WHERE TO LEARN HOW TO GO OFF-ROAD IN AUSTRALIA

Looking to learn how to go off-road driving but not sure about where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve found the best places in Australia that will teach you all you need to know about off-road driving.

1. AUSTRALIAN OFFROAD ACADEMY

The Australian Offroad Academy offers both recreational and corporate training. The recreational courses include low range courses, sand courses, camper trailer courses, advanced recovery courses and customised courses. Courses are offered at various locations, including Western Sydney, Canberra, Noosa or the Landcruiser Park. Low range and sand courses are $510 for two drivers.

2. AUSTRALIAN 4WD AND ADVANCED DRIVER EDUCATION, BRENDALE, QUEENSLAND

Source: Australian 4WD and Advanced Driver Education

Located on the north side of Brisbane, Australian 4WD and Advanced Driver Education deliver corporate training, recreational training and defensive driving. The most popular course is the 4WD Low Range Bush Course, which provides a mechanical understanding of your off-road vehicle, correct driving techniques, as well as environmental appreciation.

For those who want to get out of the bush, there is also the 4WD Sand Course, which gives you the chance to tackle difficult sand obstacles within a supervised environment. This course takes place on Bribie Island. This course costs $265.00.

If you’re interested in this course, make sure to bring along your own 4WD with at least half a tank of fuel, food, wear outdoor attire and stay sun smart by wearing a hat, covered footwear and sunscreen.

3. MELBOURNE 4X4, WERRIBEE, VICTORIA

Located on 80 acres of land in the Werribee Gorge is Melbourne 4x4. Here you can find both corporate and private 4x4 training courses. The one day course allows beginners to learn new skills in a safe, controlled environment. You will learn skills such as how to use the 4WD, how to negotiate hill ascents and descents, how to read the terrain, how to negotiate rocky climbs, and how to cross rivers safely, to name a few.

The course costs $300 for the driver, $230 for a second driver in the same car, and $50 for a passenger not driving. Costs include all food and refreshments.

4. 4WD OFF ROAD DRIVER TRAINING, BOWENFELS, NEW SOUTH WALES

Source: 4WD Off Road Driver Training

4WD Off Road Driver Training offers three off-road courses. Course 1 is great for beginners and teaches people the correct and safe techniques of how to take their vehicle off road and know its capabilities. For those wanting to enhance their skills, course 2 includes obstacles, rocky sections, and mud. If you’re interested in this course, you must have completed course 1 or an equivalent first. Courses 1 and 2 cost $330 each. Level 3 focuses on safe recovery techniques and is designed for those who have a hand winch when venturing off road. This course costs $350 per driver.

5. ADVENTURE 4WD, COLLINSWOOD, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Source: Adventure 4WD

Adventure 4WD offers a range of off-road courses, including South Australian government training, Commonwealth government training, and training for those within various industries including mining, and energy and infrastructure. For members of the general public, there are also numerous recreational 4WD training courses. First Time Out is the ideal course for beginners. This course includes a theory lesson, followed by a practical lesson. This is a great way to launch into off-road driving. This course costs $485 per vehicle including up to 2 drivers.

6. GETABOUT TRAINING SERVICES

With courses located all throughout Australia, Getabout Training Services offers eight different types of courses that are sure to help kick start your off-road driving. You can learn everything from recovering a 4WD to driving on unsealed roads to driving in the sand at Stockton Beach in New South Wales. Prices vary depending on the course you select.

7. EUREKA 4WD TRAINING, ARMADALE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Source: Eureka 4WD Training

Eureka 4WD Training offers both commercial and recreational off-road courses. You get a one on one session with your trainer, where you will gain a better understanding of your 4WD, and learn about stability control, downhill assistance and wheel placement techniques, to name a few. Once you’ve done the beginner course, there is also bush and sand driving courses on offer. The introductory course is $275 per vehicle.

Liked this blog post? Check out Yakima’s blog posts about securing your items on your car roof and 8 steps to follow when going off-road.