Four Wheel Drive Victoria

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

18/05/2026

QUICK - It's not too late to sign up for the Proficiency course starting tomorrow night!
A theory session and full day of practical learning to make sure you can take what tracks might trough at you on your upcoming trips.
Sign up here - https://4wdtraining.org.au/non-accredited-enrolment-form/?course_id=112013&course_type=w&instance_id=2157627

The weather may be getting colder but FWDV doesn't stop training and educating for safe 4wding.
We have heaps of courses coming up, both on weekdays and weekends. Have a read below and use the links to see dates and prices. Our courses for the second half of 2026 will release shortly.

We have two different courses. Non accredited and accredited 4wd training.

The non accredited 'proficiency' course is a high level of training, however it does not award a Statement of Attainment at the end, you do however receive vey similar training as the accredited course. For more info on this course, click here https://4wdtraining.org.au/non-accredited-details/?course_id=112013&course_type=w

The accredited course combines the following 3 units of competency. Apon being assessed as competent you are awarded a Statement of Attainment in the units you are competent.

FWPCOT3325 - Operate a 4wd on unsealed roads
FWPCOT3326 - Recover four wheel drive vehicles
FWPCOT3329 - Perform complex 4x4 operations
For more information regarding our Accredited 4WD courses, https://4wdtraining.org.au/4x4-accredited-training/

To learn about the difference between an accredited and non accredited course please view our student handbook by clicking here.https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/images/rto/forms/Student%20Handbook%202023.pdf

Click here to find upcoming accredited courses: https://4wdtraining.org.au/4wd-course-details/?course_id=112007&course_type=w

For Training FAQ's: https://4wdtraining.org.au/faq/

Please select that if you are a club member you can obtain a member discount when enrolling into a course.

RTO 21605

Photo thanks to Sharyn McGregor from TLCCV and MJOC

14/05/2026

Ongoing Longwood Fire Assistance
Just because the cold weather is here and the news has stopped reporting on it doesn't mean Four Wheel Drive Victoria stop helping.

We all saw the devastation caused by the Longwood Fires over last Summer. With already over 2000 volunteer hours logged in the recovery by Four Wheel Drive Victoria affiliated clubs and their members already logged around the Fawcett area, we are now expanding and helping further.

With efforts this weekend meeting up at Yarck Showgrounds at 8.30am each day. There is also the ability to camp overnight across any of the days. You are welcome to just help out one day also.

Work is looking to be focussed around members of surrounding communities that have been either under insured or did not have insurance to help them and are now in need of help. Their community is helping them but they can't do everything. With no other outside help coming in, besides the great work done by Blazeaid, we step in and help. We currently are aware of 30 households needing help and this number will grow as works progress.

We are looking for people for the following jobs
General labour, clean up, moving what needs to be moved
People with and who can drive trailers
People with chainsaw and chainsaw tickets (full PPE must be worn and certificates sighted by leader on the day)
People with a good attitude who are happy to show up and help others
Work currently set and aimed for the next two weekends however more will be announced shortly.

If you are keen to help please register your name and contact info below so we can get in touch with updates.

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/fourwheeldrivevic/surveys/10505

Photos by Russel Chatfield - Pajero 4WD Club of Vic

12/05/2026

The weather may be getting colder but FWDV doesn't stop training and educating for safe 4wding.
We have heaps of courses coming up, both on weekdays and weekends. Have a read below and use the links to see dates and prices. Our courses for the second half of 2026 will release shortly.

We have two different courses. Non accredited and accredited 4wd training.

The non accredited 'proficiency' course is a high level of training, however it does not award a Statement of Attainment at the end, you do however receive vey similar training as the accredited course. For more info on this course, click here https://4wdtraining.org.au/non-accredited-details/?course_id=112013&course_type=w

The accredited course combines the following 3 units of competency. Apon being assessed as competent you are awarded a Statement of Attainment in the units you are competent.

FWPCOT3325 - Operate a 4wd on unsealed roads
FWPCOT3326 - Recover four wheel drive vehicles
FWPCOT3329 - Perform complex 4x4 operations
For more information regarding our Accredited 4WD courses, https://4wdtraining.org.au/4x4-accredited-training/

To learn about the difference between an accredited and non accredited course please view our student handbook by clicking here.https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/images/rto/forms/Student%20Handbook%202023.pdf

Click here to find upcoming accredited courses: https://4wdtraining.org.au/4wd-course-details/?course_id=112007&course_type=w

For Training FAQ's: https://4wdtraining.org.au/faq/

Please select that if you are a club member you can obtain a member discount when enrolling into a course.

