Outnabout David (SA) replied:

Have a look at this group http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/4wd_out_of_adelaide
and you will get some answers. Not a lot really close to Adelaide. Probably one of the closest to you would be up at Morgan or Burra or Cape Jervois maybe Deepcreek if you are just beginning. Join a club would be a good choice and do some outings. Most clubs have access to areas that are not available to the general public.We have so little time to enjoy our land

Voxson (Adelaide) replied:

If you are starting out i would suggest a great little track "The Border Track"....
Drive towards Pinnaroo and when you are about 5 or so kms you will see a turn to the right which is bitumen and goes to Bordertown, you go straight past that turn-off and the next on the right will be a dirt road called "Rosy Pine Road" or something similar.... Turn right into that dirt road and follow it all the way (approx 5kms),, you will notice it getting rougher and narrower and then comes to a camping ground with a few signs.... The signs will say "Centre Track and Border track".... Take the Border Track and follow it all the way (approx 50kms of sand tracks and dunes) and then when you exit the park you will be on a wide-ish dirt road again,, just turn right and follow it to the dukes hwy... Enjoy.... But go when it is under 30degrees,,,...
Let the tyres down to 15psi....___________________________________
Simpson trip 05/04 then turn left at Birdsville to Darwin via Lawn Hill etc
___________________________________

Diesel Do replied:

Dave,

Maybe you could try driving west on Magill Rd at afternoon peak hour?

Sun in your eyes, plenty of obstacles and rough enough to test your suspenders.

Only recovery gear you need is a mobile phone and the RAA number.

;-)

Arkay replied:

I'm probably a bit late to reply to this one as have been away for Chrissy, but here goes.....
For a day trip stick your 4WD nose into (and around) Cox Creek at the Cox Scrub Conservation Park, about 15km East of Mt Compass, or you can enter from the Northern side but the turn off is not marked. The RAA has a map of the Fleurieu Peninsula which where you will be able to find the location, and your way in.

As someone else said, the Border Track South from Pinnaroo is an (tough) option, but would suggest the Centre Track North-South through Ngarkat would be a better option. I believe that is the track that was suggested as the Border Track is a little further East via the Scorpion Springs turn off (phone NPWLs at Lameroo for all the guff, free map, newsletter, info etc.). Might I suggest that instead of that you start with the NORTHERN Border Track from Pinnaroo (just over the Vic border & turn left - North) and travel up to join the Mildura to Renmark road. Good fun & not too hard, there is nice camping ground next to the shearers quarters about 2/3 the way up. Do yourself a favour and buy the Mallee Tracks book (available at the RAA & elsewhere). About $30 well spent and has at least a dozen trips in the area. You won't regret it.
Then there is Lindsay Isaland, the Old Coach Road Mildura / Renmark, Beachport (5 mile drift), did I forget The Flinders (?), The Coorong (42 mile crossing + take a second 4WD & recovery gear), for a tame 1/2 day outing look at Old Sellicks Hill Road with short hill climb offshoots (go THROUGH the Victory Hotel car park to access this road etc.) And SO MANY more. Who said said 4WD boring. I could show you places that would have your passengers permanently grabbing the JC bar for the next 3 years.