4x4 events, track advice and travel ideas in 2024

Get out and enjoy this great land and support local communities.

There's plenty going on all around Australia, and Ron Moon has his finger on the pulse regarding track changes and advice, station stays, recommended campsite stays, and much more. Read on for iconic events and unmissable outback destinations to jot down in your itinerary! 👇

JUMP AHEAD

• January 2025
• December 2024
• November 2024
• October 2024

January 2025

Wooden boats and wine (TAS)

With a combination such as wooden boats and fine wine, Hobart is the place to be between February 7 and 10. The biennial wooden boat festival celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship and culture associated with wooden boats that can range from beautiful canoes to majestic clippers. And the wine festival? Well, you can indulge your senses while imbibing fine Tassie wines and food.

Rockview Farm (QLD)

Situated just off the Burnett Highway between Goomeri and Ban Ban Springs, the Boonara Creek is the perfect spot to pull up and unwind for a day or two to enjoy the beauty of nature. Enjoy the creek view by day and then watch the sun set to a sky full of stars by night. Campfires and pets are allowed. For more go to Hipcamp and search ‘Rockview Farm’.

Omeo Holiday Park (VIC)

Set beside the picturesque Livingstone Creek, the local Omeo Holiday Park is a short stroll to Omeo’s historic town centre. Omeo is in the heart of the High Country and only 35km, or about a 40-minute drive, to Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. There’s a heap of 4x4 tracks in the local area as well as historic sites well worth visiting.

Spinifex Ridge Camping (NT)

Here’s a safe and pleasant spot to camp just five minutes' drive west of Tennant Creek. There’s always plenty of space here so there is no need to book ahead. You can find directions to Spinifex Ridge on Google Maps or WikiCamps, or you can contact directly by phoning 0428 418 571 or emailing spinifexridge.nt@gmail.com.

Lucky Bay Delight (WA)

You couldn’t find a more delightful beach than Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand NP on the south coast of WA, east of Esperance. There is a large campground situated nearby but it is popular over the summer months and during holidays. Bookings are essential and can be made up to 180 days in advance. Outside school holidays the maximum stay is 28 nights; during holidays it is 14 nights.

Sand driving at Stockton (NSW)

Stockton Beach and dunes within the Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL) remains one of the most popular beach areas you can drive in NSW. The area provides 4x4 access to more than 19km of Stockton beach front and more than 350ha of dune driving in the Recreational Vehicle Area at the southern end of the park.

All vehicles must be registered and display a valid WCL beach vehicle permit. This includes recreational vehicles such as quads and motorcycles, which must hold RMS conditional registration for the recreational vehicle area.

Track access change: Robe (SA)

There have been significant changes to beach and track access south of Robe, especially around Little Dip CP, Nora Creina and Beachport. Some of the tracks that have been accessible in the past were through private property, and now ongoing issues with rubbish and people doing the wrong thing have resulted in the closure of those tracks.

December 2024

Curraghmore Station (QLD)

Curraghmore Station is a secluded camping ground nestled beside the McLeod and Mitchell Rivers in Desailly, Queensland. Offering camping for tents, caravans, and camper trailers, the station boasts privacy for each site and an abundance of activities are on offer. Guests can go canoeing, swimming, fishing, chasing redclaw and cherubin, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning sunsets and the magnificent stargazing.

Desert updates (SA)

While it’s getting late in the year for desert travel, there have been a few changes worth noting for those planning a desert trip for early 2025. The good news is the Warburton Crossing PAR is again open to 4x4s, allowing access to the Simpson Desert and the K1 Line Track and the Rig Road.

Further west, closures of the Anne Beadell Highway by the Department of Defence are slated from 21 November to 18 December 2024. And as we go to press, the Anne Beadell Highway remains closed and permits to enter the Maralinga Tjarutja Lands will not be approved until further notice.

Balley Hooley campground to reopen (VIC)

The Balley Hooley campground in the southern area of the Snowy River National Park and east of the small town of Buchan will reopen this month after comprehensive campground maintenance, facility upgrades and road works have been completed. This fabulous campsite offers stunning scenery and access to the Snowy River.

