Cars are all about context, right?
You don’t get a convertible Volkswagen Eos to hit the outback. Much less do you get a Ford Wildtrak for simple trips to the shop. But on the odd occasion you find a car that’s equal parts massive and practical that makes you think, ‘oh yeah, that works’.
Say hi to the Toyota Landcruiser 300. Quite literally the biggest car you’ve ever driven, with more power than the simple streets of Sydney knew how to handle and enough suspension to make you have moments of existential quandry where you think, ‘am I actually driving, or just rolling under my own momentum?’
MORE: Here’s what we thought of the Toyota CHR Koba SUV
More an icon and master of the outback, you’d be considered nuts if you didn’t put this car through its paces on all kinds of terrain from the city to the country. So, we spoke with travel expert Quentin Long about the best ways to explore Australia’s landscape and those unseen destinations.
The Landcruiser 300 makes all kinds of trips for all durations and demands a breeze. With perks and features that include some of these bits, you’re in good hands:
- a brand new 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel engine delivering 227kW and 700Nm
- 10-speed automatic transmission designed to enhance driving performance, fuel efficiency, and quietness – which genuinely works – you hear nothing
- and let’s not forget, the Multi Terrain Select with a new Automatic Mode was tuned for Australian conditions and uses advanced algorithms to adjust brake hydraulic pressure, driving force, and suspension systems.
Here’s a list of 10 favourite spots to try all this out:
1. Five Beaches Track, Somerset, Cape York Peninsula
A mixture of rocky, sandy tracks weave up over ridges and through breathtaking rainforest. The track starts at approximately 10km south of The Tip. Discover the beautiful white sands and great spots along the way with plenty of camping areas to spend the night.
2. Lake Pedder, Tasmania
The most underrated place in Tasmania. Edged with beautiful mountain ranges, this lake seems to change at every lookout. Along the road that lines the lake, there are numerous dirt tracks that lead to the water’s edge where fishing enthusiasts or eager campers can set up for the day and night. Not to mention, Lake Pedder isn’t a huge tourist destination like Cradle Mountain so not as many people!
3. Billy Goat Bluff Track, The High Country, Victoria
The High Country in Victoria is not only a must for avid four wheel drivers but it is home to one of the most famous tracks in Australia, the Billy Goat Bluff Track. This challenging track rewards drivers with its steep climb and views of rolling hills as far as the eye can see. A few minutes from the top of the track is The Pinnacles fire lookout.
4. Pender Bay Escape, Western Australia
It requires a 4WD on soft sand, rocks and steep inclines to access this isolated location. You will be greeted with a generous campsite perched high on the cliff tops overlooking the Indian Ocean and white sand perfect for whale watching, dolphins, fishing, and relaxing.
5. Secret Springs, Kunnunura, West Australia
Spring Creek is Kunnunura’s best kept secret, hence the name. The springs can be accessed down a short but grueling four-wheel drive track to be greeted with palm trees and the most amazing waterfalls and rockpools. The waterfalls flow with cold, refreshing water for those needing to cool off from hours in the heat and those wanting to discover more, numerous pools and waterfalls are a short climb up the waterfall.
6. Sturt Steps touring route, NSW
There is so much history and incredible landscape to take in throughout this region and with the main highway all fully sealed it provides a safe outback experience for those who are new to caravanning or four-wheel driving.
7. Explorers’ Way, South Australia to Northern Territory
The Explorers’ Way stretches between Adelaide in South Australia, and Darwin in the Northern Territory. There is a certain feeling out there that this incredibly vast landscape is the spiritual heart of the country. Nature is unbelievable out here and the colours are something else! Standing amongst the ancient giants Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, life’s worries can seem fairly insignificant!
8. Canning Stock Route, West Australia
The Canning Stock Route is the ultimate four-wheel drive exploration for those who are experienced adventurers. Those who tackle the Canning Stock Route will experience a quintessentially Australian -remote rough, historic and beautiful adventure.
9. Lost City, Blue Mountains, NSW
On the doorstep of Sydneysiders lies a hidden gem, the Lost City on the Newness Plateau in the Blue Mountains. The Lost City can be done as a day trip, or overnight at one of the most spectacular camp sites in Australia, Newnes Campground. Take the Old Bells line of Road from the Zig Zag to the Lost City and then onto Glow Worm Tunnel and onto Newnes Campground.
10. Chace Ranges Flinders Ranges, South Australia
This ancient land is probably the most underrated outback gem in Australia. It provides spectacular views of the Flinders ranges and Wilpena Pound. It’s a challenging track for those new to four-wheel driving however this can be done with a guide who can take to the wheel.
See more at the Landcruiser website
