The best 4x4 tracks in the Victorian High Country

The Victorian High Country is a must-visit 4WD destination in Australia, and it’s often mentioned when discussing the best tracks in the country.

Only a few hours’ drive from Melbourne, the High Country is known for its stunning views, rich history, extensive outdoor activities, dense and lush forests, and of course challenging 4WD tracks. Not just a mecca for off-roading, the region is also well-known for its skiing, hiking and fishing, and beautiful towns like Mansfield and Bright.

The best time to visit the High Country is between spring and summer, and a majority of tracks in the area are closed during the winter months. And remember to always carry essential safety equipment and off-road gear for such an adventure.

JUMP AHEAD

• Billy Goat Bluff
• Howitt Plains Track
• Mount Pinnibar Track
• Dargo High Plains Track
• Zeka Spur Track

Billy Goat Bluff

Billy Goat Bluff isn’t for the faint of heart, but overcoming its incredibly steep ascents and descents – it’s one of the steepest tracks in Victoria – will lead to breath-taking scenery. A modified 4WD with high clearance is essential for anyone wishing to embark on this challenge, as the track is graded as difficult.

The track is located within Alpine National Park near the Wonnangatta River, and it’s common for 4WDers to start at Dargo (27km to the track via Crooked River Road) and end at Licola. There are a few camping spots along the way, including at Horseyard Flat and Black Snake Creek. The area is also popular for bushwalking, horse riding, rock climbing and fishing.

6

Howitt Plains Track

Easier and more inviting than Billy Goat Bluff for casual 4WDers, Howitt Plains Track is a scenic route that carves through beautiful alpine forestry and provides access to many walking trails and well-known camping spots.

The track is accessible from the small town of Howitt, approximately four hours’ drive from Melbourne, and 4WDers often start at the southern end near the Howitt Plains. Some sections can be challenging, so a high-clearance 4WD is recommended. While there, be sure to have a picnic at Howitt Plains; detour to Mount Howitt to get truly impressive vistas of the area; or bushwalk the many trails including The Viking, a multi-day hike.

6

Early morning view across high country from Howitt Road.

Mount Pinnibar Track

Most tourers depart from the nearby towns of Omeo and Benambra to access this challenging 4WD track from the northern end, near the southern base of Mount Pinnibar. As with the other tracks on this list, a high-clearance 4WD is essential, as the track is steep in sections, with mud known to hinder vehicles after rain.

Inexperienced drivers need not apply, as the track has plenty of technical sections and steep climbs, but the alpine views at several vantage points along the way make it an extremely rewarding journey.

6

Dargo High Plains Track

This adventure typically starts at the towns of Dargo or Licolo, roughly four hours’ drive from Melbourne. The well-known track weaves through the Alpine National Park and mixes picturesque views with challenging terrain. A combination of river crossings of the Dargo River, steep climbs and technical sections means a high-clearance 4WD is essential. The Dargo High Plains Road leads to the start of the Blue Rag track, which ends at a high peak with unbeatable views of the area.

As with all tracks on this list, it’s paramount to be well-prepared if things turn sour – that means packing the correct safety and off-road gear (and knowing how to use it). Canoeing, fishing and rafting are popular in the region, as is hiking and horseback riding.

6

The Dargo pub is a great watering hole.

Zeka Spur Track

The historic Zeka Spur Track is another track recommended for experienced tourers only, due to its demanding and technical off-road sections. The 10-30 km track that leads to the Wonnangatta Valley is littered with sharp rocks, steep ascents and descents, and multiple river crossings, so an appropriate high-clearance 4WD fitted is non-negotiable.

It is most commonly accessed from the southern end off Howitt Plains Road from Licola, but it can also be reached from the northern end near Dargo. It’s also highly popular for trout fishing and hiking.

6