Secret Australia Off Road Trip Hotspots

This iconic coastal trail leads to the most easterly point of mainland Australia, where the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse stands guard over the Pacific Ocean. The 3.7km loop track offers a blend of rainforest, cliff tops, and beach walking, with chances to spot dolphins, turtles, and whales during their annual migration.

Beginning at the Captain Cook Lookout, the trail winds through coastal rainforest before emerging at the lighthouse. Each turn reveals new views across the bay, while strategically placed benches allow walkers to pause and soak in the coastal panorama.

Set out at sunrise to be among the first in Australia to greet the new day, or time your walk for sunset when the lighthouse beam begins its evening rotation. 

Tucked away between the Coral Sea and the rainforest-clad mountains of the Wet Tropics, Jeffries Beach Camping Area offers a true tropical escape. This beachfront campground combines the simplicity of bush camping with the luxury of falling asleep to ocean waves.

Basic facilities include composting toilets and cold showers, while the real attractions lie in the natural surroundings. The beach offers excellent fishing opportunities, while the nearby rainforest trails provide chances to spot cassowaries and tree kangaroos.

The campground is most accessible during the dry season (April to October), when the beach track is firm and the weather mild. A 4WD is recommended for access, particularly after rain.

Singapore Bay presents a remote camping experience on the northern Great Barrier Reef, where coral gardens meet pristine beaches. This basic camping area offers an extraordinary base for snorkelling, with fringing reef accessible directly from the shore.

The campsite requires careful planning and self-sufficiency, with no facilities beyond a composting toilet. Fresh water must be carried in, but the reward is absolute solitude and world-class snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

Visit between May and September when the winds are calmer and visibility is at its best. Access is by boat only, making this a true adventure camping destination.

Set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Gordon Country's network of 4WD trails offers everything from gentle scenic drives to challenging technical tracks. This private property spans 2000 hectares of varied terrain, where creek crossings and steep climbs test driving skills against a backdrop of stunning mountain views.

Multiple tracks cater to different experience levels, with the Valley View Track offering spectacular vistas across the Goomburra Valley. The property includes designated camping areas, making it perfect for extended adventures where you can combine 4WD exploration with bush camping.

The tracks are accessible year-round, though rain adds extra challenge to the already technical sections. Visit during spring when wildflowers dot the mountainsides and clear skies offer the best valley views.

Deep in the Otways, Mait's Rest offers a gentle 800-metre boardwalk through ancient cool temperate rainforest. This elevated path winds between massive mountain ash trees and centuries-old tree ferns, creating an accessible way to experience one of Victoria's most pristine rainforest pockets.

The raised boardwalk protects the delicate forest floor while providing excellent viewing opportunities for fungi, native birds, and nocturnal wildlife. Regular seats along the circuit allow quiet observation of the forest life.

Visit after rain when the forest comes alive with fungi and the boardwalk prevents muddy feet. Night visits with torches offer chances to spot glowing fungi and native wildlife.

Nestled in the shadow of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Hugh River Campground offers an authentic outback camping experience where ancient riverbed meets red rock escarpments. This basic bush camp provides the perfect base for exploring nearby gorges and walking trails.

The campground features simple facilities including fire pits and a long-drop toilet. The surrounding river red gums provide natural shade, while the dry riverbed offers excellent walks and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Winter months (June-August) provide ideal camping conditions with warm days and cool nights. Early mornings often reveal fresh animal tracks in the sand and birds gathering at nearby waterholes.

Rising above Dove Lake to one of Cradle Mountain's finest viewpoints, Marion's Lookout challenges hikers with a steep climb that rewards with breathtaking alpine views. This 3km return walk showcases the raw beauty of Tasmania's highlands.

The track includes sections of chain-assisted scrambling near the top, adding to the adventure. From the lookout, Cradle Mountain's jagged peaks form a stunning backdrop across Dove Lake, while native wildlife often appears along the lower sections.

Set out early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light on the mountain. Winter brings snow and ice, creating spectacular scenes but requiring additional preparation.

