ADVENTURE ACCESS CLOSED ROADS LTD
Access to public road reserves and public land is fundamental to a free and open society. Adventure Access Closed Roads Ltd exists to protect these rights, ensuring the public can access the land that belongs to all Australians.
OUR ORIGIN STORY
THE RIGHT TO EXPLORE
Early in 2024, a few mates having coffee started talking about the growing number of closed roads and restricted access they encountered on their travels. One simply asked: "How about we start a group that advocates for the opening of those roads?" The rest is history.
Since that day, we have evolved from a private Facebook group that rapidly attracted hundreds of members, into a registered Not-For-Profit organisation backed by thousands. Driven by a dedicated volunteer board, we are taking a stand to ensure our country remains open for future generations to enjoy.
OUR MISSION & VISION
MISSION
To protect and promote lawful public access to public land and road reserves across Australia through advocacy, education, and lawful action, ensuring transparency, accountability, and community participation.
VISION
A future where all Australians can freely and lawfully access public land and road reserves, with transparent, accountable management of public spaces and an empowered, informed community safeguarding these rights.
ALL ARE WELCOME
A COMMUNITY OF ADVENTURERS
Whether you are a four-wheel driver, horse rider, hiker, pushbike or motorcycle rider, everyone is welcome.
THE ADVOCACY PROCESS
ONE GATE AT A TIME
Our methodical approach to reopening public land ensures every case is thoroughly researched, documented, and pursued through the proper legal and governmental channels.
01
REPORT
Members securely submit timed and dated photos, along with precise mapping coordinates, of unlawfully locked gates or restrictive signs discovered on public routes.
02
INVESTIGATE
Our dedicated team cross-references state mapping systems and initiates formal government information requests to unequivocally verify the legal status of the road reserve.
03
ADVOCATE
Armed with indisputable evidence, we liaise directly with managing authorities and landholders to demand the removal of illegal barriers, restoring your right to explore.
SUPPORT OUR CAUSE
FUND THE FIGHT
PRIVATE DONATIONS
You can help us get better results a lot quicker with a lot less effort by making a private donation, no matter how small. We need funds to conduct government searches and make requests for information from managing authorities (like GIPA in NSW and RTI in QLD).
It is not uncommon to spend up to $100 on each case to retrieve the necessary documentation.
Please note that private donations are not tax-deductible.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
If you would like to become a corporate sponsor, you must hold a valid ABN. We offer the option of either a monthly donation with no minimum amount by way of auto payment or a once off annual payment of $250 or more. Once payment has been made please email your details and logo to [email protected]
As a corporate sponsor, your contribution is tax-deductible. Your business logo will be displayed on our website, and we offer the option to promote your business via our Facebook page. We will issue you with a tax invoice and receipt of payment.
OUR NETWORK
OUR STRATEGIC ALLIES
We haven't been able to achieve the results we have without our partners. These organisations collaborate with us and are a vital cog in our operating wheel.
If you would like to partner with us, please email or contact us with your proposal of interest.
HEMA MAPS
Unparalleled off-road touring maps and GPS navigation, keeping explorers safe across 690,000km of Australian tracks. A critical asset in identifying public road reserves.
JIMMY A.I.
Advanced AI-powered platforms driving business growth and streamlining customer engagement, combined with decades of industry experience.
YOUR COMPLETE BUSINESS ASSISTANT
Personalised administration and bookkeeping services across multiple industries, helping us streamline operations to focus on what matters most.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
Your questions about legal rights, road reserves, and mapping answered.
How do I join AACR.
You need to become a member of our Facebook group page or see the “Join group” on our website. Don’t forget to answer the questions
How do I identify a public road reserve in NSW?
You will need to view Government mapping systems, (NSW Spatial viewer) Here is a tutorial to help you https://www.facebook.com/groups/304500679296071/permalink/422856180793853/
How do I identify a public road reserve in QLD?
You will need to view the Government mapping systems of Qld (QLDglobe) Here is a tutorial to help you https://www.facebook.com/groups/304500679296071/permalink/411998735212931/
How do I identify road reserves in other states?
You will need to view Government mapping Systems for each State:
- Victoria, Vicmap Managed by Land Use Victoria.
- Western Australia, SLIP Map, Managed by Landgate
- South Australia, Location SA Map, Managed by Dept. Environment and Water
- Tasmania, LISTmap, Managed by Land Tasmania
- Northern Territory, NT Atlas and Spatial Data Directly, Managed by NT Government
- ACT, ACTmapi, Managed by Environment, Planning, Sustainable Development.
