17 of the Best 4WD Tracks in Victoria
We put together a list of 4WD tracks in Victoria that’ll give you the chance to turn on the engine and test your machine. You can give it a run for some adrenaline or just enjoy the scenic views that Victoria has to offer. Here are some of the top tracks to explore:
1) Billy Goat Bluff Track (Goat Track)
- Location: Victorian High Country (Crooked River)
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Best Time: Year-round
Known for its steep, challenging terrain, Billy Goat Bluff Track features a 1,200m descent over just 7km. It’s one of the most difficult tracks in Victoria but offers unparalleled views of the High Country, making it a favorite among experienced 4WD enthusiasts.
2) Blue Rag Range Track
- Location: Victorian High Country (Dargo)
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Best Time: Year-round
This track is famous for its breathtaking panoramic views from 1,726m up. It’s remote and challenging, with steep climbs and rocky terrain, recommended only for experienced drivers with well-equipped 4WDs.
3) Mt Margaret Track
- Location: Licola (Alpine region)
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Best Time: Year-round
Starting at Currawong Camp, this track includes rocky sections and offers stunning views. It’s a great option for those wanting to combine off-roading with camping, thanks to numerous campgrounds along the way.
4) Goldie Spur Track
- Location: Buckland (Victorian High Country)
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Best Time: Dry season
A beginner-friendly track mostly consisting of gravel roads, Goldie Spur features a moderately steep section and finishes near Lake Buffalo, perfect for a swim or picnic. It’s ideal for those seeking a more relaxed 4WD experience.
5) Lerderderg 4WD Track Via Blue Gum Track
- Location: Lerderderg State Forest
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Best Time: Year-round
Starting from Gisborne Rd, this track offers a bumpy ride through Lerderderg State Park, particularly wild after rain. It’s close enough for a day trip from Melbourne, with camping available at Lerderderg Campground for those looking to extend their visit.
6) The Ladder, Mount Disappointment
- Location: Whittlesea
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Best Time: Year-round
Mount Disappointment offers various tracks, with The Ladder being a highlight for beginners. The area is expansive, so having a good map app is essential to avoid getting lost.
7) Blue Range via Little Bunyip Track
- Location: Bunyip State Forest
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Best Time: Year-round
This 15km loop through Mountain Ash forest offers a mix of stunning views, challenging terrain, and flatter sections, making it a great choice for intermediate drivers.
8) James Barrett Nature Drive
- Location: Wyperfeld National Park
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Best Time: Year-round
A gentle 15km gravel track suitable even for 2WDs with good clearance, it offers diverse landscapes and great views. Highlights include climbing up Mt Mattingley and catching the sunrise at the Eastern Lookout.
9) Mount Hickey
- Location: Tallarook State Forest
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Best Time: Year-round
This short but steep and rocky trail offers amazing views from the top of Mount Hickey. Starting from Main Rd, it’s a challenging drive that rewards you with spectacular scenery across the valley.
10) Toolangi State Forest
- Location: Toolangi
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Best Time: Year-round
This beautiful temperate forest is just over an hour from Melbourne and offers a variety of tracks from easy to challenging. Popular routes include Lyndall’s Track and Martin’s Track, while the infamous Rocky Track is perfect for those seeking a real test.
11) Tallarook State Forest
- Location: Tallarook
- Difficulty: Various
- Best Time: Year-round
Full of shorter tracks with different difficulty levels, Tallarook is a great spot for a quick adventure. The forest is also rich in history, featuring old gold mining sites and sawmills, making the drive both scenic and intriguing.
12) Wombat State Forest
- Location: Near Daylesford
- Difficulty: Various
- Best Time: Year-round
Wombat State Forest offers a wide range of tracks for all skill levels. The Wombat Forest 4WD Touring Route is particularly popular, winding over 100km from Gisborne to Ballan, with numerous lookouts and river walks along the way.
13) Great Otway National Park
- Location: Great Ocean Road
- Difficulty: Various
- Best Time: Summer and Autumn
For those willing to travel a bit further, Great Otway National Park offers over 250km of tracks through lush forests and along the coastline. Though sand driving is not allowed, the park’s other attractions like waterfall walks and historic towns make it worth the visit.
14) Bunyip State Park
- Location: Bunyip
- Difficulty: Various
- Best Time: Year-round
Just over an hour from Melbourne, Bunyip State Park features impressive views and a mix of routes for different skill levels. The 15km circuit from Black Snake Creek to Bunyip River Road offers stunning vistas, while the Gentle Annie route presents a more challenging 43km drive.
15) Marysville
- Location: Marysville
- Difficulty: Various
- Best Time: Year-round
Marysville is a 4WD playground with over 100km of tracks. The area features lush forests, creek crossings, and rocky hills. Keppel Lookout provides spectacular views, and the Mt Terrible track might even offer a glimpse of snow during winter months.
16) Warburton
- Location: Warburton
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best Time: Year-round
Warburton is perfect for novice 4WD adventurers looking for a weekend getaway. The Burns Track offers up to 10km of muddy fun, while more challenging routes can be found south of Wesburn and Millgrove. Close proximity to the Yarra Valley allows for a rewarding end to your drive with some of Victoria’s best food and wine.
17) Aberfeldy Track
- Location: Aberfeldy
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Best Time: Year-round
Located 207km from Melbourne, the Aberfeldy Track is a historic route featuring old mines and cemeteries. The track spans around 180km and includes challenging sections, but portions like the Jordan Valley Loop offer easier driving for those short on time or looking for a less demanding adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging climb, a scenic drive, or a relaxed day out, Victoria’s 4WD tracks offer something for everyone. Make sure your vehicle is well-prepared, and always travel safely with adequate supplies. Happy off-roading!
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