Hidden behind coastal dunes, Darlington Bush Camp provides a secluded beachfront camping experience where the sounds of the ocean replace digital notifications. This remote site combines the thrill of beach driving with the serenity of isolated camping.

The camp area requires full self-sufficiency, with no facilities provided. The reward is exclusive access to pristine beaches, excellent fishing spots, and the chance to spot turtles nesting during season.

Access requires a 4WD and careful tide planning. The best camping conditions occur between March and October when the winds are milder and the weather more predictable.

Circling Brisbane's historic first water supply, the Enoggera Reservoir trail offers mountain bikers a perfect blend of single track and fire trails. This 5km circuit weaves through open eucalypt forest and along the water's edge, where brief technical sections mix with flowing rides suitable for most skill levels.

Multiple track options allow riders to extend their adventure, with wildlife encounters common along the water's edge. The dam's swimming area provides a perfect cool-down spot after your ride, while purpose-built rest areas offer scenic breaks overlooking the water.

Morning rides offer the best conditions before the heat builds, with winter providing firm tracks and clear skies. The trail network is easily accessible via sealed roads, making it ideal for quick escapes from the city.

Threading between coastal heath and endless beach, the Bustard Beach track delivers one of Queensland's most rewarding coastal 4WD experiences. This challenging route combines technical driving with pristine coastal camping spots where turtles nest and shore birds gather.

The track requires careful tide timing and experienced beach driving skills. Sections alternate between soft sand and rocky headland crossings, while side tracks lead to isolated fishing spots and camping areas.

Plan your trip around low tide and carry recovery gear. The track is most accessible during the dry season (April-October) when the inland sections are firm and beach conditions more predictable.

Hugging Sydney's northern coastline, the Manly Scenic Walkway traces 10km of stunning harbour views and hidden beaches. This well-maintained track connects Manly to Spit Bridge, offering a perfect mix of bushland paths and elevated boardwalks.

The trail reveals Aboriginal rock engravings, secluded beaches, and constant harbour panoramas. Regular rest stops and viewing platforms provide opportunities to spot whales during migration season, while side tracks lead to quiet swim spots.

Start early at the Manly end to have the sun behind you, and time your walk to catch low tide at Forty Baskets Beach. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays along the bushland sections.

Where the Nullarbor meets the Great Australian Bight, Chadinga Conservation Park offers remote camping among coastal mallee scrub. This off-grid camping experience provides front-row seats to spectacular cliff-top views and the chance to spot southern right whales during their annual migration.

Basic bush camping areas require full self-sufficiency, with no facilities provided. The surrounding park offers excellent bush walking opportunities and photography points along the dramatic coastline.

Winter brings the best whale watching opportunities, while spring reveals wildflowers carpeting the coastal heathland. Access requires a 4WD and careful planning due to the remote location.

Hidden in the North Burnett region, Cania National Park's 4WD tracks wind through rugged sandstone country and past ancient Aboriginal art sites. The network of tracks ranges from scenic drives to challenging technical sections that test both vehicle and driver.

Multiple routes explore different aspects of the park, from riverside tracks to ridge-top drives with spectacular views across the Cania Gorge. The Three Moon Creek track offers excellent creek crossings, while the Castle Mountain track rewards with panoramic views.

The tracks are best tackled in the cooler months when creek levels are lower and the weather more predictable. Early morning starts offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities.

Set within the historic gold mining township of Hill End, Village Campground offers a unique blend of bush camping and heritage exploration. This well-maintained campground sits among the remnants of Australia's gold rush era, where historic buildings and mining relics create an atmospheric backdrop.

The campground provides modern amenities including hot showers and BBQ facilities, while maintaining its historic character. Walking tracks lead directly from the camp to various mine sites and the restored township buildings.

Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures perfect for exploring the historic sites. Visit during school holidays when guided tours bring the gold rush history to life.

