Time to go off road: SA’s top 4WD adventures

South Australia is choc full of off road adventure opportunities. Here are nine of the best – but be warned, some are definitely not for novices.

Getting off the beaten track in South Australia is easy. Here are nine awesome 4WD tracks to consider, in the Flinders Ranges and Eyre Peninsula.

Remember to research your intended trip and take appropriate precautions. While some tracks are suited to novices and all-wheel drives, many require experienced drivers in robust 4WDs — one remote beach drive warns that inattentive drivers who get bogged in soft sand “face the distinct possibility of watching your car disappear under the next high tide.”

Safe travels!

FLINDERS RANGES

Willow Springs Station

Self-drive – seven hours.

Skytrek at Willow Springs is a self-drive 4WD tour that takes a good seven hours to cover 80km – it is recommended to start no later than 10.30am to enjoy the views.

Set on the 70,000 acre sheep station, Willow Springs Station, Skytrek takes visitors “through majestic river red gum-lined creeks, groves of native pines and black oak, over blue bush plains, through rugged mountain valleys and ascends and descends over multiple mountain ranges,” according to the property owners.

A self guiding map helps explain features such as ruins of old shepherds’ huts, ochre cliffs, Aboriginal etchings, natural springs and the “original” Willow Springs waterhole. Modern and historic points of interest such as windmills and mustering yards give a better understanding of the pastoral operation of the station while the diverse flora, fauna and geological features are inspiring for off-road explorers.

“The significant panoramic view of the iconic Wilpena Pound from Upalinna Lookout and the ‘Eagle’s view’ of the surrounding Flinders landscape is a breathtaking and truly unforgettable experience,” the property owners say.

Bookings are essential and vehicles must be 4WD with low range – AWD vehicles cannot complete the track.

Drivers must hold a provisional or full license and have 4WD experience.

Costs are $60 per vehicle of up to six people and $30 per motorcycle if staying at Willow Springs, $70 and $40 respectively if not staying. Large carriers and registered clubs also welcome.

Phone: [phone] or visit skytrekwillowsprings.com.au

View of the Chace Range and the Captain's Head, Flinders Ranges.

Skytrek Willow Springs station in the Flinders Ranges.

Arkaroola

Self-drive or guided – four hours.

Teh Echo Camp Backtrack can be done self-drive or guided and takes about four hours to cover the 42km.

Home to the most rugged chain of mountains in the Flinders, this trail has a number of steep sections that require experienced 4WD skills.

After negotiating the exciting start, the rocky twisting track climbs and drops past mountains covered in red and orange scree-slopes.

Follow the beautiful red gum-lined Arkaroola Creek to several delightful waterholes and the spectacular 200m-deep Bararrana Gorge. The trail offers glimpses of native wildlife and views overlooking the glistening white Lake Frome. This self-drive tour is Advanced Ecotourism accredited.

Phone [phone] or visit arkaroola.com.au

Bendleby Ranges

Self-drive – various tracks.

The Bendleby Ranges, three and a half hours from Adelaide (50km northeast of Orroroo), offer a wide variety of 4WD tracks ranging from easy to challenging. The treks take in the local scenery with some magnificent views towards Wilpena Pound, Lake Frome and Walloway Plains.

Try out your vehicle on the training track before tackling some of the more challenging tracks, such as Billy Goat Ridge. If you prefer easier driving, there are a variety of tracks where you travel among pines and gums, or in the more rocky mallee and porcupine country.

Phone [phone] or visit bendlebyranges.com.au

The Bendleby Ranges.

Arkapena Scenic Adventure

Self-drive – three-to-four hours.

Arkapena Scenic Adventure provides a three hour all-wheel drive or a four and a half-hour genuine 4WD experience. Starting from Rawnsley Park, the all-wheel drive track heads toward the Chace Range, running along the base of the range and under the gaze of the Captains Head (790m).

The track intersects numerous creek beds that run off the hills face, best completed in the morning for the views of Elder Range and Wilpena Pound.

The additional 90 minute 4WD section of the track continues into the cypress pine country of the ABC Range and up to the nearby Prelinna Lookout.

The colours of the red rocks of the ranges and brilliant blue skies are magnificent, as too the view of the nearby Wilpena Pound, Chace and Ulowdna Ranges. Key hire from Rawnsley Park Station.

