There are a variety of paid 4×4 parks so close to Brisbane in the Scenic Rim (Beaudesert) and the greater Darling Downs (Toowoomba to Warwick), as well as a plethora of trails in the surrounding national parks which are free to explore dependent on track condition – being 2WD or 4WD.
Here are some of our top tips for handling a 4WD for beginners:
- Keep your thumbs outside the steering wheel on rough sections of the track.
- Drive with another experienced four-wheel driver if you’re a novice (or even if you’re not), your buddy can help get you out of a sticky situation.
- Is your vehicle maintained and in a good condition?
- Be prepared – pack good recovery gear for your rig – jack, straps, tracks, shovel etc and for you – water, food, towels, spare set of clothes – just in case things get really muddy or you decide to take a midday dip in the creek.
- Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Don’t be too cocky, take it slow – understand your abilities as well as your vehicle.
- Check manufacturer’s tyre pressure recommendations and reduce your tyre pressures on rough tracks – reducing your tyre pressure and using 4WD helps maintain the track and not rip it up, which is better in the long run for the track and the environment.
- Learn about engine breaking and when it is appropriate to use compared to conventional braking.
- Ensure you have a two-way/UHF radio to make contact, as mobile reception can be quite hit and miss in remote areas.
- Use 4WD to track better on dirt, utilise hill descent control if your vehicle is equipped with this tech.
Black Duck Valley
East Haldon QLD 4343
Black Duck Valley is a family friendly park located around two and a half hours southwest of Brisbane or 35 minutes southwest of Gatton in the Lockyer Valley QLD. What used to be a thriving motorbike and 4WD park (Black Duck Valley Moto Park) closed down due to various reasons and has only recently reopened for 4×4 and camping, no motorbikes this time.
The property is sprawled across various hills and gullies that are scattered with 4×4 tracks that cater for all. There is bush camping facilities and communal areas, and they are progressively reopening tracks. Currently, they open on Friday – Sunday, with tracks open from 8am.
Gordon Country
Goomburra QLD 4362
Gordon Country is located between Goomburra and Main Range national park has a legendary list of customers who keep coming back for more. Easy accessed by 2WD, and 4WD alike, the park is around a two and a half hour drive south west of Brisbane or 85 minutes from Gatton. With a range of 4×4 only tracks over the 4000 acre property, scenic loops and a practice playpen (a former quarry), there is sure to be something from novice to experienced 4×4 adventurers. 4WD on a range of tracks that cater for all levels of experience, but the park is predominantly geared towards family friendly experiences.
With a variety of accommodation options available, camping at Gordon Country offers powered sites, communal camp kitchen, toilet/shower facilities and campfires in established pits. There is over 12km of frontage on Dalrymple and Banshee creeks, so you can find the perfect spot to set up your rig. Also available is Glamping spots for people who don’t want to rough it, these glamp-sites cater for up to four people. Also available is the heritage cabins and the retreat cottage accommodation – your home away from home, and you can bring your pup with you too (as long as they stay outside on the deck).
Swan Gully 4WD Park
Tamrookum Creek QLD 4285
Located around 90 minutes south of Brisbane (or 1 & ¾ hours from Gatton and 10min from Beausdesert) this sprawling 900-acre property with a range of various activities to experience. Tracks range from easy and mild, all the way to extreme (lockers and winch required).
There are a variety of camp sites with toilet and shower facilities, and even levelled areas for your Motorhome or RV. You can bring your doggo to camp, however you got to keep them under control and clean up their business. Mobile reception is good, so you can work from your campsite with ease. They welcome and arrange club or corporate events, so if you are looking for something to do with a large group of mates, check them out.
The Springs 4X4 Adventure Park
The Glen QLD 4350
The Springs 4X4 Adventure Park is located south of Warwick on the Darling Downs. Three hours South West from Brisbane or a quick 95 minutes from Gatton will see you whisked away from the city life to over 700 acres of bush terrain and tracks that will appeal to all types of drivers. You can drive to the top of the hills to enjoy 360-degree panoramic vistas.
