Beginner 4wd / offroading tracks / terrain / locations around West Sydney

[Khan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Khan]

Hi all,
Just about to receive my new 2022 Prado GXL (no mods apart from BFG KO2 tyres). I've never done any offroading before but keen to get more into it. I plan on taking a 4wd training course at some point - probably the TLCC one unless someone recommends otherwise?

Wanted to get people's recommendations on:
1. Any dirt tracks or other very basic beginner offroad terrain around Sydney (or even better West Sydney) where I could go for practice and get familiar with the car without any major risks?
2. Best way to meet other offroading enthusiasts or find people to go offroading with eventually (as I've heard its generally good to go with other vehicles for safety)

Thanks
Khan

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Try Great Divide Tours for your training. Check out National Parks website for trips in the Blue Mountains

[Not Enough Time Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Not Enough Time]

You can still get onto Stockton beach (new Newcastle) can't you from both the Stockton and Anna Bay end?
If so, I would think that would be a good trip to take, just make sure you have an air compressor, snatch strap, shackles and shovel just in case you do get stuck

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Well done mate! Best teacher is experience. Try tracks and don’t be afraid to turn around if they are too extreme.
Beach work is generally the least risky for minor damage.
A few tips…
Take a shovel
Snatch strap, dampener and shackles
Compressor ( if no servos nearby)
If possible, maxtraks (or eBay ones are fine) these are great if by yourself.
Lower tyres to 15psi for sand and down to 10 if really bad.
If you choose to go inland, run 20-25psi and use a spotter to guide you through ruts. Take it slow and enjoy the ride, don’t panic and rush if you get stuck.
Enjoy

[Khan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Khan]

Thanks all - good tips!
Was definitely planning to get an air compressor and shovel
For the snatch strap + shackles etc, I assume that requires having rated recovery points first - is that a recommended mod to get early on or can I get by without them for a while? Also where's the best place to buy / install those?
Maxtrax or similar seem quite highly recommended by most on youtube so will have a think about those too

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Hahaha. Rated recovery points. Now you’ve opened a can of worms!!
You will be fine without them for moderate recoveries. I have a set but I’m a pretty cautious guy so I believe digging and other methods are way more effective than just yanking on the front of any vehicle.
I hardly ever snatch anymore now that I have tracks.
Short answer is, be careful with the factory ones at the front and use a bridle.
A good brand snatch strap is better, far more stretch, but I have both a good one and a kings set.
The $130 kings set with a bridle and dampener is perfect for starting out.
At the rear, you can just slide the tow tongue out and slip the snatch inside the bar and re install the pin. This saves money on a hitch receiver for now.
If you are getting a compressor l, go arb, either the one in the little tool box or mounted on the vehicle. I’ve used heaps and while they all do the job, nothing comes close to how well the arb one works for the extra money.