The best city escapes in your 4x4 this Easter

The Easter holidays are looming, providing the perfect opportunity to stretch your four-wheel drive’s legs on an off-tarmac adventure.

The official break is only four days – Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April – so that puts limitations on where many of us can point our 4x4s. So we’ve compiled a list of destinations that are close(ish) to the capital cities, so that you’ll get there within a few hours and have plenty of time to enjoy the trip.

The beauty of some of these destinations is that you can also enjoy them as a day trip, so that you’re back home before the sun dips below the horizon. Let’s crack into it!

Brisbane, Queensland

Moreton Island

Located just 40km from the centre of Brisbane, Moreton Island is a haven for four-wheel drivers, anglers and bushwalkers. Of course, experience driving on sand is essential, as there are no sealed surfaces on the island – and always be aware of the tide! There are five campground sites in total, as well as another five camping zones.

A beach access permit is required, and Moreton Island can be reached by ferry, barge or boat – the MICAT ferry is your only means of transportation when touring with a 4×4. The ferry leaves from the Port of Brisbane and drops travellers off on the beach just north of the Tangalooma Island Resort.

Plenty of families take the trip to explore the many shipwrecks on the western side (18 in total), as well as to get up close with the area’s many dolphins. No matter your age, there are countless experiences to be had on the island; but whatever you choose to do, make sure you visit Tangalooma Wrecks, the Champagne Pools and the Moreton Island Lighthouse.

North Stradbroke Island

Known as Straddie to the locals, North Stradbroke Island is another quintessential sand-driving experience. Much like Moreton, Straddie offers swimming, surfing, fishing and plenty of off-roading – there’s even a golf course. Track difficulty varies depending on the route, with plenty on offer for both novices and experienced steerers.

Tripod Track is a great 4×4 route that strikes through the densely vegetated centre of the island, and it stops off at Tripod Lookout (worth it for the views it provides of the island). It’s a difficult trip, so only embark on it if you’re proficient at four-wheel driving. Just like Moreton, you’ll need a beach access permit, and you’ll need to follow strict rules about where and when you can drive – there’s no 4×4 access either side of high tide, for example (fines apply).

The ferry to reach the island is located about 40 minutes east of Brisbane at Cleveland, with the ferry itself taking about 25 minutes to reach the island.

Sydney, NSW

Abercrombie River National Park

At around 3.5 hours from Sydney, Abercrombie River NP is located in the NSW Central Tablelands and is perhaps a tad too far to be an ideal day-trip destination. Still, it’s known for its challenging off-roading, and with some of the steepest 4×4 tracks in the state, it’s a great option for a long-weekend getaway.

Most of the perfect views, remote attractions and riverside campsites are accessible via 4×4 tracks, so you’ll need to be proficient behind the wheel to reach them and a 4×4 is (clearly) essential. However, some sections of the park can be accessed in 2WD. To ease into it, the western access point leads to the tamer routes, but head to Felled Timber Road on the east side if you’re up for a fight.

There are four campsites within the park including the Beach and Silent Creek (both crackers) and an ideal time to visit is either during Spring or Autumn.

Coolah Tops National Park

If you thought Abercrombie was too far, Coolah Tops National Park is even further from Sydney – about five hours’ drive via the town of Coolah. However, that distance and the fact the park isn’t as well-known means it’s probably going to be quieter for a four-day jaunt.

The 4×4 tracks within the park aren’t difficult but lead to some amazing look-outs and through dense, lush forest with giant snow gums and waterfalls. With numerous trails throughout the park, it’s no surprise that bushwalkers and mountain bikers love to explore the area. Wildlife and birdlife is also prevalent in the area, with wallabies, eagles and owls often sighted.

The park sits between the Great Dividing and Warrumbungle ranges and there are three campgrounds within the park. You can also rest for the night at the rustic and historic Brackens Hut, situated on a grassy flat between the open forest.

Melbourne, Victoria

The Otways

The Otways, which comprises Great Otway National Park, Anglesea Heath and Otway Forest Park, is within a stone’s throw from Melbourne via the popular Great Ocean Road. Running alongside the Bass Strait, the mountainous forest is abundant with waterfalls, lakes, picturesque campsites in the forest or along the coast, bushwalking trails and, of course, plenty of 4×4 tracks.