Nestled against ancient quartzite cliffs, Ellery Creek Campground provides access to one of Central Australia's most picturesque waterholes. This well-planned campground balances outback solitude with essential facilities in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Shaded sites sit among native desert oaks, with the permanent waterhole just a short walk away. The surrounding gorge walls create a natural amphitheatre, while walking tracks lead to elevated viewpoints of the ranges.

The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer ideal camping conditions. Summer brings the chance to cool off in the deep waterhole.

In the heart of a preserved private ghost town, Private Town Campground offers a camping experience surrounded by Australian mining history. This remote site provides a base for exploring the restored buildings and mining remnants of the historic silver mining township.

Basic facilities include composting toilets and tank water, while the real attraction lies in the atmospheric location. Walking tracks connect the camp to various mine sites and lookouts across the surrounding wilderness.

Access requires a 4WD and careful planning due to the remote location. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable camping conditions and clearest night skies.

Perched high in the Liverpool Range, Coxs Creek Campground offers a cool mountain escape where snow gums meet grassy woodlands. This compact campground provides an excellent base for exploring the surrounding plateau's walking tracks and scenic drives.

The campground features picnic shelters and fire pits, with sites scattered among the snow gums. Native wildlife, including wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles, are regular visitors to the surrounding grasslands.

Summer brings relief from the western plains heat, while spring showcases wildflowers in the surrounding grasslands. Winter occasionally brings snow, creating a magical alpine atmosphere.

Nestled among the iconic granite boulders of Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles, this basic bush campground offers one of Australia's most dramatic overnight stays. Camp within view of the massive balanced rocks that glow fiery red at sunset and dawn, where Aboriginal dreamtime stories meet geological wonder in the heart of the Territory.

Simple facilities include picnic tables, fire pits and composting toilets, with no water available on site. The real attraction lies in the surrounding landscape – a playground of precariously balanced boulders that appear to defy gravity. Short walking tracks from the campground lead between the formations, with information signs explaining both the geological and cultural significance of this sacred site.

The campground is accessible year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer brings intense heat during the day but rewards with spectacular star-filled skies at night. Arrive in the late afternoon to secure a site with boulder views and catch the sunset transforming the rocks into glowing spheres against the outback sky.

Tucked away in the northern borderlands of NSW, Bandahngan Campground offers a peaceful bush retreat where clear mountain streams meet ancient rainforest. This spacious campground sits alongside Tooloom Creek, where platypus play at dawn and dusk, and walking tracks lead to the impressive Bandahngan Aboriginal Area with its remarkable rock formations.

Basic facilities include fire pits, picnic tables and composting toilets, creating a genuine bush camping experience without sacrificing essential comforts. The surrounding forest creates natural shade for campsites, while the creek provides a refreshing swimming spot during summer months.

The campground is accessible year-round, with autumn bringing comfortable temperatures and spectacular forest colours. Spring showcases wildflowers throughout the surrounding bushland, while summer visitors appreciate the cool creek waters. Access via unsealed roads becomes more challenging after heavy rain, making a 4WD recommended during wet periods.

Descending dramatically from the Echo Point lookout, the Giant Stairway lives up to its name with more than 900 stone steps carved into the cliff face. This engineering marvel offers one of the Blue Mountains' most exhilarating hiking experiences, where each step reveals new perspectives of the iconic Three Sisters and vast Jamison Valley stretching to the horizon.

The stairway begins at the famous Echo Point viewing platform and descends 300 vertical metres to the valley floor below. Handrails provide security on the steeper sections, while strategically placed rest points offer chances to catch your breath and soak in the spectacular views. At the bottom, the Dardanelles Pass connects to the Federal Pass walking track, creating opportunities for extended explorations.

Morning visits often reveal magical mist rising from the valley, while afternoon light casts dramatic shadows across the sandstone cliffs. The walk is most comfortable during spring and autumn when temperatures are mild. Pack water and appropriate footwear – while the descent might seem straightforward, the return climb provides a serious cardio workout that rewards with increasingly expansive views.