Lying between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Australia is a land of natural wonders, beaches, the bush and the outback. With no end to the wide open spaces in the outback, this continent is a rich assortment of off-road trails. This article curates a list of the top off-road trails that you should try at least once in Australia.
The High Country, Victoria
The High Country in Victoria consists of a significant portion of the Eastern Highlands of Australia. Due to this reason, this land has no shortage of mountains, snowfields, and rivers. Outside of its scenic natural beauty, you can explore country towns, wineries, and historical ruins that you can find in the area.
The best time for a drive through the countryside lies in the months of November to May. 2,50,00 kilometers of trails and tracks is what makes this area a haven for enthusiastic travelers.Make sure your car has a roof rack installed as all the extra luggage can be accommodated on it , thereby making your trip even more comfortable.
Make sure to visit the Blue Rag Range and Billy Goat Bluff Track. These tracks offer a unique and wondrous experience coupled with camera-worthy views.
The Kimberley, Western Australia
Occupying an area of 423,517 square kilometers, this northern region of WA is a must-visit for the adventurous soul. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Great Sandy Desert, the Northern Territory, and the Timor Sea, this region combines a mixture of all the sights of Australia packed into one amazing off-road trip.
As one of the most diverse regions available across the world, Kimberley has a long list of attractions. Make sure to catch the Mitchell Falls, Wolfe Creek Crater, Cape Leveque, and the Bungle Bungles Range. Explore the region on the back of an adventure motorcycle. There are a large number of camping spots as well spread across this land, including places in Kununurra, Lake Argyle and Keep River National Park
The Simpson Desert, Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland
With an area of 176,500 kilometers square, the Simpson Desert is the largest sand dune in the world. Enticing to all those of brave heart and adventurous spirit, this desert is home to a unique outback landscape. You will require a 4-wheel drive with high ground clearance to make the trip. An eastbound crossing in this desert is easier than a westbound one due to the prevailing winds. The region is also home to a spring-fed swimming hole as well as historical ruins. There are multiple tracks that crisscross across the dunes, each of these varying in their difficulty level. This region is a rite of passage for all novice off-roaders.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
The largest national park of Australia, Kakadu National Park is in the Northern Territory of the continent. This region connects two vastly different terrains together. The wet regions of Kakadu are home to lagoons, swamplands, and billabongs. The area is teeming with wildlife ranging from birds to reptiles. You can spot about one-third of all bird species found in Australia here. The dry regions consist of grasslands and woods. You are more likely to spot wild mammals here. This diverse terrain covers almost 20,000 square kilometers of area and offers stunning views. Most tourists prefer visiting during the dry season between the months of June to November. Some of the highlights of this area are as follows.
- South Alligator Area at Aurora Kakadu – You can view magpie geese, go bush camping and fishing.
- Jabiru area – Bowali Visitor Centre in the Jabiru area is home to delicious meals, postcards, and local crafts.
- Nourlangie area – This area is home to two Aboriginal Rock Art Galleries as well as magnificent views of life around a tropical billabong.
The Lap of Australia
The Lap of Australia refers to the routes along the edge of the continent. Prepare for one hell of a road trip during this 14,935-kilometer long ride. This route could take anywhere between a month to a year to complete. The duration depends on the number of stops you make along the way. The following are a few stopovers you should consider taking a break at during the lap.
- The Great Ocean Road, Victoria consists of several beautiful beaches.
- Make sure to visit Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
- Port Douglas, Queensland is the jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef.
- Mount Kosciuszko is the largest peak in the continent.
You can find camping spots along the way through Free Camping Australia.
There is no denying the beauty and splendor that Australia offers. It is one of the top places to visit if you are looking for a road trip filled with adventure and beauty. When planning for an off-roading trip, make sure to pack the essentials –
- Pack a camping bag for night outs in the open.
- Carry cooking gear such as a butane burner.
- An alternator to charge your electronics on the go.
- Choosing the right vehicle is an essential step to any off-road trip.
All that remains for you to do now is to choose a trail, find some time off from work, and you are ready to go on your own adventure!
