4WD Clubs News FAQs (frequently-asked questions)

NPWS now manage much of the land at the end of Cabbagetree Lane and have closed some of the tracks in the area.

The main track to Avoca Gap lookout (main lookout) is now closed with a car park constructed about 200m from the lookout.

The track to the Lower Lookout is closed to vehicles at the turnoff from the Waterboard Track, and many of the side tracks off the Waterboard Track are closed.
On 15 Feb 04 the Waterboard Track was still open to the river, but I do not know the land manager's intention for this track.

Det Voges

The start of the track passes through the property owned by Warren Cole of 95 Calabash Road, Arcadia.

This is a track through private property. Whether it is a gazetted road, recognised fire trail or whatever, the owner has every right to refuse permission to transit his property. Under such circumstances, be aware that for anyone entering:
- insurance cover is void, and they are liable for charge of trespass.

4WD NSW&ACT are negotiating access with the porpoerty owner. We are trying to determine what we can do to gain his permission for us to take organised club trips through his property.

Wirraba Ridge track and The Face in Wollomi National Park have been closed for a number of years. The entry point to these tracks are not well signposted and gates have been by-passed.

On the June 2003 long weekend, 28 4WD vehicles and several motor bikes were photographed in the area and NPWS are issuing infringement notices. Penalty for illegal access is $3300.

Fred’s Hill, aka Staircase Hill in Yengo National Park is confirmed as closed. A meeting and site inspection with NPWS was held on Friday 20th June. This has established for both NPWS and the Association reps that the two mentioned trails are one and the same. Further information will be provided when mutually agreed drafts are released by NPWS and 4wd NSW & ACT.

Rob Kelly
President 4WD NSW & ACT

State Forests closed the Spanish steps and the link track between Sunnyside Track and Blackfellow Hand Track in 2002, due to unaccetable liability and insufficient resources to maintain the track. Since then 4WD NSW&ACT has been working with State Forests to establish controlled access to this area, with cover under the 4WD Clubs' public liability insurance.

Until the gates and access controls are in place, the track is open again to the general public. When the gates are up, clubs affiliated with 4WD NSW & ACT will be able to collect the key for pre-booked trips under a controlled access scheme.

The final descent to the Lost City was closed off by State Forests towards the end of 2002. The track was closed because the edges of the track had been excessively eroded by vehicles avoiding the rock steps and an unacceptable risk of vehicle damage and personal injury.

Many of the most popular tracks in the Mt Sugarloaf area are on minimg leases, including those held by Rio Tinto. None of the mining lease holders currently permit driving on their property and all have posted signs. Although the signs might read "Enter at Own Risk" they indicate that entry is NOT permitted by the land owner.

The Association, through the Hunter Regional SubCommittee has been working towards regaining entry for our affiliated clubs on a controlled access basis. Unauthorised entry by some is making this difficult.

The Hunter Main Range track between Putty and Rhylestone (Dunn's Swamp) was closed to the public in Oct 1999.

The Paynes Crossing access through private property remains closed. Entry is only from the Putty Road until further notice.

The 4WD NSW&ACT LandUse team is working with NPWS and the nearby pastoral company to establish an alternative route. We are also pursuing negotiations with the land owners.