The park is open 7 days a week with office hours from 8am-8pm and they offer a vehicle recovery service at various hourly rates depending on the location of ‘your situation’ within the park, so make sure you follow the top tips, so you don’t end up out of pocket ! The park does run specific events and challenges which are posted on their website, however different fees apply.
The campsites are accessible by 2WD vehicles and 4WD towing caravans and during school holidays and weekdays require a booking, no need for a booking for a normal weekend. It is always a good idea to book for a long weekend so you don’t miss out. You can bring your pooch to the park, as long as they are kept on leash and you clean up after them. Camp fires are allowed in existing pits dependent on local fire bans (if in place).
Janowen Hills 4WD Park
Goomburra QLD 4362
Janowen Hills is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, it is a 4×4 park for the light-hearted to the extreme enthusiast. The park is open for camping, caravans and offroad 4×4 driving (no dirt/quad bikes allowed).
Located in the picturesque Goomburra Valley (around two and a half hours South-West from Brisbane or 80 minutes from Gatton), Janowen Hills have over 100 4WD track established with ratings from easy to extreme. The place is pupper friendly, so you can bring your best friend for a weekend away from it all. If you are that extreme enthusiast, they crew at Janowen Hills invite you to try the Gymkahana track – trench, tyres and car bodies over a course to test your skills.
Campgrounds are accessible by 2WD vehicle and apart from camping, there is also cabin options. Their open plan cabins for up to two people and a small child, these dongers feature a small kitchenette, TV and air conditioning. If you are large group and need more space, their ‘Tranquillity Cabins’ are perfect for larger families and groups of friends, please note: dogs are not allowed inside any of the cabins.
Scenic Rim Adventure Park
636 Tamrookum Creek Rd, Tamrookum Creek QLD 4285
Scenic Rim Adventure Park Located around two hours drive South from Brisbane (or 2 hours from South East from Gatton) is 680 acres of bush lovers’ paradise. With more than 28km of tracks to explore on the site (graded from green (easy) to red (extreme), stock standard vehicles can access a variety of tracks without modification. They have a plethora of camping areas, you won’t be pitching your swag on top of your neighbour’s site.
With a 2WD vehicle, you can access the park office only and a few campsites but none of the tracks (unless walking or by mountain bike). This park is currently open 7 days a week and dogs (on leash only) are welcome too. Bookings can be made on their website by enquiry form and are secured by bank direct deposit. All 4WD vehicles pay the 4WD access rate regardless of your intentions and 2WD vehicles pay a (lesser) day fee. Not well – there is no access for motor or quadbikes.
Main Range National Park
Goomburra Section – Lookout Rd, Goomburra QLD 4362
Cunningham Hwy, Warwick QLD 4370
Main Range National Park has two distinct sections. It is located south-west of Brisbane or South of Gatton (as the crow flys). There is a variety of attractions and activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of unsealed roads, the area is teeming with options for exploration.
A landscape of rugged mountains, spectacular lookouts, exhilarating walks, dappled forests and unique wildlife is waiting to be explored in Main Range National Park. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. One area of interest is the southern section of Main Range National Park, approximately midway between Boonah and Killarney – Condamine Gorge. Suited to 4WD and AWD vehicles, higher clearance maybe needed for creek crossing and steep sections of tracks. The Condamine Gorge route (68km one way) offers a combination of scenic driving, potential wildlife spotting, and peaceful riverside relaxation – you might be lucky and see a platypus at various waterholes.
Main Range National Park also provides a range of camping experiences, both developed camping areas and remote area bush camping sites.
There are three main camping areas in the National Park and they provide facilities, including composting toilets, tap-water and barbecues (Goomburra camping area only).
- Spicers Gap
- Spicers Gap camping area is located on the eastern side of the range to the south of Cunninghams Gap.
- Poplar Flat & Manna Gum
- The Goomburra camping areas are located on the western side of the range to the north of Cunninghams Gap.
With so much to see and experience so close to Brisbane, it is easy to understand why our backyard is called a 4×4 lovers playground.
Since you’re in Brisbane, make sure you check out all the 4×4 gear on display at the 2024 Cleveland Caravan, Camping, Boating & 4×4 Expo on from the 20th to the 22nd September at the Redland Showgrounds, open daily from 8.30am.
