Our Favourite 4WD Adventures in New South Wales: Summer 2025 Edition

When you live in Sydney it’s easy to forget you’re never far away from some of the best off-road and camping spots New South Wales has to offer. If you’re willing to drive a few hours and have a day or two to spare, you can experience everything from coastal sand dunes to a lush rain forest or misty mountains.

Whether you’re looking for a place to camp with the kids or a track to send it with your mates, our top picks for summer 4WD adventures in NSW have you covered. From how to get there, what to expect and the best 4WD gear you’ll need to get there safely.

Top 5 Summer 2025 4WD Trails

1. Watagans National Park - Bush Bash Central

Watagans is the perfect weekend to test our latest 4WD gear and get out a few weeks worth of stress on some challenging trails. With everything from slippery hill climbs to narrow bush trails. If you’re a rookie offroader, we’d definitely recommend travelling with someone who’s experienced for your first visit.

• Distance from Sydney: ~120 km (2 hours north via M1)
• Scenery: Rainforest vibes, steep climbs, and clay trails surrounded by dense bush. It’s an iconic 4WD adventure in NSW providing an unforgettable jungle experience.
• Go here for: Tight, technical climbs and scenic forest camping.
• Campsites: Gap Creek campground is accessible by 4WD and ideal for a magical night under the stars.

2. Stockton Beach – Iconic Coastal Off-roading

Every man and his dog has been to Stockton Beach at some point, and there’s a good reason it’s still one of the best adventures NSW has to offer. The ultimate spot to test out your sand driving skills, just don’t forget your recovery boards. This beach doesn’t forgive rookie mistakes.

• Distance from Sydney: ~170 km (2.5 hours via M1 and Nelson Bay Rd)
• Scenery: Sand dunes as far as the eye can see, 30 km across the Worimi Conservation Lands. Expect shifting sands, coastal winds, and beautiful ocean views.
• Go here for: Sand offroading, beach camping, and the unforgettable thrill of 4WDing beside the ocean.
• Campsites: You’ll need a Worimi Conservation camping permit to camp out in designated areas like Samurai Beach. Who doesn’t want to wake up to the sound of the ocean?

3. Blue Mountains National Park – Where Boys become Men

Especially if you’re from Western Sydney, the many offroad trails the Blue Mountains offer are basically in your backyard. Zig Zag has been a classic proving ground for P-platers for generations where you learn the difference between confidence and over confidence. 

• Distance from Sydney: ~110 km (2 hours west via Great Western Hwy)
• Scenery: A time capsule of old Australia with vintage buildings reminding you of a different time on the drive up. Rugged cliffs and beautiful forested valleys making for some very photogenic lookouts.
• Go here for: A variety of tracks for every 4WD skill level, from easy runs near Katoomba to tougher trails like Zig Zag which is home to the iconic Moon Rock and the scenic Lost City.
• Campsites: Our favourite spot to spend the night is Ingar Campground situated between Wentworth Falls and Woodford. Great if you’d like a cheeky swim in the creek to cool off in the Summer. Bents Basin is our next pick if kayaking and fishing is how you prefer to spend your weekend.

4. Barrington Tops National Park – High-Country Paradise

If you’ve been to the Blue Mountains more times than you can count over the years, Barrington Tops is a must if you’re still craving some misty mountains. This place feels worlds away from Sydney with crystal clear rivers and sub-tropical rainforests, the perfect escape if you’ve got some time on your hands.

• Distance from Sydney: ~300 km (4 hours north via M1 and Bucketts Way)
• Scenery: Alpine forests, river crossings, and rolling sub-tropical highlands. When contrasted to the Blue Mountains this spot is very lively.
• Go here for: Scenic high-altitude trails, multi-day camping and spectacular winding 4WD trails. Barrington Trail and Mount Royal, deliver steep climbs with unforgettable views.
• Campsites: Polblue Campground offers nearby 4WD trails and scenic subalpine forest walks. If you prefer isolating yourself in the depths of nature there are plenty of remote campgrounds along Barrington Trail such as Little Murray Campground and Junction Pools Campground.

5. Dharug National Park – The Riverside Retreat

We’ve got another close one for you that isn’t going to have the kids asking “are we there yet”. Dharug National park offers an easy 4WD adventure that winds with the Hawkesbury River making for some scenic and light off-roading. Your 4WD isn’t going to be tested out here but your relaxation skills might be.

• Distance from Sydney: ~90 km (1.5 hours north-west via Wisemans Ferry)
• Scenery: A mix of riverside trails, sandstone crests, and forested hills. Dharug is one of Sydney’s closest 4WD getaways. The only closest spot you can head to after work on a Friday and still feel off-grid.
• Go here for: Gentle 4WD touring, river views, and relaxed camping. The trails are more scenic than adrenaline pumping, making it ideal for a family trip.
• Campsites: Our go to spot is Mill Creek Campground which is surrounded by stunning sandstone cliffs and is central to everything worth getting up to in Dharug National Park.