Spinifex Ridge Farmstay (NT)

The Spinifex Ridge Farmstay is a safe and pleasant spot to camp just five minutes’ drive west of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. There’s always truckloads of room to set up camp here so there is no need to book ahead.
You can find directions to Spinifex Ridge on Google Maps or WikiCamps, or you can contact the station directly by phoning 0428 418 571 or shoot an email through to spinifexridge.nt@gmail.com

Omeo Holiday Park caravan park (VIC)

Set beside the picturesque Livingstone Creek, the Omeo Holiday Park caravan park is a short stroll to Omeo’s historic town centre. Omeo is in the heart of the High Country and only 35km to Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. There’s a heap of 4x4 tracks in the local area as well as historic sites well worth visiting.

From your base here you can enjoy a slower pace of life or pump up the adrenaline with activities like mountain bike riding, whitewater rafting, skiing, bushwalking and more. Omeo’s newest attraction, the Pump and Skills Track, is close by, and is where cyclists of all abilities can practice their skills.

Track access changes around Robe (SA)

There have been significant changes to beach and track access south of Robe, especially around Little Dip CP, Nora Creina and Beachport. Some of the tracks that have been accessible in the past are through private property but ongoing issues with rubbish and people doing the wrong thing have now seen these tracks closed.

Sand driving at Stockton Beach (NSW)

Stockton Beach and the dunes within the Worimi Conservation Lands remain one of the most popular beach areas you can drive in NSW. The area provides 4x4 access to more than 19km of Stockton beach front and over 350ha of dune driving in the Recreational Vehicle Area at the southern end of the park. This is one of the largest coastal dune driving areas in NSW.

You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive at the Worimi Conservation Lands. All vehicles must be registered and display a valid WCL beach vehicle permit. This includes recreational vehicles such as quads and motorcycles, which must hold RMS conditional registration for the recreational vehicle area.

November 2024

Wetland in the Pilbara to be protected (WA)

The Pilbara's largest wetland will be protected following the creation of the Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve. Covering over 100,000ha, this large seasonal wetland is located in the Fortescue River valley between the Chichester and Hamersley ranges in the Pilbara.

The area is home to one of only three inland wetlands in north-western Australia and can support up to one million waterbirds. The reserve also provides habitat for several conservation-significant wildlife species, including the critically endangered night parrot, endangered northern quoll, vulnerable greater bilby and vulnerable Pilbara olive python.

The park also includes areas of cultural significance to the Nyiyaparli people, with several important ceremonial and mythological sites located within and near the marsh.

5

Coffee van on a claypan (NSW)

For travellers heading out to Cameron Corner from Tibooburra there is an unexpected but pleasant surprise along the way. On a large claypan, local graziers Rachel and Bodie Hill, who own the Golden Egg Cafe, as it is officially known, serve barista-made coffee to the passing travellers.

The coffee van, surely the most isolated in Australia, is situated on the Rachel and Bodie’s sheep and cattle property, Waka Station, west of Tibooburra. Make sure you drop in for a hot cuppa!

Tirranna Springs Roadhouse reopens (QLD)

The Tirranna Springs Roadhouse, west of Burketown and on the banks of the Nicholson River, has again reopened its doors. The roadhouse was destroyed by a flood in March last year, followed by two smaller floods earlier this year, so it is great to see it up and running again.

The owners have raised the buildings three metres off the ground and have taken precautions to protect the property and livestock from floodwaters. You can get fuel and food here as well as camp.

Arltunga Pub to reopen (NT)

We’ve been waiting for the Arltunga Pub to reopen for ages and that is looking likely to happen this month.

Located east of Alice Springs in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges and close to the historic goldfields of Arltunga, the pub has been closed for years but has recently undergone renovation and refurbishment. Make sure you drop in when next there.

Balfour Bridge improves access (TAS)

Have you ever been to the historic mining town of Balfour on the west coast of Tassie? You can now access the town within the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area via the new Cassiterite Creek Bridge, but a high ground clearance vehicle is still recommended for this area.

