Four Wheel Driving in the Mallee Parks

Some areas of the Big Desert National Park and Murray Sunset National Park regions in Victoria’s North-West are accessible only by four-wheel drive and very remote.

TAKE CARE: if you get lost or your vehicle breaks down, there is no water, no passing traffic and few distinguishing features in the landscape. Temperatures can be extreme in summer and there is the risk of wildfires. Take a map, compass and water, tell someone you are going and check road conditions before you set off. Please note that vehicles are prohibited in ‘wilderness’ zones and ‘remote’ and ‘natural’ areas.

When travelling please observe all advisory and regulatory signs indicating track closures and restrictions. Drive only on existing marked tracks. These basic guidelines help all visitors.

• Stick to the tracks
• Don’t disturb the plants and animals
• Respect the heritage and history
• Look out for others
• Take your rubbish home

Drive With Care In Your 4WD

When travelling please observe all advisory and regulatory signs indicating track closures and restrictions. Drive only on existing marked tracks.

If you drive on the sand, it is best to travel at low tide. You will find it easier to drive on sand with tyres deflated to around 105 kPa (15 psi). Please remember to reinflate your tyres prior to leaving the park.

If You Get Bogged

Some basic guidelines – do not panic – further reduce the pressure in your tyres – ensure the framework of your vehicle is clear of sand – try reversing over your wheel marks – keep your wheels in a straight line – a constant steady acceleration will be more effective.

The Border Track

From the north-east corner of Ngarkat Conservation Park, the Border Track runs one-way – north to south. At the junction of the Border Track and the Centre Track (approx. 29km down the Border Track), the track reverts to a two-way system. The Border Track presents extremely difficult driving conditions. If you are not fully prepared, and supported by other vehicles, don’t go. The Border Track is closed throughout the fire season. Moderate rain can flood the track for a number of days. Avoid using during and after heavy rain.