Exploring the stunning Bendleby Ranges by 4x4

There are some places around Australia that I am very adept at finding excuses to revisit. For some inexplicable reason a detour of a few hundred kays or adding another night here or there just so I can once again enjoy a place, seems perfectly reasonable.

Of all those places, Bendleby Ranges is right up there for me, but why? Well, with more than 220km of awesome tracks, stunning camps, plenty of wildlife and commanding views, it’s a no-brainer for a 4WD tourer. But it’s also more than that, it’s the ‘feel’ you get from a place that can make all the difference, and Bendleby has a fantastic ‘feel’ to it.

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Bendleby Ranges is a privately owned station located near the township of Orroroo in South Australia. You could say it is pretty similar to the Flinders Ranges, but farther south. It is a working sheep station, but what dominates the landscape are the two ranges which almost run parallel to each other and in the middle, a small plain that hosts the homestead, and the multitude of private and secluded camps which mostly nestle into the bottom of the ranges.

PICK-A-RANGE

EACH range has a distinctively different feel to it: the Bendleby Range to the west is more gently sloping with a good scattering of native pine; while the Hungry Range to the east is far taller, steep and rugged, with sharp rock, various gums and plenty of native yakkas. What they each share though, is myriad dirt tracks ranging from easy to hard. There is plenty of driving here for everyone, from stock-standard rigs (and no prior off-road experience) right through to well-modified touring rigs (and plenty of off-road experience).

The great thing too, is that upon arrival you are given a colour topo map with each track clearly marked and graded, so there is little chance you’ll find yourself in trouble unless you deliberately seek it out. In addition, all tracks are well signposted, so for those who don’t believe in looking at maps, you’re covered!

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It really is a choose-your-own-adventure here. If towing a trailer, you can either set up at the main campground or head in to one of the easier secluded camps; if you want a little luxury, you can stay at one of three original old cottages or the shearing quarters; or for those who like being absorbed in nature, simply head to a secluded campsite among the trees.

Whatever your choice, there are showers and flushing-toilet facilities available (located near the main camp), long-drop loos scattered around the secluded camps, and no matter where you stay, you can enjoy a nice campfire as timber is also included in your booking. While there is a small range of goods and basics (like beer and local wine) at the reception hut, you will need to bring your own food, water and essentials. If you forget something or need to restock, Orooroo has a grocery, butcher, pub, servo and more, and is only a 30-minute easy drive away.

Dedicated bushwalking trails are scattered around the property, but I cannot speak to their qualities. Every time I visit, I can’t resist getting behind the wheel and simply driving through the ranges and gullies for most of the day, before retiring around a campfire for a cooked meal and a few coldies … perfect.

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Track development at Bendleby is ongoing and a few crackers have opened up in recent years, – one hill is even named after me, Mount Scott. The latest is called the Hungry Highway, featuring some reasonably steep driving and some gritty leaps in faith with sharp drop-offs, it is an exciting track to drive with epic views. If you are new to 4WDing then its best to have someone guide you in places as you are completely unsighted at times, the track simply disappears below your bonnet. It’s definitely a white-knuckle ride for newcomers and not one to bring a nervous partner along.

If steep is what you are chasing then Pat’s Peak is your fix. It (like a few tracks on the property) is a one-way affair and will have your feet planted firmly against the firewall as you descend.

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BILLY GOAT RIDGE

THE flagship drive has to be Billy Goat Ridge. Let’s put it this way, it is not uncommon to see people high-fiving and celebrating reaching the summit of this stunner. While it is neither incredibly steep nor overly technical, it offers both of those elements in spades and will definitely punish those who underestimate it. I would not recommend taking a stock vehicle up it (there is a high chance of hitting the sills and underbody), but many have done just that and enjoyed it.

I have taken factory stock, medium-level and full-on rigs up there successfully and easily, with good line selection, careful and steady throttle and low tyre pressures. It is a real driver’s track and one of the most enjoyable I have driven – and the views are epic. It is also another track which will leave you unsighted at times, so it’s best have a good spotter to help you out in places.

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Apart from my favourites tracks above, there are countless others to enjoy at your leisure. The ridgeline tracks and gully tracks all have unique appeal and will have you smiling. One must-do is spend at least one afternoon at Sunset Hill where you look over the plain to a neighbouring range to take in the last rays of sunlight. Quite often you will meet fellow travellers here and enjoy the company of similar-minded people on their own adventures.

I hope I have inspired you by sharing one of my favourite Aussie destinations. Whether it’s a quick stopover or a weeks-long stay, you will not be disappointed by Bendleby, it’s definitely one to put on the list!

FIVE ESSENTIALS

1. Billy Goat Ridge track
2. Hungry Highway track
3. Secluded camps
4. Sunset Hill
5. Embrace the wildlife