Common Questions
Can I ride my trail bike in State forest?
Riding your motorbike through forest is a popular pursuit and there are many areas of State forest where riders can enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors.
You are welcome to use roads in State forest open to the public. Please observe the following requirements:
- You must be fully licensed, and your motorbike must be roadworthy and road registered. A category of registration ‘Recreation Motorcycle’ is available for use by licensed riders on local roads and forest roads outside built up areas. Whilst reduced fees and different construction standards apply to motorbikes with recreation motorcycle registration (compared to fully registered road motorbikes), the normal road rules (ie. it is illegal to drive off formed roads) continue to apply. For further information on Recreation Motorcycle registration, please contact VicRoads.
- Drive only on roads open to the public (it is illegal to drive off formed roads and on walking tracks). Roads open to vehicles are public roads, so all normal road rules apply.
- Some roads may be closed seasonally for reasons of safety, or to minimise erosion. These roads may not be used while they are closed. They are usually signposted or enforced by barriers.
- Do the right thing: Many people go to parks and forests for walking, camping, picnicking, fishing and other activities in the peace and quiet of the bush. Enjoy your ride, but please be considerate of other users - ride well away from them and make sure your exhaust is working properly. If you do come across others walking along a road, please keep to one side and slow down.
Where can I camp?
In State forest, please use designated camping areas when they are provided. Where formalised campsites are not provided, please observe the following:
- Camp at least 20 metres from any stream, lake or reservoir
- Use toilets where they are provided. In areas without toilets, bury toilet waste at least 100 metres away from campsites and watercourses
- All native plants and animals are protected. Do not cut down or damage standing trees or vegetation
- Take your rubbish home
- Where possible, use a lightweight stove for cooking. If you must build a fire, please follow the fire regulations, be conservative in your use of fuel, and ensure your fire is completely out before you leave.
The level of facilities in State forest are generally of a lower standard than is often found in National Parks. Designed to blend in and minimise the impact of humans on the natural environment, some sites will offer basic sanitary facilities, picnic tables, fireplaces, camping grounds, walking tracks and low level interpretation, whilst others will offer a clearing and little else. For this reason it is best to be self-sufficient and come prepared.
What are the road conditions like in State forest?
Those touring the forests or undertaking their recreational pursuits may come across other activities on their travels. Generally, recreation areas are set aside from other activities, but you are likely to encounter other traffic (including logging trucks) on the forest roads so please be considerate of other users.
As forest roads are generally of a lower standard to city roads please keep to your side of the road (especially when approaching corners), drive conservatively, and park well off the travelled portion of the road to allow other vehicles to freely pass. As forest roads are generally gravel roads some sections may be suitable for four wheel drives only, impassable in wet weather or after heavy rains, or may be closed during winter. If you are unsure, please contact the nearest DSE Office to your destination for advice.