If you’re itching to tackle some tough tracks this summer, Levuka 4X4 Park in Northern New South Wales should be on your list. Just 2.5 hours inland from Byron Bay, this 800-acre beef cattle country-turned-4X4 playground offers the perfect mix of challenging tracks and camping in a stunning rural setting. Whether you’re a beginner looking to hone your off-road skills or an experienced driver seeking tough terrain, Levuka has something for everyone. Here’s what you can expect when visiting this off-road paradise.
Tackle the Playground
Start your adventure at the aptly named “Playground,” designed for beginners or those who want to brush up on their 4X4 skills. This area offers a series of climbs and descents, giving you a chance to experiment with low-range gearing, traction control, and hill descent modes.
As Pat discovered, it’s a great spot to get familiar with your vehicle’s off-road capabilities. “It’s a bit like the green runs at the ski slopes,” Pat reckons, “with the odd blue and black run thrown in for good measure.” The Playground is an excellent introduction before tackling Levuka’s more challenging tracks.
Test Your Rigs Limits
Levuka 4X4 Park is ideal for drivers who want to put their rigs to the test. While many national parks and state forests offer scenic but tame tracks, Levuka’s terrain is full of surprises. The tracks are “in a wonderful state of disrepair,” perfect for anyone looking to see what their 4X4 is truly capable of.
Whether you’re experimenting with tyre pressures, playing around with different drive modes, or figuring out how your rig handles traction control, Levuka provides a safe yet challenging environment to push your 4X4 to its limits.
Master Hill Climbing and Descending
Levuka is also home to several steep climbs and descents, making it an excellent place to test hill control systems. As Pat demonstrated with his Ford Ranger and Everest, sometimes it’s fun to leave traction systems off and see how your vehicle manages on its own. “The Ranger’s rear locker wasn’t even engaged at first, but when it was needed, it made the climb a breeze,” Pat says.
When it comes to descending, hill descent control is a game changer. As Pat explains, you can control your speed using the cruise control buttons, keeping your feet off the pedals entirely. This is especially useful for beginners, who may instinctively mash the brakes on steep slopes, leading to loss of control. Let the vehicle do the work, and you’ll safely make it down even the steepest hills.
Get Muddy in the Pig Pen
What’s a day at Levuka without getting a little dirty? One of the park’s highlights is the “Pig Pen,” a muddy track designed to test your driving skills. As Pat found out, the key here is not just about using diff locks, but also learning to navigate without them when possible. He managed to climb out of the mud with ease, proving that sometimes, finesse and patience win over brute force.
“Driving through the mud, I really do feel like a pig in its pen,” Pat jokes, adding that getting dirty is all part of the fun at Levuka.
Camp Under the Stars
After a day of hard-driving fun, Levuka’s campsite is the perfect place to relax and refuel. With 800 acres of rural scenery to explore, you can set up camp and enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Whether you’re camping with mates or bringing the family along, the wide-open spaces are ideal for an overnight stay.
Why Levuka 4X4 Park Should Be on Your Summer List
Levuka 4X4 Park is more than just a place to test your off-road skills—it’s a true adventure playground. From beginner-friendly climbs to mud-soaked tracks, Levuka has something for everyone. The variety of terrain makes it a great spot to learn about your rig’s capabilities while having a blast doing it. Plus, with stunning campsites and scenic views, it’s the perfect place for a summer escape.
Whether you’re new to 4X4ing or a seasoned off-roader, Levuka 4X4 Park is the ultimate destination for off-road fun this summer. Pack your gear, load up the vehicle, and get ready to experience the thrills of Levuka for yourself.
