In Part 1 of our Levuka 4X4 park adventure, we took you through some of the more accessible tracks at the Park, but now it’s time to get into the gnarly stuff. Welcome to the Bullant Track, where the terrain shifts from serene farmlands to challenging rainforest paths, complete with creek crossings, ruts, and sticky climbs.
One of the coolest things about Levuka 4×4 Park is that it’s not just about off-roading—it’s also a working cattle property. As you navigate the tracks, you’ll spot cattle grazing peacefully in the open paddocks, and just beyond them, stunning views of World Heritage-listed nature areas. It’s a great mix of rugged off-road tracks and soaking in some classic Aussie scenery. The Bullant Track takes you through this transition, starting with open farmland and quickly leading you into a dense rainforest. It’s a place where the landscape shifts dramatically, and so do the driving conditions.
“You’re not staring at tree after tree—you’ve got gorgeous paddocks, and off in the distance, you’ve got world heritage-listed nature areas. It is pretty cool.”
As we hit the rainforest section, things got tricky fast. The once-open paddocks transformed into tight, winding paths with creek crossings and slick, muddy climbs. And just as fast as the scenery changes, so do the challenges. This track is full of ruts that quickly test your vehicle’s clearance and traction. Our Ranger started slipping and sliding on the first steep hill climb, but with some careful throttle control and patience, we managed to crawl our way up.
Bill, in the Everest, had his own challenges. With a different wheelbase and all terrain tyres instead of muddies, the slippery track proved a bit more difficult. After a few attempts in high range, Bill decided to take a different line and adjust his approach—but still found himself stuck partway up the hill.
Recovery Time: The Right Way to Get Unstuck
When Bill got well and truly stuck, it was time to grab the recovery gear. This is where you can’t just rely on a tow ball and hope for the best—it’s critical to use the right tools for the job. We set about using rated recovery points and Outback Armor shackles to ensure everything was safe and secure. With a working load limit of 4.75 tons, we had no worries about the shackles holding up. And remember, it’s all about slow and controlled recovery. With Bill’s lockers engaged and some gentle acceleration, we worked together to pull the Everest out of its tricky spot.
“The most common mistake? People accelerate like crazy. We don’t need Full Throttle. Just put it in low range, first gear, and recover as slowly as possible.”
After the initial recovery, Bill still wasn’t out of the woods—literally. The rear differential, often called the “pumpkin,” was catching on a rock in one of the deep ruts. This is what we call diffing out, preventing forward movement. This is where bigger tyres become essential. While suspension lifts can help with chassis clearance, they don’t lift thdiff. Bill’s Everest was already running 33-inch tyres, which is as big as legally allowed, but it wasn’t quite enough to clear the obstacle.
To solve the problem, we broke out the Exitrax. These handy recovery tools gave us the extra clearance we needed to lift the diff over the rock. By placing the tracks under the tyres, we created an artificial lift of about two inches—just enough to get Bill’s Everest out of trouble. With the tracks in place, Bill gently backed off, and we repositioned them for the final push. A few moments later, the Everest climbed out of the rut and over the rock. Problem solved.
“Exitrax are designed for situations like this, giving you that little bit of extra clearance to pop the diff up and over.”
Pro Tip: When you’re diffing out, don’t just spin your wheels and hope for the best. Stop, assess the situation, and use recovery tools like Exitrax to give yourself that critical extra clearance. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
A Satisfying End to a Tough Climb
The Bullant Track is no joke. It offers a mix of challenging climbs, tricky ruts, and tight corners that demand patience and skill. But with the right equipment and a bit of know-how, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.
Whether you’re in a hardcore tourer or a weekend warrior, Levuka 4×4 Park will test your limits and leave you with a sense of accomplishment. And remember, recovery is all part of the adventure—so embrace it, learn from it, and enjoy the ride.
Have you tackled the Bullant Track or a similar off-road challenge? Share your toughest moments and recovery tips in the comments below!