Several repairs and upgrades to some other roads in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area are now also complete.

Vic High Country tracks to reopen (VIC)

The annual closure of the tracks in the Victorian High Country is due to come to an end in early November, opening the area up for the Melbourne Cup weekend. However, some tracks may remain closed due to inclement weather. It’s best to check www.parks.vic.gov.au for all the latest details.

5

Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (SA)

Bird lovers should check out the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary which boasts a large diversity of resident and migratory shorebirds, waterbirds and bush birds.

Every year, between September and March, up to 27,000 shorebirds gather here, and the 60km of sanctuary coastline is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of them. The bird sanctuary sits within the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park. There are walking trails and the option to paddle a canoe here.

October 2024

Croc numbers up in north-west WA

Crocodile sightings along WA’s north-west coast in 2024 alone are said to be greater than what was reported in the past decade.

Right across the north, croc numbers have been increasing, and in places where crocs haven’t been seen for the past 100 years. And, sadly, crocodile attacks on humans have increased as well, with the latest being an unlucky fisherman who slipped into the water of the Annan River south of Cooktown. Take care when around water when you are travelling up north – whether it’s fresh or salt!

5

Karuah Oyster and Timber festival (NSW)

Come along for the annual Karuah Oyster & Timber Festival where you’ll be able to eat world-class oysters, browse quality markets and see world class axemen compete in a range of timber sports. And don't forget there’s the famous duck race on the picturesque Karuah River to keep everyone amused.
Situated at Longworth Park in Karuah, the event will take place on Saturday 19 October and it is a day not to be missed.

Pig races in the outback (QLD)

This is one of our favourite crazy outback events. Nindigully Pub, located 45km southeast of St George, is reputed to be the oldest pub in Queensland and is world famous for its pig races which are held annually and attract a growing crowd every year.

The big day features live music performances from some of Australia’s favourite artists, raffles, auctions, market stalls, a jumping castle, fireworks and, of course, the pig races. Money raised helps ongoing support and donations to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, so it’s for a great cause. This year will be a celebration of the 19th year of the pig races, which will be held on the 30 November, and is sure to be a great day.

Eat your fill at Oysterfest (SA)

If you are into seafood then the place to be in early October is Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula in SA. Ceduna, also known as the Oyster Capital of Australia, hosts one of the nation’s largest oyster festivals on the beautiful shores of Murat Bay. The Oysterfest has been celebrated here every October over the South Australian Labour Day long weekend since 1991.

This local event is a community inspired food and wine festival celebrating the region’s world-class oysters, picturesque landscapes and country hospitality.
The festival runs between the 5-6 October and tickets are now available.

5

Urandangi abandoned (QLD)

Our reporter has been out and about and dropped into Urandangi in western Queensland, which was nearly wiped off the map about 18 months ago when a flood roared its way down the Georgina River. Today the town is nearly completely abandoned with the pub gone and services non-existent. It’s a sad end to a small community that has existed here for more than 100 years.

Cunderdin Hot Rod and Classic Car Show

The Cunderdin 100 Mile Club presents the Cunderdin Hot Rod & Classic Car Show, displaying all hot rods and steel bumper classic cars built prior to 1985. This two-day event starts off on Saturday at 1:30pm for the Show & Shine, while local bus tours are available on the day for sightseeing.

A lovely country roast dinner with full bar facilities and music during the afternoon and evening will finish off the night. There will be a wonderful airfield experience on Sunday on the WWII-built airstrip. Enjoy your bacon and egg breakfast with a nostalgic view of the Cunderdin landscape, followed by ‘How quick is your rod?’. Glider flights will also be available on the day, provided by the Gliding Club of WA. For more information contact Perry on 0417 091 847 or Troy on 0401 176 167.

Werrimull Hotel (VIC)

The Werrimull Hotel is, by all accounts, Victoria’s most outback pub, so on that point alone it is worth a visit when you are exploring the northwest of the state. The hotel is about 45 minutes west of Mildura and the historical building is well worth seeing.