Discover the 11 Best 4WD Tracks in Australia for the Ultimate Thrill Ride
From the vast, sun-scorched deserts of the interior to the dense, steaming rainforests of North Queensland and the challenging wilderness of Tasmania, Australia is a road-tripper’s ultimate frontier. This continent is home to tracks that aren't just scenic drives—they are legendary expeditions. These routes, including the Canning Stock Route and the Old Telegraph Track, demand total commitment, self-sufficiency, and absolute respect for the environment. Here, man and machine are pushed to their very limit across punishing terrain where sand dunes, deep river crossings, and endless corrugations test the mettle of even the most seasoned 4WD enthusiast. These tracks are unequivocally among the most famous and thrilling long-distance four-wheel drive adventures in the world.
Best off-road driving tracks in Australia:
| Track Name | Location | Distance | Min. Travel Time | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binns Track | Mt Dare (NT/SA border) to Timber Creek (NT) | 2,191 km (1,361 mi) | 10 days | April - August |
| Birdsville Track | Marree (SA) to Birdsville (QLD) | 517 km (321 mi) | 2 days | April - October |
| Canning Stock Route | Wiluna to Halls Creek (WA) | 1,850 km (1,150 mi) | 16 days | May - August |
| CREB Track | Daintree to Wujal Wujal (QLD) | 71 km (44 mi) | 1 day | May - November |
| French Line | Poeppel Corner to Dalhousie Springs | 262 km (162 mi) | 3 days | May - September |
| Gibb River Road | Kununurra to Derby (WA) | 660 km (410 mi) | 3 days | May - September |
| Gunbarrel Highway | Wiluna (WA) to Yulara (NT) | 1,350 km (840 mi) | 4 days | April - September |
| Hay River Track | Birdsville (QLD) to Gemtree (NT) | 928 km (576 mi) | 9 days | May - September |
| Old Telegraph Track | Cooktown to Seisia (QLD) | 350 km (217 mi) | 24 days | May - October |
| Sandover Highway | Plenty Highway to the Barkly Highway (NT) | 561 km (349 mi) | 2/3 days | May - September |
| Stockton Beach 4wd Track | Williamtown to Anna Bay (NSW) | 53 km (32 mi) | 1 day | All year |
From the demanding 24-day marathon of the Old Telegraph Track to the sheer logistics of the 16-day Canning Stock Route, this list represents the pinnacle of global four-wheel driving. These aren't just distances on a map; they are milestones in an adventurer's career. Choose your route, prepare your vehicle, and commit to the journey. The Australian Outback awaits your challenge.
Pic: By Peter WH (talk) - the English language Wikipedia (log), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3332801