21/05/2026
Ever wondered why we have seasonal road closures in Victoria?
It actually started with a massive win for four wheel drivers back in the 1970s.
In the early 1970s, more people started heading into remote bushland like the Alpine Region. Because a small group of people were doing the wrong thing and tearing up tracks, government authorities started putting up permanent "NO VEHICLES" signs everywhere. We were rapidly losing our right to explore our own backyard.
Instead of just sitting back, early 4WD club members united to fight for our access. In 1973, the Federation of Off Road Vehicles (which later became Four Wheel Drive Victoria) was formed to show that organised clubs are environmentally responsible.
To stop the government from permanently locking us out, Four Wheel Drive Victoria negotiated a compromise with the Forest Commission - restricted temporary closures instead of permanent ones.
That extremely important negotiation is why we have seasonal closures today.
By closing vulnerable, rain-softened dirt tracks from the King’s Birthday long weekend in June until late October/early November, we achieve two major things:
- We help protect the bush. This prevents massive erosion, stops tracks from being destroyed and keeps our alpine water catchments clean.
- We keep our access. This gives the tracks time to recover so they are open, safe and sustainable for us to use during the warmer months.
Seasonal closures aren't about stopping fun. They are the exact reason we still have tracks to drive on today.
Let's look after the bush, respect the gates, keep track access and our recreation alive!
Check your routes on MapShare or the More to Explore app before you head out this winter!
All this history can be found on Four Wheel Drive Victoria's website.
https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/index.php/about-us/history
