. From the peak of Mount Coree which towers over the park with some steep approaches, you are rewarded with sweeping views. Just one of the many tracks to wander down.

The park has a great system of 4WD and fire trails with some more others with challenges than others. There are steep climbs and zig-zagging descents, a little for every off-road adventurer.

 

 

Good to know before you go

• Visit the historic McIntyres Hut – it’s a great place for a picnic
• Take a torch and see wildlife at night such as brushtail possums, greater gliders, and sugar gliders
• Stop at the picturesque Flea Creek campground and picnic area also great for fishing
• Bush camping allowed within designated camping areas

 

 

 

4WD in Kosciuszko National Park

Cooleman Mountain Camping Area is just one of the beautiful campgrounds in this amazing national park and the perfect place to explore the multitude of drives or replace the keys and pull on the hiking shoes or maybe mount a mountain bike. Trails either by drive, walk and bike lead to dramatic views like Nichols Gorge and Clarke Gorge. Other highlights include spectacular rock formations, mysterious caves and gorgeous waterfalls.

 

 

The campground is generally peaceful and quiet, while sheltered by an airy grove of snow gums and astounding alpine flora.

If you’re looking for a wide range of accommodation, have scroll through here for an option that suits you.

 

Good to know before you go

• Pack the thermals as temperatures can plummet, any time of the year
• McIntyres campground on the Goodradigbee River is close to the historical McIntyres Hut
• This is an excellent location for fishing enthusiasts
• Honeysuckle campground offers access to both the Booroomba Rocks and the Australian Alps Walking Track in Namadgi National Park and also a great point for exploring Mount Tennent to the north and Orroral Valley to the south

 

 

 

4WDriving in Tallaganda National Park

This unique range of forest crossing thousands of hectares along with an array of environments provides excellent opportunities for bushwalking, camping, mountain biking and orienteering. And of course, it has some of the next 4WD tracks near Canberra.

At the highest point within the national park, you will discover subalpine snow gums and even a high-altitude swamp along with much other amazing flora and fauna. The eastern side of the Great Dividing Range is dominated by moist forest comprising of ribbon gum and narrow-leaved peppermint, while on its west slopes forests mountain gum reign. It’s a nature lovers delight!

 

 

Good to know before you go

• Trails criss-cross the park, make sure you’ve got a topographic map
• Mulloon Creek is a top spot to camp for birdwatching and wildlife spotting: you may see wombats, red-neck wallabies and the spotted-tail quoll. Listen at night for the calls of the powerful and barking owls. A shallow creek, perfect for a summer swim, runs through the campground.

 

 

 

4WD tracks in Kowen Forest

Welcome to Canberra’s largest commercial pine plantation – Kowen Forest. This section of scenic forest is popular for orienteering, bushwalking, running, mountain bikes and horse riding. Along the tracks through the plantation, you will see once used forestry equipment, numerous birds and other animals that call the forest home.

A nice walk is from the Molonglo Gorge Recreation Area, where the 2.5-kilometre trail follows the river to a small grassed picnic area called Blue Tiles. Another good walk is the Glenburn heritage precinct – a 3.7-kilometre walk from the Old Kowen Homestead.

 

 

Good to know before you go

• Don’t forget the camera and a map
• See a truck coming? Pull over and let them have the right to pass. Please adhere to all signage and avoid closed areas.

 

If you’re keen to check out these 4WD tracks near Canberra, why not explore a little further afield?

Adventurous 4WDing tracks – Top 5 in Queensland

Can you conquer these 4WD tracks in WA?

4WD trails in NSW – Five tracks for the adventurous