Phone [phone] or visit rawnsleypark.com.au

Merna Mora Station

Self-drive – three-to-five hours, four tracks.

A series of tracks located near the western escarpments of Wilpena Pound which traverse Moralana Gorge and northern end of Elder Range.

A contrasting track through sandhills, swales and claypans to the great expanse of Lake Torrens gives a desert experience.

Exhilarating scenery, proximity of the Wilpena Pound ramparts and unique specimens of native and unspoilt flora and fauna make these trips a must do.

The tracks are exciting and will suit the novice through to the experienced 4W driver.

Some restrictions apply due to the sensitive nature of the environment and the degree of difficulty.

Phone [phone] or visit mernamora.com.au

Upalinna Station Scenic 4WD Track

Self-drive – two hours.

Upalinna Scenic 4WD Track starts near Hucks Lookout, 12km from Wilpena Pound Resort, and heads around into the hills and valleys of Upalinna.

An abundance of wildlife lives in the hills and creeks like eagles, emus, kangaroos and some of our Merino flock.

The track winds back around towards Wilpena Pound offering spectacular views of the ranges including Wilpena, Chace Range and the Bunkers.

Marvel at the geological formations along the way. Take a break atop the “big hill” and enjoy the views while sitting at the table – a great spot for lunch.

Then wind back down past the shearers quarters and woolshed before completing the loop.

Keys available from Upalinna Homestead, Upalinna Station Flinders Ranges Way via Hawker.

Phone [phone] or visit upalinnastation.com.au

SA TRAVEL PLANNER: EXPERT REVIEWS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

EYRE PENINSULA

Lincoln National Park

Self-drive – three hours return.

Massive wind-sculptured dunes, pounding surf and limestone cliffs characterise the breathtaking Sleaford Bay coastline.

The 18km track is 4WD only – use caution, as it is narrow, with two-way traffic.

A marked 4WD trail follows the south coast of the park from Sleaford to Wanna, much of the trail traverses a huge mobile sand dune system, limestone pavements and a variety of vegetation types.

To protect the fragile coastal vegetation, follow the route markers and drive only on mobile sand dunes.

Visitors entering from Sleaford should obtain their day and camping pass at the main park entrance before commencing the trip.

To download a Lincoln National Park map see environment.sa.gov.au/parks

Coffin Bay National Park

Self-drive – six hour return.

The Point Sirt Isaac 50km route starts 50km west of Port Lincoln and 2km west of Coffin Bay township and is a six-hour return trip.

It’s a remote area accessible only to 4WD vehicles. The tracks are two way access, take care on track crests and bends.

Tracks are soft sand and may bog vehicles.

Officials warn that “The track also runs for several kilometres along Seven Mile Beach, where, should you get stuck, you face the distinct possibility of watching your car disappear under the next high tide”.

Seabirds are abundant. Be aware of oystercatchers, dotterels and many other species that frequent and nest on beaches.

There are designated camping areas within the Coffin Bay National Park. Visitors travelling to Point Sir Isaac should obtain their day and camping pass at the main park entrance before commencing the trip.

To download a Coffin Bay National Park map, see environment.sa.gov.au/parks

Coffin Bay National Park. Picture: Robert Blackburn

Coffin Bay National Park. Picture: Robert Lang/SATC

White salt of Lake Gairdner and red rocks at Mt Ive station.

Mt Ive Station

Self-drive – Half day track or full day track.

Mt Ive is a family owned sheep station 200km west of Pt Augusta in the heart of the Gawler Ranges and offers great 4WD, self-guided or tag-along with prior arrangement.

The wild unspoilt environment of Mt Ive Station is what attracts visitors to this working sheep property in the Gawler Ranges, the warm welcome and hospitality keeps them coming back.

Follow mud maps to rugged outback scenery in this vast ancient landscape.

Enjoy stunning panoramic views as you are taken past organ pipe rock formations, wombat holes, bird watching sites, wildflowers and the stunning beauty of Lake Gairdner.

With a range of station accommodation and camping, pet friendly, fees apply.

Phone [phone] or visit mtive.com.au

MORE: The South Australian Tourism Commission has plenty of maps and suggested itineraries for road trips including their 4WD Tracks and Repeater Trails map which provided information for this story.