Tantangara Dam Fire Trail

If you're seeking an authentic off-road experience that combines water crossings with scenic backcountry access, the Tantangara Dam Fire Trail delivers an intriguing challenge near Gooandra. This compact 0.6 km route provides the perfect opportunity to test your vehicle's water fording capabilities in a relatively short but engaging drive through NSW's rugged terrain.

You'll navigate a straightforward track that emphasizes technical skill over distance. The trail's defining feature—river crossings—demands your full attention and preparation. Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is equipped for water crossings, check current water levels and conditions, and verify that your 4WD is in optimal mechanical condition. The flat 0% grade might suggest an easy drive, but water crossings are inherently unpredictable, and seasonal variations can dramatically alter difficulty levels. Scout the crossing points carefully and consider the depth, current strength, and substrate composition before committing.

The landscape around Tantangara Dam offers genuine wilderness character, with the dam itself providing striking scenery as you explore this fire trail network. While the drive itself is brief, this trail works perfectly as part of a larger exploration day in the region, allowing you to refine your water crossing technique in a controlled environment before tackling longer routes. Track your progress and share your experience on Newtracs to help build the community's knowledge of this trail's conditions.