4WD Trails in South Australia
2,080 trails in South Australia, Australia.
About South Australia
South Australia is the gateway to the desert. The Flinders Ranges, Strzelecki Track, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, and Googs Track form a network of historic stock and supply routes that today carry off-road drivers across some of the country’s most striking landscapes.
Closer to Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills and the Riverland offer day-trip driving. The Innamincka Regional Reserve and the eastern Simpson Desert require Desert Parks Passes and serious preparation.
The best driving runs from April through October. Outside that window, summer heat and dust storms make the desert tracks genuinely dangerous. Always carry water reserves well beyond what you think you need.
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Popular trails in South Australia
Showing 1–24 of 2,080 trails
Nora Creina Bypass Track
Long Gully Road
Errington Hole Track
Domaschenz Street
Bishops Pate Track
Little Dip Beach Track
Douglas Dawson Track
Hermitage Track
Stony Rise Track
Gums Track
Bishops Pate Track
Douglas Dawson Track
Border Track
White Bridge Track
Douglas Dawson Track
Bevilaqua Road
Red Bluff Track
Domaschenz Street
Errington Hole Track
Lake George Road
Lake George Track
Coffin Track
Coola Road
Long Gully Road
Recently updated trails
Frequently asked questions
What is the Desert Parks Pass and where do I get it?
The Desert Parks Pass is an annual permit covering vehicle entry and camping in SA's desert parks — Innamincka Regional Reserve, Witjira National Park, Strzelecki Regional Reserve, Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park, and several others. Purchase online through the SA Department for Environment and Water (naturalresources.sa.gov.au), at major roadhouses before the park boundaries (Marree, Innamincka), or at the Port Augusta office.
When is the best time to drive the Birdsville Track?
April through September is the practical window. Summer temperatures in the Channel Country exceed 45°C and make a breakdown genuinely dangerous — remote recovery times can exceed 24 hours. The track is 520 km from Marree to Birdsville. The Diamantina can flood unexpectedly — carry enough water for a full detour and a satellite communicator.
Is the Oodnadatta Track suitable for a standard 4WD?
The Oodnadatta Track (620 km from Marree to Marla via Oodnadatta) is regularly completed in standard high-clearance 4WDs. The unsealed surface gets corrugated but isn't technically demanding — it's the remoteness that requires preparation, not the terrain. Fuel is available at William Creek Pub and Oodnadatta. Carry water reserves well beyond what you think you need.
Are there permits required for the Flinders Ranges 4WD tracks?
Most Flinders Ranges 4WD access is via Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, which charges standard SA Parks vehicle entry fees. No separate vehicle permit is required for day use of park tracks. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders requires prior booking for their ridge-top tours. Some private station tracks in the southern Flinders require landowner permission — always ask before opening a gate.