If you are looking for remote areas to drive in, or maybe even a long leisurely scenic drive to the coast, the outer lying roads of the region and the fire trails in the National Parks and State forests have got a 4WD experience for everyone.


If remote is what you’re after, the Deua National Park is the place for you. Access is limited as a vast area of this park is designated wilderness. The country is rugged and the rivers run wild and free. Few people seem to even know the park, which is easily accessible from both Canberra (about 2 hours drive) and Sydney (4-5hours)

“A challenging & unspoilt environment for 4WD driving - and a great place to camp out far from the madding crowd."
Peter Kneen 4WD Guy, Braidwood & Beyond

...and the views are spectacular


The Deua National Park extends from the Araluen to Moruya Road in the North, past the popular 4WD destination and magical Bendethera caves and valley in the south. Three campsites with basic facilities are on the Deua River along the Araluen to Moruya Road. This dirt road is reasonably narrow and notices advise that it is unsuitable for caravans because of the bends. The Dry Creek campsite needs a 4WD or high clearance vehicle to be reached.

Bendethera has several access routes which are only possible with a 4WD vehicle. The standard route is from Moruya heading along the Araluen Road for approximately 2.5km turning left onto Wamban Road and veering left along the Little Sugerloaf Road (unsealed). After around 35 km's or so, the nature of the road changes from 2WD to 4WD and is known as the Bendethera Fire Trail and there is a series of steeper climbs and descents down to a few small river crossings before reaching the beautiful grassy camping area.

From the western side, follow the Cooma/Krawaree Road out of Braidwood, turning off at Middle Mountain Road Fire Trail (4WD access only), it's around 68kms from Braidwood. From here is about 23km of 4WDriving around the very headwaters of the Shoalhaven River to Dampier Trig station and hence some steep descents down to the Deau River and Bendethera. This route is less suited to off road trailers as the grades are steeper and there are a few hairpins - but great for the 4WD enthusiast.

Another access trail to Bendethera is from the north east. Starting at the Dry Creek camping area, cross the Deua River, climb steeply up the Merricumbene Fire Trail and head south along the ridges toward Bendethera Trig Station before joining the main route from Moruya down into the valley. This fire trail is recommended for VERY EXPERIENCED 4WDrivers only. We classify this trail as very difficult - some very steep hills are clay based and are very slippery after rain. Other sections are rough and rocky. Allow at least 4 - 5 hours for this route in.

The Dampier Mountain Fire Trail (a continuation of Middle Mountain Rd) is great for the 4WD enthusiast. It drops off the mountain range in a series of very steep grades, and after about 9kms or so it opens up into the magical Bendethera valley, a top spot for camping and exploring.

Access from the east is not limited to one road. From the Deua River camping area (Araluen Road) you can take the Merricumbene Fire Trail into the Bendethera Valley. This fire trail is recommended for very experienced 4WD drivers only, we are classifying this trail as very difficult.

Another less known access point is from the back of Moruya, take the Wamban Road, Donalds Creek Road, Coondella Creek Road which eventually joins up with the Coondella fire trail (a trail suited for the adventurous and experienced) going on to join the Bendethera Fire Trail into the valley itself.

For those of you looking for an easier 4WD access or departure route, the Little Sugerloaf Road from Moruya is recommended - it is 2WD most of the way.

There is so much to explore in this part of the world, so take your time and spend a few days at one of the many campsites.


REMEMBER- BE PREPARED YOU ARE ENTERING INTO A REMOTE AREA, SO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH FUEL,ROPES AND HAND WINCHES, WATER AND TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS. WE RECOMMEND FROM THE WESTERN SIDE SNOWBALL 8826-3S AND BENDETHERA 8826-2S,FROM THE EASTERN SIDE ARALUEN 8826-IS AND BURRUMBELA 8826-2N, GOOGLE MAPS ARE NOT DETAILED ENOUGH. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LEAVE AN ITINERARY WITH SOMEONE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK WITH NPWS AT NAROOMA ON 02 4476 2888.

If those drives sound a little too adventurous but you still want to experience the rugged scenery of this region from the comfort of your car, take the back way to the Coast via the Araluen Valley. This road follows the Deua River, and while it’s not  designated for 4WDs it’s recommended as the condition of the road varies greatly. This is wild, wonderful country with the road snaking along the river. The road is narrow and is used a lot by trail bike riders, so take your time and be careful.

Both Tallaganda National park and Tallaganda State Forest have many fire trails for you to explore. A great starting point for both these areas is Captains Flat, turning off the Kings Highway just outside Queanbeyan. From Captains Flat take Parkers Gap Road (heading east) when you come to the top of the Great Dividing Range, on the right you’ll see a NPWS sign, turning right here takes you into the Tallaganda National Park, turning left into the Tallaganda State Forest. Either road takes you along the top of the range. Make sure you’ve got your map and you can choose where you’d like to explore, (some of the trig stations are great vantage points for some terrific views). You could end up back in Captains Flat, Braidwood or even Bungendore, take your pick!



For those of you with a bit of time on your hands camp out at the Water Wheel in Lowden Park.

The Southern Tablelands are truly a 4WDrivers paradise and we’ve only briefly touched on it here (for more information we’ve listed some reference books below) for those of you who don’t know the area but want to experience the thrills get in touch with Braidwood’s resident 4WD expert, Peter Kneen, The 4WD Guy , he knows Braidwood and Beyond like the back of his hand.

Reference Books
4WD Touring South East NSW & East Gippsland-Craig Lewis & Cathy Savage 2006
Gregory's See Australia 4WD-Ron & Viv Moon 2003
Australia Road & 4WD Atlas-Hema 2007

* Image Acknowledgements - credits page