Ready for an off-road adventure close to home? Explore the best 4WD tracks near Melbourne on a day trip or longer break with Cox Auto’s top recommendations!
The top 4WD tracks near Melbourne
Some of Victoria’s best 4WD tracks are within arm’s reach of Melbourne. Whether you’re an experienced 4×4 driver or a beginner, we’ve picked 4 of the best spots within 100 km of the city for your next 4×4 adventure.
1. Wombat State Forest / Lerderderg State Park
Location: Start from Gisborne (55 km north-west of Melbourne)
Grading: Easy/Medium
Distance: 100 kilometres (route ends at Ballan)
Ideal for: Old mine sites, bushwalking, picnics, camping
Wombat and Lerderderg boast a great set of tracks with varying terrain. From Gisborne, head 11km along the Gisborne to Bacchus Marsh Road (C704) before taking a right into Carrolls Lane and heading into the State Forest for a scenic trip through the Lerderderg State Park and Wombat State Forest. Take in the scenic sites of Firth Park, Yankee Mine Site, Rat Hole Mine, Balt Camp, Mt Hope before stopping at the Werribee River Picnic Area to enjoy a bite to eat and a walk along the eastern side of Werribee River. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have mapped out a route here. Definitely, one to avoid in wet weather unless you’re very experienced with extraction!
2. Toolangi State Forest
Location: Start from Toolangi (77 km north-east of Melbourne)
Grading: Easy through to Very Challenging
Distance: Varying
Ideal for: Camping, bushwalking, fishing, birdwatching, swimming
Toolangi has some of the best 4×4 tracks Victoria has to offer, but they’re not for the faint of heart! There’s a range of terrific tracks in the Toolangi State Forest for the experienced 4WD enthusiast, including the infamous Rockey Track – 2.4km of some of the steepest, rockiest ascents and descents you’ll find in Victoria. Rockey links up with Marginal Track, which is known for its bog holes and varying terrain. Looking for even more of a challenge? Call your panel beater ahead of time and take a winch, because Aeroplane Track is sure to leave your vehicle with some battle scars! 5.3km of mud and clay with deep ruts calls for a convoy of high clearance vehicles.
3. Warburton
Location: Start from Warburton (75 km north-east of Melbourne)
Grading: Easy/Medium
Distance: Varying
Ideal for: Valley views, wine tastings, muddy fun for beginners
Warburton is a great place to head if you’re just starting out on your 4WD adventures. A range of tracks around Warburton are perfect for inexperienced groups – they’re (relatively!) easy to traverse, but muddy enough that you’ll have plenty to show for your efforts! Easy access to the Yarra Valley makes this destination the perfect option for a weekend away, with some of the state’s best food and wine options right at your door.
4. Bunyip State Park
Location: Start from Gembrook (65 km east of Melbourne)
Grading: Easy/Medium
Distance: Varying
Ideal for: Sweeping views, Mountain Ash forest, rocky terrain
Bunyip State Park is easily accessible and suits varying levels of experience and skill. Try out the 15 km circuit from Black Snake Creek Road to Bunyip River Road, taking in the epic forest of Mountain Ash and views out to Westernport Bay and enjoying a steep descent into flat heathlands. Or take the (not so!) Gentle Annie route (43 km, starting and finishing at Forest Road) for more challenging mountainous and rocky terrain.
Getting started with 4WD in Victoria
With over 45,000 km of roads and tracks available to explore, Victoria is a fantastic place to get started with 4×4. If you don’t know where to start, check out one of the over 80 4WD clubs across the state. Clubs are a great place to learn about the basics of 4×4, including insurance, safety and gear; and before you know it, you’ll be ready to take on longer and harder terrain further from home.
Check out our recommendations for some of the best Victorian High Country 4WD tracks for ideas! Alternatively, head over to our list of the best driving roads in Victoria for some epic scenery.
Getting ready to hit the 4WD track
Regardless of whether you’re taking on a beginner’s 4WD track or something harder, make sure you’re equipped for all scenarios. A fully equipped first aid kit, fire extinguisher, recovery kits and a UHF radio are all essential basic items to have on board.
Make sure you know where the lowest point on your vehicle is (often the rear differential), and be familiar with the approach and departure angles at which you can safely tackle something without damage! Check the weather and fire danger ratings, and be aware of seasonal road closures.
You’ll also need to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and well-maintained before you hit the 4WD track – 4WD vehicles need more regular servicing than the factory service schedule. The demands placed on 4WD vehicles when frequently subjected to dust, water crossings, deep mud, and intense suspension/vibrational load mean that they need proper care and maintenance for optimal off-road performance.
Give us a call and book in for a service at Cox Auto before you hit the track – we’ll take care of you and your 4WD so that your next 4×4 adventure is a (mechanically) smooth one! Don’t forget that we have no-contact service options, complimentary loan vehicles and flexible prepayment options. You can rest assured that we’ll go the extra mile to keep you on the road so you can get off-road again with ease!