Denham Track is a popular choice for tourers as it can be challenging at stages and does require the use of low range. However, remember to keep in mind that seasonal road closures are implemented – in 2024, Denham Track was closed from 13 June until 31 October. It’s open for Easter, though!

Various campsites are located within the Otways including Hammonds (quite popular but has basic facilities), Big Hill (more remote, with great views) and Jamieson Track Campground (secluded, as it can only be accessed with a 4×4 vehicle). The most popular access point is at the coastal town of Anglesea, and there are no shortage of sites to explore over the Easter break.

Grampians National Park

Located approximately three hours’ drive from Melbourne CBD, the Grampians is loaded with sights and hidden treasures for four-wheel drivers, rock climbers, hikers and cyclists. The views over the mountain ranges are breathtaking and are simply worth the drive out there alone.

Four-wheel drive tracks within the Grampians include Mount Zero Road, Victoria Range Track and Launders Track, if you’re up for a challenge. Again, remember to research road closures in advance. Popular destinations include MacKenzie Falls – one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria – and Beauchamp Falls (both accessed by short, scenic walks).

Grampians NP is best accessed from Halls Gap at the northern end of the park, which is another ideal spot to spend a night or two if camping isn’t your thing. The small town has a general store, accommodation, fuel and a great bakery.

There are plenty of campsites within the park’s boundaries including Lake Bell Campground and Halls Gap Campground; some are easy while others can be harder to reach. All are unpowered but include toilets and fireplaces. Plan ahead as you’ll need to reserve a spot online before you travel.

Adelaide, South Australia

Ngarkat Conservation Park

Just over three hours’ drive west of Adelaide along the Mallee Highway, Ngarkat Conservation Park provides a generous sample of outback touring. Scattered with sand dunes, mallee scrub and heathlands, this desert destination features 11 campground sites of which most are accessible by 4×4 only.

The challenging Border Track is the park’s most famous attraction and is well worth adding to the bucket list. The track is typically accessed from the north near Pinnaroo and it follows the border that straddles South Australia and Victoria. It’s an extremely popular route due to its true outback style of adventure, and it’s only recommended for experienced off-road steerers. Other tracks within Ngarkat Conservation Park include Centre Track and Mount Shaugh Track – plus it’s only a relatively short detour to reach Victoria’s Big Desert Wilderness.

While predominantly a haven for 4×4 exploration, there are some alternative activities to do within the park such as hiking and bushwalking, including the Tyms Lookout Hike.

Little Dip Conservation Park

Little Dip is located just two kilometres south of Robe, an iconic coastal town that takes about 3.5 hours on bitumen from Adelaide.

Definitely spend a day exploring Robe before lowering tyre pressures and venturing down the Limestone Coast to Little Dip Conservation Park. For a park that is small by comparison to others on this list (just 21.5 square kilometres), Little Dip packs in plenty including fishing, 4×4 touring, hiking, kayaking, swimming, surfing and camping at a handful of stunning sites.

The beach driving is extraordinary, and the sand tracks that offshoot from the beach can be equally challenging. Always remember to lower tyre pressures (and re-inflate when back on tarmac). There are four campgrounds within Little Dip – Long Gully, The Gums, Old Man Lake and Stony Rise. All of these sites are positioned close to the beach, so views will be abundant but resources will be limited.

Perth, WA

Walyunga National Park

It may be well-known as a perfect day-trip destination for Perth locals (it’s only 30km from Perth), but you could easily fill up a long weekend at Walyunga National Park. Four-wheel drive touring is in the easy category, and there are definitely better parks from a driving perspective, but the park makes up for it with its access to the Swan River and the swimming, paddling and fishing it allows.

It’s also a bushwalker’s paradise, with myriad trails winding through the park all leading to breathtaking, tranquil views. Trails include the 5.2km Syd’s Rapids Trail; the 11km Echidna Trail; the 4km Kingfisher Trail; and the 4km Kangaroo Trail. Tourers are also inclined to load a kayak or canoe on the roof racks so they can enjoy a paddle along the Swan.

