Long summer days may be over (for now!) but with the Easter holidays fast approaching, it’s yet another perfect time to get planning your next 4×4 adventure with heaps of great destinations around the country just waiting to be explored. Making sure you have all the necessary kit on board (and of course the most suitable tyres for where you’re heading!) is all part of the adventure — so doing some preparation is key to getting the most enjoyment from the ride. And, if you’re needing inspiration to get your Easter 4×4 getaway sorted, here are a few tyre tips and 4WD destination ideas to get you on your way…
Choosing the right tyres
Whether you’re a seasoned 4×4’er ready to take on a challenging remote trail or you’re a newbie keen to put your skills to the test at a track closer to your own backyard, Maxxis has the perfect tyres for all terrains! Our great line-up includes the iconic RAZR range, built for adventures both on-road and off the beaten track! Choose from the RAZR sharp mud-terrain MT772 with aggressive good looks and performance to match or the cutting edge all-terrain AT811, offering excellent off-road traction, improved puncture resistance and impressive ride comfort. You can check out the entire RAZR range online or visit one of our friendly Maxxis dealers to find out the best one for your vehicle and adventure.
Where to go
When it comes to delivering 4WDing trips of all levels of difficulty, Australia delivers! Whether you’re up for an epic trip through the Top End, looking to explore Victoria’s High Country, cross a Tassie river, negotiate a boghole or just kick back around a campfire and look up at the stars on a low-key track close to home, there’s always somewhere new to go. Plus, one of the extra awesome things about 4WD’ing is that it really does give you the opportunity to get away from it all (the Easter Bunny included!) so if you’ve got kids along for the ride, you may want to stock up on chocolate eggs before you go. Here are just a few destinations to get you started:
Canning Stock Route, WA: Being very remote, this one’s often referred to as the loneliest 4×4 track in the world – and it’s also the world’s longest stock route. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, it is only recommended for experienced 4WD’ers and ideally one you travel with a buddy or in a group! Taking you on a trek over more than 1,800km from Halls Gap to Wiluna in the Kimberley region, you’ll need to factor in plenty of time for the trip (14 to 21 days minimum) and ensure your vehicle, tyres, supplies and gear are all up for the challenge. You’ll experience a huge diversity of terrain including craters, high sand dunes and dune crossings, river crossings, possible bogs, gravel, rocks and plenty of red dust, sand and many more obstacles along the way. It’s also important to note that a permit is required, so make sure to apply for that as part of your preparation.
Stockton Beach, NSW: If a bit of beach and sand dune 4WD’ing sounds like some Easter holiday fun, a cruise on the sensational Stockton Beach could be your ideal destination! Just an hour from Newcastle, the track stretches for 19km from Williamtown to Anna Bay, through Worimi Regional Park with a further 350km of dunes ready to be explored! It goes without saying that lowering the psi of your tyres prior to driving on sand is a must. Popular with many 4WD’ers, Stockton can get pretty busy (especially over holidays and long weekends) so extra care should be taken. Also, be sure to check the tides before embarking on the ride, as some sections may not be passable at high tide, and you may find yourself stranded. A permit (which must be displayed) is required.
Cape York Track / Old Telegraph Track, QLD: A rough and gnarly track like none other, this track is also more suited to the experienced 4WD’er. Beginning at Bramwell Junction, the track is only driveable in the dry season. Following the original telegraph line through the Cape York Peninsula, it takes you through some spectacular (and super remote) FNQ terrain complete with creek and river crossings, bogholes and other formidable obstacles…and watch out for the crocs! Stretching a gruelling 150kms in total, it can also be tackled in smaller sections, and there are several bypass roads if the going gets too tough and you want to avoid crossings or tougher parts of the track. Since you’ll be far from anywhere, having the right supplies is essential including a 4×4 snorkel (for the river crossings this is an absolute must). You’ll also need spare tyre/s and puncture repair kit and recovery gear (in case you become stuck or bogged) including items such as shovel, traction boards, recovery straps, bow shackles and winch. Plus of course extra petrol or diesel, camping kit, drinking water and maybe even a hot cross bun or two!
Aberfeldy Backroad Track, VIC: Graded medium to difficult, this historic track in Victoria’s High Country (much-loved by many avid 4WD’ers) takes you on a ride through rugged scenery and terrain that includes mountains, bushland and river crossings. Covering a whopping 300km in total, you can do as much or as little as you like, with the 74km Donnelly’s Creek Loop a great two-day option. There’s a choice of camp sites along the track including Walhalla, Edwards Hill, Donnelly’s Creek Recreation Ground, O’Tooles Flats, Meringtons Flat and The Junction, just to name a few.
Finke River Route, NT: Also known as the Boggy Hole Track, this is another iconic trip for the seasoned 4WD’er and offers plenty of opportunity to put your 4×4 tyres, vehicle and skills to the test! Situated between Finke Gorge and Watarrka National Parks, it’s very remote taking you through rugged landscapes (and red dust), over waterholes and a wide flat bed with a lot of sand driving involved. Preparation is key – so ensure you have enough fuel, food and drinking water to last the duration of the trip, along with all your recovery gear, spare tyres, satellite phone, maps and other vital equipment. There are no bins so ensure you take your rubbish with you. A Parks Pass is required by all drivers except residents of the Northern Territory.
Still looking for a bit more inspiration? Ricko’s got you covered…
Tune into Season 4 of Australia ReDiscovered with Ricko on 7Mate & 7+, for a season dedicated to 4WDing, with Maxxis RAZR AT811s and MT772s front and centre on the journey! The renowned Australian adventurer and TV host (Rick O’Brien) will be taking viewers to some more of Australia’s most iconic 4×4 tracks and destinations. The first episode airs on Saturday, 19th April 2025 at 1:30pm, so buckle up and get ready to adventure!
