A new classification system for 4WD tracks on Public Land across Victoria has been developed by an advisory group representing Parks Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Four Wheel Drive Victoria featuring:
- Four level colour coded system indicating degree of difficulty
- Standard symbols to show easy to very difficult tracks
- General descriptions to guide drivers
Things to consider:
- The tracks have been classified for dry conditions and most medium, difficult and very difficult tracks will be more difficult in wet weather
- Recovery equipment is advisory only and is not mandatory, but recommended in line with Tourism Adventure Activity Standards
- Inexperienced drivers may require further training for more difficult tracks
| Easy | Medium | Difficult | Very Difficult | |
| Description | All wheel Drive and High Range 4WD. Novice Drivers. | Mainly High Range 4WD but Low Range required. Some 4WD experience or training required. | Significant Low Range 4WD with standard 4WD ground clearance. Should have 4WD driver training. | Low Range 4WD with high ground clearance. Experienced drivers. |
| Advisory Sign/Symbol | Green Circle |
Blue Square |
Black Diamond |
Double Black Diamond |
| Expected terrain & track conditions | Mostly unsealed roads with no obstacles and minor gradients. | Tracks with some steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have shallow water crossings. | Tracks with frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy track sections. Possible water crossings. | Tracks with frequent very steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy track sections. May have difficult river crossings. |
| Vehicle Suitability | All-wheel drive and High range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres. | Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres. | Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres. | Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range 4WD and tyres suitable for the terrain. (Mud terrain tyres) |
| Recovery Equipment | Winch recovery equipment required. | |||
| Driver training experience | Suitable for novice drivers. | Recommended that drivers have experience or 4WD training. Recommended to be done in groups of vehicles. | Recommended for drivers with reasonable experience or 4WD training. To be done in groups of vehicles. | Drivers with extensive experience and advanced training should only attempt as there are several technical challenges. Recommended to be done in groups of four or more vehicles. |
| Weather | May be more difficult in wet conditions. | Will be more difficult in wet conditions. | Will be more difficult in wet conditions. | Will be more difficult in wet conditions. |
| Tracks | Otways Drive River Red Gum Drive |
Mallee Drive Grampians Drive |
Snowy River Drive | Davies Plain Drive Wonnangatta Drive |