Wombat State Forest

Wombat State Forest is a large, diverse forest area located between Daylesford, Woodend, and Trentham in central Victoria, about 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne. Covering over 70,000 hectares, it features a mix of tall eucalypt forests, fern gullies, and open woodland.

The forest is popular for bushwalking, mountain biking, trail riding, camping, and 4WDing, with plenty of scenic tracks and picnic spots. It’s home to wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and numerous bird species.

The area also has a rich gold-mining history, with remnants of old diggings and heritage sites scattered throughout. In recent years, it has been designated part of the new Wombat–Lerderderg National Park to improve protection for its ecosystems.

The club has completed several trips to the Wombat State Forest and thoroughly enjoyed each one. We highly recommend this area for anyone looking to experience great four-wheel driving adventures.

Four-wheel driving in Wombat State Forest is a popular way to explore Victoria’s central highlands, offering a mix of easy scenic tracks and more challenging 4WD routes. The forest’s network of dirt roads and bush trails weaves through tall eucalypt forest, fern gullies, and old gold-mining areas, providing plenty of variety for all experience levels.

Tracks such as Firth Road, Bunding–Blakeville Road, and parts of the Spargo–Blakeville area are suitable for beginners, while more adventurous drivers can tackle muddy clay climbs, rutted sections, and water crossings that appear after rain. The terrain changes with the weather — in winter and after heavy rain, many tracks become slippery and boggy, adding to the challenge.

There are several camping areas and picnic spots throughout the forest, making it a great weekend 4WD destination. Always check seasonal road closures (some tracks close during the wetter months to prevent damage), carry recovery gear, and drive to the conditions. It’s best to travel with another vehicle if you’re tackling harder tracks or with a club.

In short, Wombat State Forest offers a fun and accessible 4WD experience close to Melbourne — with enough variety to keep both beginners and experienced off-roaders entertained all year round.

Map of the Area