4WD Access

Wellington Park provides opportunities for the adventurous four wheel driver featuring spectacular alpine scenery and technical driving. Like many good things, it’s generally a summer feat and permits are required.

The East West Trail - permit and gate key required

*** Update 19 Dec 2025: Jeffreys Track south of the Russell Ridge Conservation Reserve, that previously enabled 4WD permit holders to exit Wellington Park, is no longer open to the public. The Track has been deemed to be a private road where it crosses multiple private properties south of the Reserve. The Wellington Park Management Trust has been unable to secure approval for an alternative route that enables drivers to safely exit Wellington Park across other land tenures. This work is continuing, but is beyond the control of the Trust.  East West Trail permits will not be available until a solution has been found.

• The Permit season runs November - April, depending on weather and trail conditions

Provides technical driving in high and remote country. Access is one-way only, from Montrose Road in the East to Jefferys Track in the West (20km in length). Drivers should have extensive experience and suitable vehicles with generous clearance. Note that dogs must not be taken with you, even in the vehicle, through this part of the Park.  All 4WD access is subject to track conditions, fire risks and permission from property owners adjacent to the Park.  There is a limit of six 4WD vehicles allowed access each day. 

Other recreational vehicles including trail and quad bikes are not permitted in the Park due to environmental and social impacts, and visitor safety. Registered trail bikes are permitted on Pinnacle Road and Jefferys Track (no access south of the Russell Ridge Conservation Reserve) .  

Minimise impacts while 4WDing in the Park:  

• Leave your dog at home 
• Clean all soil and seeds from under, on and within your vehicle before you arrive 
• Leave gates as you found them, or as signposted 
• Avoid disturbing stock on Park neighbour properties
• Stay on existing tracks
• Obey track closures and other signage
• Respect other Park users (slow to a walk or stop when approaching others)
• Travel in small groups
• Take all rubbish out with you
• Winch between vehicles if vehicle recovery is necessary – if you have to winch from a tree, use padding or webbing. 

Vehicles must be cleaned before entering the Park to reduce the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi or root rot. This fungus is carried in soil and attacks the roots of plants. Susceptible species generally die once infected.  Soil also carries introduced weed seeds. Please clean your vehicle thoroughly before visiting – don’t forget the undercarriage and mudguards.