Blue Moutains vs Barrington Tops: Which NSW Adventure Wins?

Feature	Blue Mountains	Barrington Tops
Distance from Sydney	2 hrs ~110 km	4 hrs ~300 km
Terrain	Rocky and dusty firetrails (in summer) with forested valleys	Misty forests, river crossings, and boggy clay tracks
Best for	Weekend escapes and short tracks	Multi-day touring and remote camping
4WD Skill Level	Moderate to Challenging	Intermediate to Advanced
Camping Style	Accessible and social	Remote and scenic

 

If you’re after a quick adrenaline dose without even having to stay the night, the Blue Mountains delivers everything you need whether you’re a beginner or a grizzled off-roader. Plenty of camping spots brimming with 4WD adventure, the only drawback is they can get packed during holidays since it’s so close to Sydney. If you’re comfortable offroading for days at a time with less helping hands in this isolated paradise, Barington Tops is hard to beat. Barington Tops is wilder and quieter than what the Blue Mountains has to offer at the expense of an 8-10 hour round trip to get there. But if you’ve got some annual leave stacked up and a thirst for something more, Barrington Tops is definitely the go.

Recommended Gear for 4WD Adventures

No matter where you find yourself off roading in NSW this Summer - from the misty peaks of Barrington Tops to the sandy dunes of Stockton Beach. You’ve got to make sure you’ve got the right gear with you if you want to make it back home or get to those truly special places.

Vehicle Protection & Recovery 

1. Bullbar & Bash Plates: Crucial for enhanced approach angle, collisions with rocks or kangaroos.
2. Sidesteps & Brushbars: Rock climb without the fear of destroying the side of your 4WD and send it through brush like a pro.
3. Snorkel: Must have for any river crossings, last thing you want is a damaged engine.
4. Winch: Non-negotiable for a few of these 4WD spots, save yourself from getting bogged or up steep trails.
5. Recovery Kit: Rated D-shackles, snatch straps, tree protectors and gloves.
6. Tyre Deflator & Compressor: Get your tyre pressure down when you need and back up when it’s time to go home.
7. Recovery Boards: Essential for sand and mud, do yourself a favour.

Camping Necessities 

1. Roof Top Tent or Swag: Quick setup if you’re on the move, keep all the creepy crawlies out.
2. Awning: Essential sun or rain protection for your campsite.
3. Cooking Setup: Gas burner, utensils and a pantry box.
4. UHF Radio: For communication between your group and emergencies.
5. First-Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher: Mandatory for any serious 4WD trip.
6. Torches: Setting up after sun down sucks without a few of these.
7. Insect Repellent: Nobody likes too many flies or mosquitoes.
8. Sunscreen: You can recover your rig but not your skin.

There’s nothing worse than getting to the location of your dreams only to realise you forgot something essential. A quick ten minute check now can save hours of swearing later. Summer off-roading is all about preparation and staying cool, the best adventures start with a well packed 4WD and a solid plan.

Seasonal Tips for Off-Roading in Summer

1. Watch Your Temps

Keep an eye on what your 4WD’s gauge system is telling you and ensure your cooling system’s servicing is up to date. It never hurts to bring some extra top up coolant in case things get sticky. If you’d like a bit more power from your engine while climbing, consider turning the A/C off for a bit.

2. Sand Isn’t a Joke

The hotter it currently is, the softer the sand your driving on will be. Drop your tyre pressures early (down to 14–20 PSI, depending on your setup) and keep your momentum steady — full sending it will get you stuck quickly. Avoid driving during peak midday heat when sand gets loose and engines run hotter.

3. Fire Safety Matters

Summer heat means bushfire season in NSW, so always check the RFS Fire Danger Ratings before you hit the tracks. If there’s a Total Fire Ban, you’ll have to forget about toasted marshmallows and pack some cold meals instead. Don’t forget to pack a fire extinguisher and avoid setting up or parking on dry grass. You’re responsible for fire safety for the sake of our community.

Check current fire danger levels and Total Fire Ban info via the NSW Rural Fire Service.

 4. Make Use of Daylight

Summer means you get more daylight so make the most of it. Plan your 4WD trips early, set up camp before sunset, and avoid navigating unknown tracks in the dark. If you have to drive at night make sure you’ve got a good set of spotlights and a UHF to communicate with your crew.

Your Next 4WD Adventure Starts Here

From the coastal paradise of Stockton Beach to high country climbs in Barington Tops, you don’t have to go interstate for variety this summer - NSW has every type of 4WD adventure you could think of. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned offroader, there’s no shortage of 4x4 tracks for you to explore.

Before you set off on your next adventure just make you have your 4WD gear sorted — recovery kits, tyre deflators, compressors, and all the essentials to beat the heat. Preparation and planning is what turns a good weekend into a great weekend.

So plan your next off-road trip in NSW, pack the essentials, and get out there. From the Watagans to the Blue Mountains, there’s no better time to hit the tracks and see what your 4x4 can really do.