- National, NationalMap, Managed by Geoscience Australia.
We do not have tutorials for these states
What are my legal rights if I come across restricted access over a public road reserve.
Got to be careful here.
Yes, you have legal right of access if you are 100% certain that it is a public road reserve, no permit or closures in place.
So, if you are 100% certain that the road reserve is available for public access, you may gain access, but you can not cause any damage to property at all.
If you wish to gain access, here is what we recommend.
Takes a timed, dated and located photo of the locked gate.
Remove the lock, causing minimal damage
Be sure to leave the gate securely latched
Take a timed, dated and located photo of the latched gate.
Be prepared that the Landowner is not going to welcome you with open arms.
If the road is not legally available for public access, you can be charged with trespass.
Our preferred action is that you report to us and we’ll investigate and make every effort to have the restriction removed.
Do biosecurity signs restrict access?
If it is a public road reserve, then NO. Biosecurity does not apply to the public land passing through private property.
The landowner who greets you is likely not going to agree with you on this matter.
About AACR
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
Find out more about the organisation
Membership and volunteering
Are Road Reserves, Gazetted road reserves, Road parcels the same thing?
For our purposes yes,
Are all roads showing on a map road reserves?
Very definitely not. Most commercial maps (like Google Maps, OSM, Gaia) will show private roads, driveways, and closed roads. Just because a track is visible on a map does not mean it is legally available for public access.
Are a road reserve and an easement the same thing?
No. An easement is a specific property right and does not automatically allow public access. However, terms like 'road reserve', 'gazetted road reserve', and 'road parcel' generally refer to the same thing for our purposes.
What information do I need to report restricted access
Timed and Dated photos, showing the nature of the restricted access.
Mapping coordinates of the location taken at the precise location (if coordinates are taken from a map you will need to state this very clearly to us)
The name of the road and road/s that it intersects with
The State and council that it is within.
Refer to the regular and pinned post on our Facebook page for more information
Has AACR been successful at removing restricted access from public road reserves
Yes. Our success rate is 100% at removing illegal restricted access over public road reserves. Some of the investigations and enquiries with managing authorities can go on for many months, up to 18 months. Not all managing authorities are cooperatives.
If I find restricted access over a road/track that I suspect is a public road reserve, what should I do?
Do not force or damage the property. Take timed and dated photos, note the location via mapping coordinates, and report it via the AACR website or contact form so AACR can investigate it. See the “How to Report a Closed Road” section for detailed instructions.
Does AACR help challenge private property closures?
AACR may assist where a public road traverses private property, provided the closure appears to be unlawful or inconsistent with the road’s public status. We cannot override private property rights where the road itself is legitimately private..
Why does AACR require any funding?
We need donations and sponsors to assist with our investigation. We often need to do Government searches and make applications for information (GIPA in NSW and RTI in Qld etc) It’s not
uncommon to spend up to $100 on each case.
When was AACR established??
AACR formed as a result of 2 people who were doing this type of work independently. Along with a few others, the Facebook Group “Adventure Access-Closed Roads” was formed in early 2024.Membership grew rapidly as did reports of restricted access. By mid-2025 it was realised that we needed to “step it up”, so in early 2026 “Adventure Access Closed Roads Limited” was incorporated as a not-for-profit group.
Why did we incorporate?
As just a Facebook group we did not have a legal identity. This made it very easy for managing authorities to “Fob Us Off” making it hard work to get results. As a corporation, we are legally identifiable. Managing Authorities have responded to us in a much more professional manner since we have incorporated. It also allows us to take much needed donations and sponsorship
Who can join AACR?
Membership is open to any individuals and who support responsible access to public lands, and who agree with AACR’s purposes and rules. You can join via our Facebook page, be sure to answer the questions Join Here
What does AACR actually do?
AACR gathers information about closed or restricted roads and tracks using the details reported by our members and then liaises with land managers and authorities to verify the road’s public status.
If the road is legally a public road, yet there is restricted access via a locked gate, restrictive signage, fences or personal affront, AACR will work with the relevant authorities to have illegal restrictions removed.
We also campaign for fair, safe, and sustainable access for all appropriate users.
Do you only focus on one type of activity?
