There’s something unbeatable about hitting the trail early in the morning, backpack snug, boots laced, and the promise of a full day spent outdoors. Whether it’s a solo hike through Victoria’s bushland or a weekend group trek in the Dandenong Ranges, hiking is all about fresh air, freedom, and the thrill of the wild.
But no matter how prepared you are for the trail itself, one thing many hikers forget to plan for is what happens before or after the hike—when something goes wrong with your car.
That’s where roadside assistance becomes your unsung hiking companion.
Not All Hikes Start in Car Parks
We’ve seen it plenty of times. Hikers park on remote gravel shoulders, forest clearings, or the tail end of a country road—miles from the nearest town. Maybe the track isn’t even on Google Maps. You park up, excited to get going, and don’t think twice about your car.
Until you get back… and it doesn’t start.
Or worse, you return to find a flat tire, keys locked inside, or a dead battery from leaving the interior light on. It happens more often than you’d think.
Having reliable roadside assistance isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline when you’re off the beaten track.
Real-World Moments We’ll Never Forget
One of our more memorable jobs involved a couple who went hiking near Macedon. Beautiful day, clear skies, perfect conditions. But when they returned after five hours of climbing, their 4WD wouldn’t start. The battery had drained completely, and to make matters worse, they had no mobile reception.
They had to walk several kilometres to find a spot with signal, then call for help. When we arrived, we not only jump-started the car but gave them water, helped them warm up (it had gotten chilly fast), and made sure their GPS was set before heading off.
They told us later, “We expected to see birds and waterfalls—not a tow truck. But you were the best sight all day.”
Challenges in Remote Call-Outs
Assisting hikers isn’t quite the same as a standard city breakdown. Many trailheads are off-road, surrounded by trees, or down tracks with no signage.
So when we get a call from a hiker needing help, we ask for:
- The nearest trail name or landmark
- GPS coordinates (if available)
- Details like “gate near the entrance,” or “next to the old wooden sign”
We’ve even had people send us photos of the area so we can match it up on satellite view. When mobile reception is limited, we coordinate via text or even contact family members to relay information.
It takes teamwork—and a bit of old-fashioned navigation skill.
Common Situations We See
Here are a few roadside issues hikers run into regularly:
- Flat tires from sharp rocks or unsealed roads
- Dead batteries after leaving lights or accessories running
- Keys locked inside the car (classic post-hike brain fog)
- Vehicles stuck in mud or loose gravel after rain
- Overheating issues on long drives to rural spots
And sometimes, it’s just a vehicle that won’t start, with no obvious reason—something mechanical that needs a tow to the nearest town.
Peace of Mind, Packed in Your Daypack
The beauty of hiking is about getting away from the noise. But that doesn’t mean leaving your safety to chance.
If you’re someone who hikes often—especially in rural or regional Victoria—roadside assistance should be part of your gear checklist, right alongside your first-aid kit and snacks.
It doesn’t matter if you’re parked near Lerderderg Gorge or headed into the Otways. A reliable towing company with rural reach means you can focus on the trail ahead, not worry about how to get home after.
The wilderness is wild, and that’s exactly why we love it. But a little planning—and a number saved in your phone—can mean the difference between a peaceful end to your hike or a long, cold wait on the roadside.
So go ahead, lace up your boots, hit that trail, and leave the roadside worries to us. We’ve got your back, no matter how far off the map you go.
Now Any Car Towing is available in Eumemmerring Victoria 3177.
Contact Us
Any Car Towing
10 Silvergum Pl, Cranbourne VIC 3977
0413 176 223
Recent Comments