Vehicle use on Victorian public land.
On Victorian public land, you can drive on all designated 4WD and formed roads and tracks that are open to the public, but off-road use is illegal. It’s your responsibility to stay on approved routes, obey all road closures, and check for current information on MapshareVic or the Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and Parks Victoria websites before you travel. Using vehicles off-road can cause significant environmental damage and pose a safety risk.
Where You Can Drive
- Formed roads and vehicle tracks: You can use these if they are open to the public.
- Approved National Park tracks: 4WD motor vehicles and trail bikes are allowed on approved tracks.
Where You Cannot Drive
- Off-road: It is illegal to drive on natural terrain, informal single tracks, or walking and cycling trails.
- Streams and riverbeds: Do not use vehicles in these areas.
- Closed roads and areas: Obey all road closure signs, even if it means you cannot access an area.
Your Responsibilities
- Check for closures: Before you leave home, check the MapshareVic tool or the Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and Parks Victoria websites for information on seasonal and temporary closures.
- Report unsafe conditions: If you find a track is unsafe, contact
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) on 136 186 or
- Parks Victoria on 131 963.
- Be licensed and roadworthy: All vehicles and drivers must comply with standard road rules, meaning drivers need a valid licence, and vehicles must be roadworthy.
- Be prepared: Carry safety equipment like a first aid kit, a means of communication, and full personal protective equipment (PPE).
Why You Must Stay on Roads
- Environmental Protection: Driving off-road can cause erosion, damage native vegetation, spread weeds and disease, and destroy wildlife habitats.
- Safety: Illegal off-road use also increases the risk of injury to yourself, other drivers, and other people using the public land.
Helpful links:
- Vehicle use: https://www.vic.gov.au/vehicle-use
- MapshareVic: https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/mapsharevic/
- Forest Fire Management Victoria: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/
- Parks Victoria: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action: https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/
- Four Wheel Drive Victoria: https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/
- Don’t ignore road closures and wheel be alright: https://www.vic.gov.au/dont-ignore-road-closures-and-wheel-be-alright
- Seasonal Road Closures: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/seasonal-road-closures
- Track Classifications: https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/index.php/track-classifications