4WDing in Australia has grown at an almost exponential rate in Australia since the 1990s. Put simply: it’s fun, it’s rewarding and it allows us usually urban-bound folk to enjoy the great outdoors.
However, as more of us come into the off-roading fold, there is a corresponding upswing in the rules being ignored, which is hugely detrimental to the pastime and overall accessibility.
Here’s what you need to know that the guy who sold you your 4x4 neglected to tell you.
Do speed limits apply on Fraser Island (K'gari)?
Yes. Absolutely. And it’s not just on the world’s largest natural sand island either. Every single beach in the country has the same road rules as on the blacktop. Speed and alcohol limits apply and are enforced. You’re also required to avoid pedestrians and slow right down around them too. Sounds like common sense, right?
Crossing private property: The law of 'unmarked' tracks
There are a lot of tracks and off-road destinations located on private property. Sometimes as a thoroughfare, sometimes as income for the landowner. Regardless, all of the restrictions outlined in the Australian Road Rules still apply, despite it not being a 'public' road. In fact, anywhere where 'the main purpose is driving', be it a beach, a fire trail, a private track or the Colesworth car park, has all of the rules enforced. Again, common sense is the prevailing theme here, folks.
Rules for tyre pressure and vehicle modifications in national parks
All roads deemed to be 'public use' have the same limits on modifications that everywhere else does. Just check the amount of defects handed out in the Victorian High Country.
As for tyre pressure, how low you go really depends on your vehicle and the terrain, but start around 18psi and adjust accordingly. Generally speaking, if your pressures have increased by more than 4psi after an hour’s driving, they’re too low. If they’ve gone up by less than 4psi they’re too high. This is strictly vehicle and terrain dependent, however.
Who gives way on a steep, single-lane dirt track?
The person ascending the climb must give way to those descending in the majority of cases. It’s also good form to let the other driver know how many people may be behind you or if there are any hazards ahead of them. Have we mentioned common sense yet?
Off-road etiquette: A simple list
Don't litter. It’s selfish, rude and completely unacceptable in all circumstances. Don’t be a grub, take it with you.
Setting up camp right next to somebody else. Look, sometimes it’s unavoidable in popular areas, but if there’s plenty of room, use it.
Loo paper. Don’t leave it blowing in the breeze. Not only is it gross, but it can also attract wild animals and is often responsible for having campsites and tracks shut down. Take a shovel, dig a nice, deep hole. Bury it. For bonus points, light it on fire and let it burn down before filling the hole in (obviously not during total fire bans).
Recovery gear. Most people will stop and lend a hand if you get stuck off-road, but it’s a party foul to expect them to use their own recovery gear. There’s little excuse these days to go anywhere unprepared.
Modifications. Despite what some people will tell you, every single bit of gear is NOT required for 99 per cent of weekend trips. However, heading somewhere you know is especially taxing in a factory-spec vehicle is also silly. Remember, common sense.
Track damage. Minimising this should be the second priority after people’s safety. Spinning your wheels endlessly and digging out ruts is knuckle-dragging behaviour and is heavily frowned upon. Don’t be that guy. Tread lightly.
On that note: Cutting donuts, or anything hoonish, on vegetated areas or within sight of an established campground is not only uncool and pointlessly dangerous but may lead to some serious repercussions. We get it, it’s fun driving off-road, but engage and use your … what’s that phrase again?
In the past 15 years as an automotive journo and 35-plus years of inveterate car-guy antics, Dex has worked across numerous titles and has even occupied the occasional editor’s chair when nobody was watching. He spends his downtime doing engine swaps (plural) on the nature strip out front and also once ripped a handbrake spin into a perfect car park. His parents remain indifferent.