A small, basic campground near the Swan River contains firepits and picnic facilities, but it does get busy during peak times.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

A popular haven for Perth residents, Leeuwin-Naturaliste is a massive National Park that lures visitors with a passion for surfing (world-class surf spots include Margaret River, Guillotines and South Point), swimming, diving, hiking, cycling, camping and fishing. Of course, it also entices 4×4 tourers thanks to its combination of sand dunes, beach driving along the Indian Ocean and forest tracks.

Four campgrounds are available – with varying levels of demand – but no doubt they’ll fill up quickly over the long weekend. These include Boranup, Point Road (4×4 access), Conto and Jarrahdene. The 4×4-only Point Road track is located on the edge of the Boranup Karri Forest and is a moderate to challenging route where low range is required.

Much like Walyunga National Park, Leeuwin-Naturaliste is also popular with kayakers and canoeists, while caving and abseiling are also popular in the area.

Hobart, Tasmania

Tarkine Wilderness area

Due to the small size of Tasmania, every destination could be considered “close enough” to the capital city of Hobart for a long weekend getaway. The wild west coast of Tasmania, notorious for its epic off-roading, is one such destination. It’s approximately a five-hour slog from Hobart, so you’re better off heading there from Devonport, where it takes about 2.5 hours behind the wheel.

The Tarkine Wilderness area is abundant with dense, ancient rainforests, eclectic wildlife and sweeping vistas at every turn. It’s also home to the famous Climies Track, a bucket-list 4×4 adventure known for its extreme difficulty and steep, slippery terrain. The remote trek covers a variety of terrain including loose gravel, mud and big boulders, and it’s almost impossible to conquer in the wrong conditions. It’s a relatively short trail, all things considered, but the memories will last.

Mount Wellington

A helluva lot closer to Hobart than the Southwest Wilderness region, Mount Wellington is only 30 minutes’ drive on the blacktop.

Also known as Kunanyi, the area provides the opportunity to head to the summit and be back home by lunchtime. Heading along the Kunanyi Summit Road will take you to the summit, resulting in beautiful panoramic views of Hobart and the Derwent River. However, if you want to enjoy some 4×4 action, there are several tracks that offshoot from the main road and venture into more isolated parts of the mountain.

Bushwalking and hiking are also popular on trails including the 21km Pinnacle Track, or the brief 2.5km Organ Pipes Track. The area also has several sites of cultural significance which can be explored.

Darwin, Northern Territory

Litchfield National Park

Located just over an hours’ drive from Darwin, Litchfield is packed with challenging 4×4 tracks to experience over the Easter break. A bite-sized sample of the nearby Kakadu NP, Litchfield is ideal for those who are short on time. The 4×4-only Greenant Creek Track includes numerous water crossings and is loads of fun, swaying from challenging to easy-going. The Reynolds River crossing is another unmissable section, famous for its winding path across the wide waterway.

Swimming in the park is generally forbidden due to saltwater crocodiles, but famous attractions such as Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Tolmer Falls and Wangi Falls in the park’s north-west corner do offer safe swimming spots in the pools at the base of waterfalls – but always check first.

Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy the many hiking and walking trails – the 39km Tabletop Track is a popular multi-day hike – and campers can set up at many camping areas in the park including at Wangi Falls, Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek Falls.

Nitmiluk National Park

It’s a longer drive from Darwin compared to Litchfield, but Nitmiluk National Park – about three hours’ drive south of Darwin – is rich in cultural history and is an ideal destination for a long-weekend escape.

Your 4×4 skills won’t be put to the test here as the tracks are all subdued, but the scenic views and comfortable campgrounds make for a memorable getaway. The Katherine Gorge (also known as the Katherine River) is the centrepiece of the park, with canoes and kayaks endlessly exploring this beautiful landscape. Campsites trace the river’s course, and there are plenty of swimming spots along the way. Boat tours also run daily.

For keen hikers, the four-day Jatbula Trail is perhaps the most popular within the park, while Edith Falls Walk in the north of the park leads to great swimming spots in the upper and lower pools.