Not only it is known for the fiercely cute Tasmanian devil, Tasmania’s wilderness offers plenty of opportunities to explore spectacular landscapes, unique biodiversity and rich history. Plus, delicious local produce, wines and the cleanest air in the world combine to make Tasmania and extra special destination for 4WD enthusiasts. Read on to find our handpicked top spot to 4WD in Tasmania.
Note that you’ll need Parks Pass from https://passes.parks.tas.gov.au/ to enter Tasmania’s National Parks so we recommend organising this before your trip!
Bruny Island
The island is actually two small islands, known as North Bruny and South Bruny, separated by a thin sandy isthmus called The Neck. South Bruny has a more forested, wilderness feel: 4WDer heaven. While the North Island has more farmland.
Where
Bruny Island is located off the southeast coast of Tasmania (a ferry service is available for cars and passengers)
What to do & see
- Climb over the Bruny Range in your 4WD then drop your tyre pressure as you enter the beach
- Enjoy gourmet lunch featuring local ingredients and wines at the Bruny Island Cheese Company, fresh Tasmanian oysters at Get Shucked and finished with desserts from the Bruny Island Chocolate Factory
- Whiskey tasting at the House of Whiskey
- Bush walkers, check out Labillardiere Peninsula Walking Track. Keep an eye out for wild orchids and quolls. Also hike through the rainforest via Mt. Mangana track to the Island highest peak and enjoy the picturesque mountain view.
- Boating, swimming, surfing and fishing along the magnificent coastlines
- Take the Bruny Island Cruises to observe seals, dolphins and migrating whales
Camping facilities
- Cloudy Corner is a campsite accessible by 4WD via beach driving at low tide only. Pit toilets available but BYO water and firewood
- The Neck Reserve, Jetty Beach and the Pines are smaller camping sites with pit toilets. BYO water and firewood
- Captain Cook Holiday Park offers self-contained cabins and camping spots for caravans and tents
Fortescue Bay
Where
Just 10 kms east of Port Arthur or a 90 minute drive from Hobart. Excellent for a day trip or an overnight stay
What to do & See
- Experience the beautiful Tasman Peninsula via 4WD through the Fortescue Bay track. Drive on gravel and sand to develop your skills. This 12km track is part of the oldest working forestry in the country
- Numerous walking tracks. Experienced hikers, check out the Three Capes Track — a 4-day hike. Cape Hauy track is a short day walk that joins the Three Cape track on the final day, accessible via the Fortescue Campground. Waterfall Bay track offers stunning views from the cliffs and some of the most amazing natural rock formations, doable as a day walk.
- Tasman Arch, Blowhole, Canoe Bay, Bivouc bay and Remarkable Cave are other magnificent places to explore within the park
Camping facilities
- There are two campgrounds in Fortescue Bay — Banksia and Mill creek. Toilets, showers and drinking water is available at both camp grounds. Bookings are recommended for busy season from November until April each year
Swanston Track
Where
The track is lesser known and located at the northern side of the Buckland Military Training Area at the end of Swanston Road. Only 100kms from Hobart
What to do & see
Develop your 4WD as you drive through steep descents, rocky and terrains. This track is around 30kms in length with descents, rocky and muddy terrains, so it is for experienced 4WDers who love the challenge. The terrains are especially slippery in winter or after rain so take extra caution and it’d be a very good idea travel with another vehicle. Make it a trip with your mates (join our Facebook group to find likeminded women for an adventure like this). Take your time and allow up to 3 hours. Pay attention to all the warning signs
Camping facilities
The kids will love it at Gumleaves Bush Holidays. You can camp here in a self-contained cabin or your own tent. Onsite activities such as mini-golf, flying foxes, obstacle courses, tennis, boating and deer and horse feeding will definitely keep the kids entertained while you and your mates take the car out to tackle the Swanston track, which is directly accessible from the gate. Just turn left on to the main road.
Wellington Ranges
There are several 4WD tracks to explore in this 18,250 ha reserve. Note that you’ll need a permit to drive through some of the tracks. More information on how to obtain can be found here: https://wellingtonpark.org.au/4wd-access-1
Where
Only 9km from Hobart
What to do & see
- Enjoy the beautiful bush scenery of the Tasmanian wilderness with your 4WD
- East West Trail (closed for winter and reopens around October/November. Check with parks.tas.gov.au. Difficult track with deep bog holes, steep descents and soft sand. Recommended for experienced 4WDers only (permit required)
- Jeffreys Track. Stretching over 14kms, expect some boggy soils, bog holes and (designated) river crossings. Some experience with 4WD is required but not as challenging as the East West Trail
- Collin’s Cap track. Moderately challenging with steep sections. A one-way 11km taking roughly half an hour to complete (permit required)
- Bushwalking through the Myrtle Forest Walk and soak in the scenery at the Myrtle Forest Falls. Also checkout Montrose Fire Trail and White Timber Trail Judbury. Note that some of these tracks are shared with mountain biking and 4WDing
Camping facilities
Unfortunately, camping in the Wellington park with your 4WD isn’t permitted. However, with the park being so close to Hobart, you won’t have any problem finding campgrounds. Camping anywhere around Hobart will give you a good base to to tackle these tracks. Valley Campground in the Huon Valley is an option to consider. It’s just west of the East West Trail.
Wielangta Forest Drive
Where
Only on hour from Hobart via Arthur Hwy/A9 and Tasman Hwy/A3
What to do & see
- Drive your 4WD through the 20km unpaved road. This forest drive is running south to north from Dunalley to Orford. 4WD beginners’ friendly
- Scenic walks through the Wielangta Forest Walk to the picnic area about 5km down the track. Also check out the Three Thumbs Lookout along the Sandspit Forest Reserve for the beautiful view of Maria Island
- If you have time, Maria Island is a great place to visit. The Entire Island is a national park accessible only by passenger ferry. It is a native wildlife sanctuary and the most preserved historical site of convict life in Australia
Camping facilities
Plenty of campgrounds and accommodation options in the nearby Orford and Triabunna area, which will give you a good base to explore the Wielangta Forest Reserve.
Alright, that’s our selections of the best 4WD spots in Tassie. We hope you enjoy reading, but more importantly, we hope you’ll take your 4WD out there and quench your thirst for adventure! Let us know how you go and tag us on Instagram @offmain.offroad
At Offmain, we believe that 4WDing and outdoor adventure is for everyone, and getting started should be easy. Founded by a team of female 4WDers and a rookie hiking adventurer, Offmain is a positive and inclusive community for people of all experience levels, from those researching Vehicles, Camping and adventure options - all you need is the love to explore.
Come on an adventure with us 🥳
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/Offmain22
Instagram: @offmain.offroad
Email: hello@offmain.com.au