The small state of Victoria punches well above its weight when it comes to epic 4WD opportunities for adventurous types.
An extensive network of tracks wind through national and state parks, leading to spectacular viewpoints, awesome campsites and hidden pockets of paradise. So fill ‘er up and let’s hit the road to Victoria’s best 4WD locations.
4WD tracks in Grampians National Park
This stunning national park is one of Victoria’s most photographed natural gems. It’s scattered with waterfalls, hiking trails, spectacular lookouts and dazzling wildflowers. Heritage-listed for its diverse animal and plant life, the area is traditionally known as Gariwerd, with the region containing some of the largest ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings discovered in southern Australia. A true natural beauty waiting to be explored.
The Grampians National Park draws walkers from around the world to climb its highest peak, Mount William, and to explore the array of walks especially around Halls Gap and the Wonderland Range. The views from the Pinnacole are breathtaking but you’ll need to be a fit and experienced walker to make it safely to the top.
Lucky for those who prefer to explore on four wheels, there are plenty of opportunities to muddy up your 4X4. Some of the most popular tracks take you through Zumsteins, McKenzie Falls, Lake Wartook and Boroka Lookout.
4WD in Lake Eildon
A day drive from Melbourne and packed with adventure, Lake Eildon is worthy of an overnight stay at one of the many picturesque campgrounds. Parts of the national park were once the centre of a gold rush, but it’s the lake that draws most for an array of water sports in the shadow of the Victorian Alps. Summer is popular for swimming, canoeing, water skiing, sailing and fishing enthusiasts. For those that enjoy the Terra firma, there is an array of bushwalking and cycling trails.
This is a picture-perfect park with long, winding drives where kangaroos, wombats and a huge variety of beautiful birds can be spotted from the window. If you’re keen to stay overnight, there are plenty of well-equipped campgrounds including Devils Cove, Candlebark and the Lakeside Campground or the more basic Mountaineer, O’Toole Flat, Coopers Point, Taylors Creek or Jerusalem Creek Campground.
For something else to do, take a walk and stop at Merlo Lookout or trek up to Blowhard Summit with an impressive view over Lake Eildon and out towards Mount Buller.
Explore Murray-Sunset National Park by 4WD
Home to the famous Pink Lakes, this remote and unspoilt region in north-western Victoria draws nature lovers in droves. Bird lovers, photographers and artists from all over the world come here to document this special natural phenomenon.
Located between Ouyen, Mildura and the South Australian border, it is about 550 kilometres from Melbourne and 400 kilometres from Adelaide. Murray-Sunset is one of the last remaining semi-arid regions in the world where the environment remains relatively untouched.
The salt mine relics and mounds lay abandoned on the edges of the Pink Lakes when operation ceased in 1979. Follow the interpretive signs to learn about the salt harvesting industry and take Pioneer Drive to see the best of the Pink Lakes, from Lake Crosbie to Lake Kenyon and Lake Becking.
For those that like our feathered friends, keep an eye out for the Malleefowl, Regent Parrot, Red-lored Whistler and Mallee Emu-Wren, all native to the area. Plus, there’s goannas, emus, wallabies and roos, as we said, a nature lovers delight.
Go off-road in Alpine National Park
This is an adventure lover’s dream in Victoria’s highest mountain ranges. There are wild rapids, world-class mountain bike trails, ski trails through snow gum forests and awesome four-wheel-drive tracks to secluded and pristine areas.
Follow the sharp spine of The Razorback to Victoria’s second-highest peak, Mount Feathertop, to take in the spectacular panorama over the Great Dividing Range. Some may even want to attempt Victoria’s highest peak, Mt Bogong.
There are historic huts, once the resting place for the legendary cattlemen throughout the Bogong High Plains and thrill-seekers are not left disappointed. Try the adrenaline pumping white-water rafting trip down the Mitta Mitta River. The Alpine National Park boasts some of the best ski touring opportunities in Victoria and draws powder hounds of all levels – from well-defined downhill runs to remote cross-country skiing trails and backcountry unspoilt terrain.
4WD in Croajingolong National Park
This national park is remote, isolated and truly spectacular. Croajingolong follows the remote east coast of Victoria, 428 kilometres from Melbourne. It offers a range of 4WD tracks from easy to difficult and has been called one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, boasting ancient forests, giant sand dunes and amazing wildlife.
4WD tracks lead to remote and unspoilt locations, while paved roads weave through the neighbouring state forest. Here, the bush meets the sea with sheltered waters offering the perfect spot for fishing. It’s easy to get back and reconnect with nature at any of the campgrounds. Keep an eye out for Brush-tailed Possums, Long-nosed Bandicoots and Lace Monitors. At night, listen for the crackling sound of the Yellow-Bellied Glider.
If you enjoyed reading about Victoria’s best 4WD locations, check out some of the other awesome spots to go off road around the country.
There’s so much more to explore in Australia. Check out our complete guide to the best adventure activities.
Travel to Victoria
Rex flies to Melbourne and Mildura. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