No. AACR takes a multiuser approach, considering access for horse riders, hikers, bicycle riders, 4WD vehicles, motorcycles, and other legitimate users, as long as use is safe and respectful of the environment and communities.
What does AACR consider “responsible access”?
Responsible access means using tracks and roads safely, within the law, respecting private property, protecting the environment, and avoiding behaviour that might justify future closures.
How much does it cost to join AACR?.
Membership is free of charge.
Do I have to be a member to get help with a closed road or track?
Yes. AACR operates as a private group, and only members can report closed roads. Members will also receive updates on the investigation status and progress for each closed road.
How can I volunteer with AACR?
Volunteers can help with research, mapping, community outreach, liaison with authorities, website content, and event support. You can express interest via the “Contact” form on the AACR website. If you wish to volunteer, please email us or send us a message via our Facebook page
What skills do you need to volunteer?
Useful skills include: research, mapping or GPS, community engagement, media or social media, legal or policy understanding, and experience with land management authorities. However, enthusiasm and reliability are just as important and often enough to become a volunteer.
Legal
and governance
Funding, Finance and general
What are the obligations of AACR as a Not For Profit?
AACR must comply with the Corporations Act requirements, keep proper records, hold meetings, lodge annual statements with ASIC, and meet any relevant tax office obligations for NFPs.
Is AACR funded?
AACR is currently not funded and is 100% run by volunteers. We appreciate any financial assistance our members can offer, no matter how small
How does AACR handle data privacy and member information?
AACR does not collect or store any private information. The only information we require is if you report restricted access, this is done via the “Report Restricted Access form” which is not available to the public. The name on that form is the name that you joined our Facebook group under. We do need contact details in case we need to contact you for more information.
What is AACR’s longterm strategic vision for the next 5–10 years?
AACR’s long term vision is to become a recognised, evidence based advocate for lawful public access to adventure and recreational routes, supporting fair rules, better communication with authorities, and safer, sustainable use of roads and tracks across relevant regions.
FINAL WARNING: ACCESS DENIED
STAND WITH US
Every locked gate on a public road is a legal right denied. Report restricted access immediately so we can investigate and take action. By reporting and engaging, you agree to abide by the AACR 10-Point Code of Conduct: always leave gates as you found them, cause no damage, and remain respectful to surrounding landowners.
About Our Facebook Page
Our Facebook page is the core way the group communicates and shares information - you must join the group on Facebook BEFORE reporting a Blocked Road.
The page is for all recreational adventure travellers—4WD drivers, horse riders, hikers, cyclists and motorbike riders. Everyone is welcome. The larger our community, the greater our impact.
Our members include travellers, landowners, council representatives, lawyers, government agencies and others in the adventure travel sector. Many actively share advice and information to help ensure travel across Australia remains safe, considerate and lawful. We value and appreciate their support.
The page is dedicated to maintaining access to the tracks, trails and areas we all enjoy. As a group, we engage with government agencies, corporations, landowners and councils in a lawful, respectful and appropriate way. We share information on access restrictions, road closures, your rights, and how to gather relevant information.
Administrators aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information and liaise with appropriate authorities. Established relationships and access to key information help us clarify access to certain areas.
Only Administrators of Adventure Access Closed Roads Limited, or their nominated representatives, may represent the group to external bodies. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot accept liability for information provided.
Code of Conduct
By joining this group, you are agreeing to abide by the following code of conduct:
- Always leave all gates as you found them
- All vehicles must be registered, roadworthy and fit for purpose. All drivers/riders must hold a license.
- As you are passing houses, people working, livestock, horse riders etc., always travel at a slow pace or stop if asked to. Follow any instructions being offered
- Do not for any reason leave the designated roadway
- Assist with control of weeds, by checking that no seed heads are attached to your vehicle, footwear, bicycles or horses before passing through any gates.
- Remove any rubbish or waste, take only photos or videos.
- No shooting or hunting without specific permission.
- Cause no damage to any roadway or track. Be particularly aware of this during wet weather.
- Always be polite and courteous in conversation with surrounding landowners and avoid confrontation where possible.
- No camping or fires by tracks passing through private property without specific permission.
Adventure Access Closed Roads Limited (AACR) is a Not For Profit organisation registered with ASIC. We exist to protect access rights, ensuring the public can lawfully access the land that belongs to all Australians.
CONTACT & SUPPORT
Have questions or need to report restricted access?
[email protected]
© 2026 Adventure Access. All rights reserved. Registered Not For Profit with ASIC.