Haleys Road

You'll discover why Haleys Road is a perfect introduction to off-road driving in Tasmania's central highlands. This gentle 5.3 km route near Mathinna offers novice 4WD enthusiasts an ideal opportunity to build confidence without technical challenges, featuring consistent easy terrain and zero steep grades throughout the entire drive. The gradual forest setting provides a serene driving experience as you navigate well-formed tracks through the natural landscape.

The terrain alternates between smooth sections and light corrugations, giving you just enough variety to stay engaged while remaining completely manageable for stock standard vehicles. You'll enjoy scenic forest surroundings that characterize this region, with the straightforward nature of the track allowing you to appreciate the environment rather than concentrating intensely on obstacles. The minimal completion time of around seven minutes shouldn't fool you—this is genuinely useful for sharpening basic 4WD skills in a low-stress environment.

Before heading out, bring sufficient water and fuel, as services are limited near Mathinna. Check weather conditions beforehand, as unsealed roads can become slippery after rain despite the easy grade. The Newtracs app provides GPS tracking and route details to keep you oriented throughout your journey. With only basic vehicle maintenance required and minimal hazards present, Haleys Road represents an excellent warm-up trail for anyone new to off-road exploration.