OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[William]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and new to ATVing (in Victoria anyway). I will be getting an ATV soon and I was wondering where I could legally ride it. The original plan was for it to be used on camping trips, whereby I could strap an esky to it and a couple fishing rod holders and venture off along the Murray. However, after doing research on "rec reg" and ATV's in state forests, mainly from what's available on this resourceful forum, it's quite clear that the government want nothing to do with ATV's. However, when it comes to dirt bikes, they simply look the other way. It seems they are just lazy and unwilling to act; typical politicians. I'll sell my vote in the next election to the next party that implements the change!! It's hard to believe that ATV manufacturers can survive by selling to such an acute customer base. How pathetic do you think it'd look if I were to tow a mini trailer with my esky&rod loaded on it using a dirt bike! Then again I would probably guess that that's in some way illegal too...

Enough of my senseless ranting. So the question is where can I legally ride an ATV in Victoria? Given that:
1) I do not own a farm, or know anybody who has one.

2) I am not very keen on driving hours to meet up with strangers and do a trail ride, of which I’m assuming is in a state forest. Is that even legal? Can someone clarify how clubs organise these events?

3) I want to use it for the purpose of trail riding and fishing while being in an area which allows camping. Are there any areas in Victoria that this can be done?

4) I can cross the NSW border and stay on the NSW jurisdiction side of the murray if that makes a difference in anyway.

5) I am not interested in ATV racing.

My prospects on getting an ATV are looking quite dismal at the moment! Is there anybody out there that could shed some light on it.

Cheers,
Will

[IRS 525]

William wrote:

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and new to ATVing (in Victoria anyway). I will be getting an ATV soon and I was wondering where I could legally ride it. The original plan was for it to be used on camping trips, whereby I could strap an esky to it and a couple fishing rod holders and venture off along the Murray. However, after doing research on "rec reg" and ATV's in state forests, mainly from what's available on this resourceful forum, it's quite clear that the government want nothing to do with ATV's. However, when it comes to dirt bikes, they simply look the other way. It seems they are just lazy and unwilling to act; typical politicians. I'll sell my vote in the next election to the next party that implements the change!! It's hard to believe that ATV manufacturers can survive by selling to such an acute customer base. How pathetic do you think it'd look if I were to tow a mini trailer with my esky&rod loaded on it using a dirt bike! Then again I would probably guess that that's in some way illegal too... Enough of my senseless ranting. So the question is where can I legally ride an ATV in Victoria? Given that: 1) I do not own a farm, or know anybody who has one. Only MX tracks. 2) I am not very keen on driving hours to meet up with strangers and do a trail ride, of which I’m assuming is in a state forest. Is that even legal? No. Can someone clarify how clubs organise these events? No idea sorry. 3) I want to use it for the purpose of trail riding and fishing while being in an area which allows camping. Are there any areas in Victoria that this can be done? Not as far as I know. 4) I can cross the NSW border and stay on the NSW jurisdiction side of the murray if that makes a difference in anyway. If they have rec reg in NSW I don't see why you couldn't do that. Tassie would be an even better option though IMO. (As long as you don't suffer from Sea sickness). Drive onto the Ship with your Quad on the back of a Ute, sit back and relax, have a feed and a drink, watch a movie etc,etc, drive off into some of the best fresh water fishing in Oz. 5) I am not interested in ATV racing. My prospects on getting an ATV are looking quite dismal at the moment! Is there anybody out there that could shed some light on it. Cheers, Will

I wish I had better news for you but It actually gets worse. ATM they're trying to stop all off road racing in Vic. Inc 4X4's, Bikes, Quads etc, etc, etc. And a Freeze on planning permits to all existing MX tracks. They'll be allowed to stay open but won't be allowed to change the track or add any buildings (toilets etc).

If you get caught in Vic you need a bike licence or you will get a $500.00/$600.00 fine for that and then $300.00 for no reg (bike under 500cc) and $500.00 (bike's over 500cc). Also no TAC if you crash and injure yourself or even worse hurt someone else.

Welcome to the Nanny State .
_________________
09 Polaris 525 IRS
Honda TRX 450R

[William]

I was actually referring to the legality of the events that the QRCV do. That is, are they granted a day permit to ride on forest tracks? or are these events organsed on private farmland?

As for NSW, I just found out that regardless of having a rec reg, it's banned in state forests too. Read here: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forests/recreation/activities/i-want-to-go-four-wheel-driving-and-trail-bike-riding

"All terrain vehicles (ATV) or quad bikes cannot be used in State forests. Conditional registration of ATV or quad bikes is not considered full registration and does not permit their use in State forests. For information on conditional registration of ATV or quad bikes visit the Roads and Traffic Authority website."

As for your Tazzie idea... it sounds like awesome fun!!... but the costs of pulling something like that several times a year would add up big time!

In regards to your comments, i was never intending to race, but I feel your pain. It seems like a lot of ATV owners are being forced to become night riding outlaws. I wonder when they'll figure out they'd make more money from licensing and registration than issuing fines.

[kfxluke]

As far as im aware the qrcv hold their trail rides on private property. If you are close to the border i believe that nsw offers conditional reg for quads, if that is the case cruising the nsw side of the murray will be no dramas. Or you can just do it illeagally in Vic like the rest of us. Cheers.
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07 KFX700

I pity the fool!

[William]

NSW do offer conditional reg for quads. However, as stated on the NSW DPI page in my previous post: "All terrain vehicles (ATV) or quad bikes cannot be used in State forests. Conditional registration of ATV or quad bikes is not considered full registration and does not permit their use in State forests."

The fact that I camp there 2-3 nights is why i cant ride illegally. I've rarely seen people ride on these trails on their ATVs. However, I have on many occasions have parks victoria rangers visit our campsite, who i bet would love to slap a $1000+ fine on me for ATVing.

[kfxluke]

if thats the case a small 4x4 may be more suited to your needs eg. suzuki sierra
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07 KFX700

I pity the fool!

[William]

Haha! I wonder what the dealer would say if I rode an ATV in there n asked for a trade in then again how many cops would have fined me by the time I made it to the dealership

Well I guess that's that for me. No more ATV plans =( I've been itchin to become a member of this fine community for a looooooooong time too...

[yogie]

William wrote:

Haha! I wonder what the dealer would say if I rode an ATV in there n asked for a trade in then again how many cops would have fined me by the time I made it to the dealership Well I guess that's that for me. No more ATV plans =( I've been itchin to become a member of this fine community for a looooooooong time too...

William, dont get your self all workjed up about riding quads in Vic, there are thousands f us that do it every weekend, so if you dont want to join other riders , I would suggest you not get a quad regardless, riding alone is not the safestthing to do anyway, check out a trailbike and get rec reg, easy peasy, or get a quad and try it out with a few guys here on "trailride" you just might suprise yourself. Anyway good luck with what ever you decide to do.
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[rick p]

besides the fact they have to catch me first.hahaha
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RAPTOR 700R