Five soft-roader adventures for SUVs

Not on a tortuous 4WD-only track obviously, but if it’s a relatively pleasant unsealed road you’re after, look no further than these five destinations.

Just remember that if your SUV is not a 4WD, don't push it to the limits and end up in a pickle...

You might be driving the 3.5 hours from Adelaide or travelling to SA’s capital from Melbourne; either way, Little Dip on the Limestone Coast is a good spot to get the tyres dirty. It’s just outside Robe and features sandy scrublands running down to the rugged coast, so take the Stony Rise Track to the beach – but avoid the challenging coastal track as that’s for serious off-roaders. Freshwater Lake with its birdlife and walking trail is easily accessible along Long Gully Track and makes an excellent picnic stop.

Part of the adventure is finding and following the winding and undulating Grand Ridge Road as it snakes 132km across the Strzelecki Ranges, changing from bitumen to gravel almost on a whim. Start at the western end at Seaview (about 125km southeast of Melbourne between Warragul and Korumburra), follow the signs to Mirboo North, then onwards through the Strzelecki Ranges. The reward is forests, farmland and some fabbo views from the ridge and hilltops.

Watagan Forest Drive winds through the enchanting landscape of the Watagan Mountains. Inland from the central coast, look for the intersection with Jilliby Road then follow it 70km north to the Watagan Headquarters Camping Area as the gravel road meanders through the heart of the lush Watagans National Park. Towering eucalypts line the route, creating a canopy of greenery that adds to the road’s mystique. Plan for lots of stops - bushwalking, bird watching and picnicking make it a haven for outdoor activities.

While technically in NSW, the Border Ranges National Park is an easy day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast and the jungle-like rainforests feel more like tropical Queensland anyway. Head for the Tweed Range Scenic Drive - an unsealed road through the heart of the forest offering exhilarating twists and turns, revealing panoramic views of the park's diverse ecosystems. Detour up Brindle Creek Road and stop at the Antarctic Beech picnic area dotted with ancient Gondwanaland trees (you might spot a dingo or bandicoot).

Whether you’re doing an epic lap of Australia or just looking for an excursion barely two hours out of Darwin: Litchfield is a must-see even if Kakadu gets most of the kudos. While the road in is sealed – and you have to stop at the amazing, two-metre magnetic termite mounds arranged north-south – there are a number of dirt tracks suitable for light-duty off-roaders, like the road to Central Valley. The park is huge, crossed by gorges with waterfalls and other scenic wonders so make the time for a stopover.

Related: Seven SUVs that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd

Related: Five cars for adventurous families

Related: We rank top road trip snacks ahead of your next adventure