RTO 21605

Photo thanks to Sharyn McGregor from TLCCV and MJOC

11/05/2026

A great trip run by one of our terrific clubs. If you've got an interest in Landcruiser's be sure to check them out. With plenty of members in the club there are trips running all the time and all over Vic, even Australia. TLCCV - Toyota Land Cruiser Club - Victoria

08/05/2026

Did you know that across a few areas of Victoria a few Seasonal Road Closures have already begun?
There's a great reason for this, one that FWDV Regional Rep, Greg Rose explains in his article on the FWDV website. Greg details his trip in the snowy alps alongside Parks Vic to help shut the gates on Kellys Lane and gives great reason as to why this happens.
Read the story here: https://4wdvictoria.org.au/index.php/998-early-seasonal-road-closures-2026
If you want to check out what areas of Vic have early or upcoming Seasonal Closures you can use DEECA's Mapshare using the More to Explore filter here: https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/mapsharevic/

Photos thanks to Greg Rose, LROCV and LROCG

26/04/2026

This discount won't be about forever! Book in for the course starting this Tuesday night for 25% off using the code 25OFF. Limited spots are filling fast!!
If you cant work out how to use the code email [email protected] and we will help you.
https://4wdtraining.org.au/non-accredited-details/?course_id=112013&course_type=w&fbclid=IwY2xjawRayh1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzYTc2dW04MERuSnRGb1lPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjwt0sOL5uJrSm5Z0hcnyN4H80AhnFhGHs5ZGE-V6n_X2Y6cOQ4T0vUrVnyp_aem_NQZlnyesGRdNNH2KgqFZTA

4WD PROFICIENCY COURSE - LATE APRIL 2026
Our 4wd training dates for 2026 are now on our training page and the next Proficiency 4wd Course is scheduled for April The online theory session will take place on the evening of Tuesday 28th April, and the practical day will take place on Saturday 2nd May 2026, meeting at Yarra Glen to head out to our private training ground in Toolangi.
Cost: Normally $450 but 25% off this course only using code 25OFF
Book directly via our 4wd Training Course link: https://4wdtraining.org.au/non-accredited-details/?course_id=112013&course_type=w
The Proficiency Course is a non-accredited course. This means that you still receive a high level of training, but you are not assessed.
All details are on the training link, but if you would rather chat to someone for more details please feel free to give the team a call 03 8872 7300.
RTO 21605

Photo thanks to True Grit 4WD Club

22/04/2026

4WD PROFICIENCY COURSE - LATE APRIL 2026
Our 4wd training dates for 2026 are now on our training page and the next Proficiency 4wd Course is scheduled for April The online theory session will take place on the evening of Tuesday 28th April, and the practical day will take place on Saturday 2nd May 2026, meeting at Yarra Glen to head out to our private training ground in Toolangi.
Cost: Normally $450 but 25% off this course only using code 25OFF
Book directly via our 4wd Training Course link: https://4wdtraining.org.au/non-accredited-details/?course_id=112013&course_type=w
The Proficiency Course is a non-accredited course. This means that you still receive a high level of training, but you are not assessed.
All details are on the training link, but if you would rather chat to someone for more details please feel free to give the team a call 03 8872 7300.
RTO 21605

Photo thanks to True Grit 4WD Club

15/04/2026

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE COURSES
Looking for a 4wd course? Check out the 4wd courses that FWDV offer, with both Non-Accredited and Accredited courses:
THE ACCREDITED 4WD COURSE combines the following 3 units of competency.
FWPCOT3325 - Operate a 4wd on unsealed roads
FWPCOT3326 - Recover four wheel drive vehicles
FWPCOT3329 - Perform complex 4x4 operations
Information regarding our Accredited 4wd courses can be found on the training page:
https://4wdtraining.org.au/4x4-accredited-training/
Please note that all sessions must be attended. A Statement of Attainment is awarded upon successful completion.
THE PROFICIENCY 4WD COURSE is a non-accredited course. This means that you still receive a high level of training, but you are not assessed.
FWDV are running both courses in April and May, book your 4wd course directly online
https://4wdtraining.org.au/
Both public & corporate courses are available. If you require more details, please feel free to call the office on 03 8872 7300.
Photo courtesy of TLCCV - CruiserKhana
RTO 21605

08/04/2026

Its not too late to jump on to our accredited chainsaw course starting this Friday in Buxton. Members of our associated clubs get a major near 50% discount.
Email Daniel [email protected] for more info and book your spot. Camping is avaliable!

Don't miss out!!

RTO 21605