Recreation vehicles in State forests

Escape into adventure in State forests across New South Wales. Wide open spaces and tall green forests are part of the adventure touring experience that more and more people are looking for. And with close to three million hectares of native eucalypt and planted pine State forests, there’s plenty to explore.

Whether it is the dark green forests of the east coast, or the red dirt roads of through cypress woodlands in the west, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Forests NSW maintains an extensive network of roads and fire trails throughout its forests. These serve a practical purpose - allowing access for timber harvesting and for protecting the forests from summer bushfires. But the roads also conveniently provide a host of exploration opportunities for people with four-wheel drives or trail bikes.

You can pick and choose: get away from everything, or take a more structured approach and follow some of the major routes to scenic spots in the forest.

Three basic rules for four-wheel driving and trail bike riding

Drivers and riders should understand that if you are driving in State forests:

• Your vehicle must be registered
• You must be a licenced driver or motorcycle rider
• You must wear safety equipment as required by law.

All the normal rules of the road apply to driving in State forests. Timber trucks, bushwalkers, cyclists and native animals may also be sharing your chosen track. Other heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers and graders can be encountered in the forest at any time so always drive at a speed which will allow you to stop if you meet any other vehicles.

All vehicles driven in State forests must be registered and drivers/riders must be appropriately licensed.

Some suggestions for a safe and enjoyable visit

Plan your trip

Forests NSW offices around the State can help you plan your forest visit, or click here to check out the latest information in the recreation section of the site.

Many popular forest areas are detailed on Forests NSW maps produced for specific areas of the State. They include Mid North Coast, Lower North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast and Central West forest maps. The maps are available over the telephone from Forests NSW Information Centre Ph: 1300 655 687 or (02) 9871 3377, or from good map shops.

If you are intending to head right off the beaten track, let someone know the area you intend exploring, just in case of breakdown.

Know and maintain your vehicle

Your vehicle should be mechanically sound and drivers should carry appropriate spares for the trip. Carrying on-board emergency equipment is standard practice for any off-road adventure - take a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, food and drinking water, fuel and recovery equipment for your vehicle.

If you do get stuck and need to winch your vehicle, make sure you use a tree protector. Four-wheel drive and bike clubs and associations can be found across the State. Many coordinate group visits to forests, in addition to offering training in vehicle maintenance and operation.

Stay on track

Drivers should keep to formed roads and fire trails, and not ‘bush bash’. Creating new tracks can damage vegetation and lead to soil erosion and pollution of waterways. If there is a cross bank or other structure across the road, avoid using that track, as Forests NSW is required to prevent erosion and protect forest roads and trails.

During wet weather it is best to avoid using forest roads to prevent rutting and track erosion.

Consider other forest users

Keep your noise down. Noise pollution is a continuing problem, not just in our cities and towns, but in rural areas as well. Noise can also disturb wildlife. If you ride trail bikes, keep away from camp sites and populated areas to avoid creating a disturbance. Slow down when passing other forest visitors and neighbours to minimise dust.

Remove your rubbish. Many forest areas are not serviced for garbage collection and wood supply, so think ahead, take some wood or other cooking fuel and expect to remove your rubbish.

On total fire ban days you are not permitted to light a fire in the open anywhere in a State forest. At other times make sure your campfire is in a properly cleared area, or better still, in a formed fireplace.

Tips to make your explorations more enjoyable:

• Take care driving on forest roads - don’t speed and look out for log trucks and other road users. Be particularly careful after rain or snow when road surfaces can be hazardous.
• Native animals are found throughout forests.Watch out as they can become a road hazard.
• Please follow all road signage, and respect road closures due to timber harvesting.
• Be careful camping under trees, especially during windy weather when trees can drop twigs, branches or limbs.
• No shower facilities are available. Please keep all soaps, detergents and human wastes away from creeks.
• Dogs are allowed in State forests, but they must be under your control at all times. Pets are not allowed in adjoining national park areas.
• Keep camp sites clean and if no bins are available, please take your rubbish home with you. Day-use areas do not have bins.
• Only light fires in designated fireplaces. Avoid using the forest in wet, windy conditions. Obey total fire bans. Solid fuel fires are not permitted in the pine forest areas during the summer fire danger period (usually November to April).
• Firewood collection is permitted in some State forest areas outside the fire danger period. A permit is required.
• On walks, wear sturdy footwear (not thongs or sandals). Ticks and leeches are common, particularly over warmer months.
• In attempting a longer walking trail or camping in a remote area, please let family of friends know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Unauthorised hunting is not permitted in State forests and firearms are not allowed in forest areas.

More information

For more information on other recreational opportunities in State forests, such as camping and bushwalking, see Forests NSW' brochure on Recreation in State forests.

	Click here to download this brochure PDF file format, 540 Kb Uploaded 6 April 2005

Please contact your local State Forest office to enquire about maps, brochures and local conditions.

The ‘Glovebox Guide to Four-Wheel Driving’ is a great resource for both the inexperienced through to frequent users of four-wheel drives. Retailing at just $9.95 from Forests NSW Information Centre on Ph: (02) 1300 655 687 or (02) 9871 3377.