AWD Tracks (Around Sydney)

Cheech · 23-01-2013, 08:35 AM

So I've bought a 2010 Forester XS as my daily driver (and to do our snow trips in).

Does anyone have any suggestions for easy one day AWD trips around Sydney (within 150klms) so I can give her some testing. Ground clearance on the current model is 220mm so I'll need to take this into account.

Thanks.

ryeman · 23-01-2013, 09:10 AM

Will it get you out of Penriff first....:-D

Cheech · 23-01-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryeman

Will it get you out of Penriff first....:-D

It will, as long as I'm wearing my flannie & ugg boots.

TheInterceptor · 23-01-2013, 03:28 PM

Hey mate, perhaps head out near Lithgow, just past the Zig Zag railway. (Locality is called Clarence, the bushland is Newnes State forest) you will find something good out there, big area with lots of side tracks. Ive explored a tiny bit thus far in my old 4wd. Will be back in my wagon to keep exploring

Apart from that, there are the Watagans up north. Might be a bit more than 150kms but i know theres AWD stuff out there for sure, dont ask where as i dont know! Its a big place aswell. Ive been out there with an offroad subaru forum a while ago in a stock '83 wagon and made it, loads of fun!

To the south near Nowra theres a place called Yalwal but youd need a 2" lift and more than a day.....

To my knowledge and past research results, there is nothing else near Sydney.

Have fun!

SXR6 · 23-01-2013, 05:27 PM

Dropzone lol. VERY fun tracks out Riverstone and Menai is the same sort of stuff but bigger. Some big stuff, some small stuff. Few mud puddles and some challenging stuff, Plenty of tracks that you can quite comfortably do without damage and bottoming out just need to pick your lines. Even seen a Mazda 121 bashing around in Rivo LOL..

TheInterceptor · 23-01-2013, 09:58 PM

Do beleive Menai has been closed for years now, $20,000 fine if ya get in too. Nothing really in the way of offroading here in the southern part of Syd. Though there is a bit at a place called Maddens Plains just south of Helensburgh but its mostly 2wd, lots of dead ends, weird place that can be a bit boring and im unsure if it holds the same trespassing penalty. But the gap in the trees to get in (last i was there) had no signs saying private. Only one way to get in or out.

Took my old Subaru out there and all was well

ryeman · 23-01-2013, 10:05 PM

AWD/4WD heaven in Vic close to Melbourne or the famous 'high country'

FPVF6X201 · 23-01-2013, 10:06 PM

As said, Newnes State Forest at Lithgow (all the way out to the Glowworm tunnels. Pretty easy road but side tracks every where that need AWD or 4WD.

A few of us Territory owners (and a Jeep) did our xmas in july trip there last year.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...ight=xmas+july

Cheech · 24-01-2013, 01:23 PM

Thanks guys.

Wifey found a good book - 4wd's around NSW (or something similar). Splits it up into easy/medium & hard grade tracks.

AussieCJ7 · 24-01-2013, 03:19 PM

If you check out 4x4 earth http://www.4x4earth.com.au/ they have a track database and as long as you stick to the easy ones you should be ok in a AWD

Normal advice for traveling in the bush, 2 or more vehicles is always better, carry a map (real maps even if you use a gps with maps) spare drinking water, first aid kit and a reasonable set of tools that matches your mechanical ability. Mobile phones work in some area's but not others so a radio and ideally a EPIRB should be carried, tell someone where your going and when you expect to return.

For a place like Newnes is if in doubt walk the track, many of the tracks there turn from dirt road to major rock steps with very little if any spot to turn around and you can get your self in deeper trouble if you keep going.

Menai IS private property and closed to 4x4s

Best to check with the state forest rangers for track closures as many are at this time of year for bush fire prevention and in winter to help maintain the tracks

Go out and have fun but stay safe and keep common sense

SXR6 · 24-01-2013, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheInterceptor

Do beleive Menai has been closed for years now, $20,000 fine if ya get in too. Nothing really in the way of offroading here in the southern part of Syd. Though there is a bit at a place called Maddens Plains just south of Helensburgh but its mostly 2wd, lots of dead ends, weird place that can be a bit boring and im unsure if it holds the same trespassing penalty. But the gap in the trees to get in (last i was there) had no signs saying private. Only one way to get in or out.

Took my old Subaru out there and all was well

Was mucking around in Menai 2 weeks ago. Was atleast 30 other 4wds in there playing around to.

Riverstone is good fun, ive got a stock Triton that I play around with. Can do most of it in RWD unless its been raining.

**Burnout** · 24-01-2013, 06:50 PM

Some sections of Parramatta Road will test it out.

AussieCJ7 · 24-01-2013, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SXR6

Was mucking around in Menai 2 weeks ago. Was atleast 30 other 4wds in there playing around to.

.

/soap box on

This may well be the case but as someone actively involved with 4x4 clubs, competitive 4x4ing and knowing the communication between the 4wd association of NSW the land owners and the relevant authority I can tell you for a fact it is private property it is actively patrolled by the police and people HAVE been charged with trespass

It has always been private property but in the past there was an agreement with the land owner for clubs who are members of the 4wd association to drive in there in return for cleaning up the area of a regular basis. This agreement is no longer in place.

I personally would not be broadcasting in a public forum you have committed an offense by driving in this area and would recommend all to avoid going 4x4ing in this area. It is hard enough to keep valid spots open and we do not need mis-informed people doing the wrong thing making the case for those who want to shut 4x4ing down even stronger.

We all enjoy our vehicles and the right to drive them as intended be it a 4x4 in the bush a high power car down the drag strip or a well tuned grand tourer on a race track but the worst thing for any enthusiast is to see people doing it in the wrong way or location giving everyone a bad name we need to stick together to ensure the nanny state do gooders dont kill legitimate pastimes.

/end soap box

TheInterceptor · 24-01-2013, 09:58 PM

Yes, this bloke above speaks the truth. Im a member (now inactive) of 4x4earth and the same thing has been said throughout that forum and Sydney 4x4 clubs.
I have seen coppers on dirt bikes, they really do patrol around the place, unless dirt bike po po dont carry fine books.

But anywho. Whats out at Riverstone? First ive heard about this place!