In this series REDARC will be looking at some of the best places your region has to offer. Whether it’s a leisurely beach road trip, you’ve just purchased your first 4x4, or you’ve been 4x4ing for years and need somewhere new to check out, we’re here to help you turn those dreams into a reality.
Area Sales Manager Steve Moore’s Pick - Fowler’s Bay
Speaking to our South Australian Area Sales Manager, Steve, his pick for camping and 4x4ing is Fowler’s Bay, “It’s got some awesome camping and sand driving.” Located about ten hours northwest of Adelaide, Fowler’s Bay is perfect for a spot of camping or fishing. Once the location of a whaling station, the water around Fowler’s Bay is now home to Southern Right Whales as they migrate throughout the winter. The whales can be seen from the land, though if you want a closer look charters are available. Sand hills line the coast, perfect for exploring or a bit of sand driving - though make sure to air down your tyres. Fishing is also abundant here, with spots to fish of the jetty, rocks and in the nearby Scott Bay and Mexican Hat bay within the Fowler’s Bay Conservation Park. To protect the native flora and fauna dogs are not permitted in the conservation park at any time of the year.
For more information visit the Fowler’s Bay Conservation Park website.
Steve out exploring the dunes
For beginner 4x4ers - Bendleby Ranges
Tucked away in the southern Flinders Ranges, the Bendleby Ranges is located on a working station just over three and a half hours north of Adelaide. With remote campsites nestled in the hillside there is something for every type of camper including 4WD tracks, bushwalking, mountain bike tracks or just relaxing and soaking up the beautiful scenery. As far as 4WD goes, Bendleby has a range of tracks varying in length from 1 to 5 hours. Though the tracks range in difficulty from beginner to expert it is perfect for first time or less experienced 4WDers as there are staff available to talk you through tracks on arrival, a training track for you to test your vehicle and the option for tag-along tours. Bendleby also offers a variety of camping options including powered, unpowered, and remote, and athough all have access to a toilets and showers you may have to drive a little to get there.
For more information on the Bendleby Ranges and to book visit their website.
For seasoned 4x4ers - Flinders Ranges to the Australian Bight and Esperance
Just north of Bendleby is the Flinders Ranges, on the fringe of the outback. Stunning scenery and a diverse range of terrains make the Flinders a must do for 4WDers. With a variety of everchanging tracks there is always something new to try. Though our pick for the more seasoned 4WDers is Mt Gill Track. A hard track for experienced drivers, Mt Gill Track is a 36km drive through narrow creeks and steep slopes but the views, at over 900m above sea level, are breathtaking. From here, Steve suggests heading to the Nullarbor and along the Great Australian Bight. With some of Australia’s most iconic scenery, it is a must-drive for any die-hard traveller.
For more information on the Flinders Ranges and their 4WD tracks visit the Flinders Ranges website.
Explore the Flinders Ranges in style
For a road trip – Innes National Park
If you’re looking for a trip that’s a little more blacktop friendly, look no further than Innes National Park on the Yorke Peninsula. At the south western tip of the Yorke peninsula, Innes National Park is wild, remote, and beautiful. Once the site of a gypsum mine in the early 1900’s there are historic sites dotted around the park, including a jetty, settlement ruins, shipwrecks and lighthouses. Mixed in with walking trails, spectacular views, and campsites there is no shortage of things to do and almost all can be reached in a regular car on blacktop road – no need for a kitted out 4x4. With a variety of campgrounds scattered around the national park, booking online is essential to secure a spot. Most campgrounds are accessible for both 2WD and 4WD, but it always pays to double check, many of the sites are also caravan or camper trailer friendly.
For more information, maps and to book a campsite visit the Innes National Park website.
While most of Innes National Park is blacktop there are a few opportunities to test your rig
For red dirt – Oodnadatta Track
If rural, red dirt is more your style look no further than the Oodnadatta Track. Covering 620 kilometres of outback it is not for the feint hearted. Ideal for both beginners and well-travelled offroaders alike, it is not particularly technical driving, but it is a great way to get out and see what the outback has to offer. Beginning in Marree, roughly 7 hours north of Adelaide, the track travels even further northwest before looping back around to the Stuart Highway at Marla. Along the track are some spectacular camp sites, hot springs to swim in, rich history and a glimpse of southern Lake Eyre. Whilst most of the Oodnadatta Track is a well-maintained dirt track, a 4WD is recommended for higher clearance.
For more information or to find out where you can get onto the Oodnadatta Track, the Hema Maps website has heaps of information.
You can't beat a sunset over the red dirt
So, there you have it, we hope you’re feeling a bit more inspired to get out and explore some of the best the state has to offer. Where are you heading off to next?
