Winch ChallengeLong Course
One of Australia's biggest 4WD winch challenge events — a seven-day outback odyssey across remote station properties around Broken Hill, where self-sufficiency is not optional.
Visit Ultimate 4×4 Challenge →7 DAYS · OUTBACK STATIONS · REMOTE NSW · SELF-SUFFICIENT TO THE FINISH
The Australian Ultimate 4×4 Challenge — compete, spectate, or marshalThe Ultimate Outback Endurance
The long course winch challenge is Australian off-road motorsport at its most extreme. The flagship event — the Australian Ultimate 4×4 Challenge — runs across several remote station properties east of Broken Hill in far western NSW.
Over seven demanding days, drivers and navigators navigate sandy creeks, sandy dunes, rocky hills, and old station tracks. Unlike most motorsport, you won't find hotels and support crews here — competitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying everything they need for the week. Only water and fuel are provided.
"Competitors will need to live from their cars and only have access to water and fuel — everything else they must carry, including spare parts." — Australian Ultimate 4×4 Challenge
Outback Australia at Its Rawest
The event traverses some of the most remote and dramatic country in Australia. Expect everything from flat outback plains to dramatic rocky terrain, all on private station tracks rarely seen by the public.
Sandy Creeks
Sandy Dunes
Rocky Hills
Old Station Tracks
Remote Properties
Live from Your Vehicle
The long course isn't just a motorsport event — it's an expedition. Teams must plan and carry everything for seven days in the outback. This is part of the event's legendary appeal and a significant part of its challenge.
What You Must Carry:
- All food for 7 days
- All camping gear
- Spare parts for vehicle
- Tools and recovery gear
- Navigation equipment
- Communication devices
- First aid supplies
- All personal equipment
This unique format means vehicle preparation goes far beyond the mechanical. Packing strategy, weight management, and provisioning become critical skills — and teams who get it right gain a significant edge.
An Experience Like No Other
The Australian Ultimate 4×4 Challenge isn't just a race — it's a life-defining experience. The combination of outback Australia, extreme vehicle capability, and the camaraderie of a small band of competitors sharing an enormous challenge creates memories that last forever.
The event is also accessible beyond competitors. You can spectate at key stages, volunteer as a marshal (an incredible way to experience the event up close), or sponsor a team. The community around this event is tight-knit, welcoming, and passionate about the sport.
Additionally, the 4WD Shed Challenge — a 24-hour, 3-car team event run at Bagshot Raceway near Bendigo — offers a shorter but equally thrilling format from the same organiser, perfect as an introduction to long course style events.
Your Pathway In
Join CCDA
CCDA membership is required to compete. It provides your insurance coverage and connects you to the wider off-road motorsport community.
Consider Spectating or Marshalling First
The long course is a significant commitment. Many competitors spectate or marshal first to understand the event's scale before entering. It's highly recommended.
Get Your Vehicle Built & Scrutineered
A long course winch challenge vehicle requires extensive preparation. Review CCDA vehicle specifications and get your build scrutineered well before your planned event entry.
Register with the Australian Ultimate 4×4 Challenge
Visit ultimate4x4challenge.com.au to view upcoming events, registration details, and event information. The team includes experienced organisers, marshals, and 4WD enthusiasts who can guide you in.
Australian Ultimate 4×4 Challenge
The AU4x4C is coordinated by an experienced team of event organisers, marshals, drivers, navigators and 4WD enthusiasts. Set to be one of Australia's biggest 4×4 winch challenge events, it runs bi-annually across remote station properties near Broken Hill.