Victoria is a paradise for off-road enthusiasts, packing huge variety into a relatively compact state. You can climb into the High Country for steep alpine challenges, cross dozens of rivers on a single track, or wind your way through lush rainforest before camping by a waterfall.
Whether you’re chasing bucket-list climbs or family-friendly day trips, Victoria’s 4WD scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Keep scrolling for the complete list.
1. Billy Goats Bluff Track (Alpine National Park)
This legendary climb is one of the steepest in the country, rising more than 1,200 metres in just 7 km. It’s a serious test of both driver and vehicle, with loose shale, sharp switchbacks, and narrow ridges demanding full concentration. Many seasoned off-roaders won’t tackle it without a lift, lockers, and an upgraded exhaust to handle the climb. The reward at the top? Sweeping views of the High Country that feel like you’re on the edge of the world.
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Difficulty: Challenging–Extreme
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Length/Time: 7 km, 2–3 hrs
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Location: Alpine National Park, near Dargo
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Best time: Summer–Autumn (closed in winter/spring)
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Terrain: Steep shale climbs, hairpins, ridgelines
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: Low-range essential; lift kit, lockers, and recovery gear highly recommended
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: High Country bragging rights, adrenaline-pumping ascent, unbeatable views
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Camping: Talbotville and other High Country campsites
2. Blue Rag Range Track (Alpine National Park)
Blue Rag is famous for its razorback ridge drive, where you’ll feel like you’re floating above the mountains. The narrow, rocky track demands careful tyre placement, especially near the top, but the payoff is 360-degree views that few places in Australia can match. It’s challenging, scenic, and a must-do for any High Country trip.
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Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
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Length/Time: 20 km return, 3–4 hrs
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Location: Near Dargo, off the Great Alpine Road
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Best time: Summer–Autumn
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Terrain: Rocky ridges, steep climbs, narrow track
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: Lift and A/T tyres recommended; underbody protection essential
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Dramatic ridge driving, unmatched mountain scenery
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Camping: Dargo and Talbotville camping areas
3. Crooked River Track (Dargo High Plains)
This one’s all about the water. With more than 20 river crossings, Crooked River keeps you on your toes, especially after rain when levels can rise quickly. It’s a mix of fun, challenge, and beauty, with riverside campsites making it perfect for an overnight stop. It’s a track where a snorkel, recovery gear, and waterproofing mods pay off.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 50 km, 1 day
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Location: Near Dargo, Alpine National Park
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Best time: Summer–Autumn (check river levels)
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Terrain: Multiple river crossings, muddy banks, rocky stretches
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: Snorkel essential; recovery gear strongly advised
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Dozens of crossings, historic huts, picturesque campsites
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Camping: Riverside camping along Crooked River
4. Wonnangatta Valley (Alpine National Park)
Hidden deep in the mountains, Wonnangatta feels like a lost world. The valley itself is wide and beautiful, but getting there means tackling steep climbs, river crossings, and long stretches of remote dirt roads. It’s an adventure in itself, with the ghostly ruins of Wonnangatta Station waiting at the end. A performance exhaust is essential for powering through more challenging sections.
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Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
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Length/Time: Full-day or overnight trip depending on route
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Location: Access via Dargo, Myrtleford, or Licola
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Best time: Summer–Autumn (closed in winter)
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Terrain: Steep climbs, remote tracks, river crossings
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: Snorkel, recovery gear, extra fuel recommended
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Historic ruins, remote valley setting, unforgettable scenery
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Camping: Large bush camping areas in the valley
5. Otways – Aire Crossing 4WD Track
In the heart of the Otways, this rainforest track is lush, wet, and often slippery. Expect creek crossings, mud, and clay climbs that can quickly become treacherous after rain. It’s a completely different vibe from the High Country—green, damp, and filled with the sounds of the forest.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 15 km, 2–3 hrs
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Location: Near Beech Forest, Great Otway National Park
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Best time: Summer–Autumn (avoid heavy rain)
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Terrain: Clay, mud, creek crossings
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: A/T or mud tyres essential; recovery gear needed in wet conditions
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Rainforest atmosphere, fun water crossings, quiet campsites
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Camping: Beauchamp Falls and Aire Crossing campgrounds
6. Big Desert State Forest – Border Track
If you want a taste of desert driving without going all the way to the Outback, the Border Track delivers. Running along the SA/VIC border, it’s full of soft sand, challenging dunes, and rutted sections. Momentum and tyre pressure management are everything here.
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Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
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Length/Time: 50 km section, half to full day
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Location: Big Desert State Forest / Wyperfeld National Park
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Best time: Autumn–Spring (avoid peak summer heat)
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Terrain: Deep sand, dunes, rutted sections
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Permits: Seasonal closures may apply
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Vehicle prep: Tyre deflation essential; compressor and recovery tracks recommended
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Sand-driving challenge, desert feel, remote camping
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Camping: Bush campsites in Wyperfeld National Park
7. Lake Mountain Tracks (Marysville Region)
Just a couple of hours from Melbourne, Lake Mountain offers a quick escape into the bush. The tracks are a mix of forest trails, small climbs, and creek crossings, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a relaxed day out.
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Length/Time: Various tracks, 1 day
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Location: Near Marysville, 2 hrs from Melbourne
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Best time: Summer–Autumn
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Terrain: Forest tracks, mud, creek crossings
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: Suitable for stock 4WDs; recovery gear recommended
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Easy access from Melbourne, beginner-friendly terrain, scenic forests
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Camping: Marysville caravan parks and campsites
Conquer Victoria’s 4WD Country
Victoria has it all—brutal climbs, endless rivers, rainforest mud, and desert dunes. Whether you’re tackling the High Country’s toughest trails or cruising through the Otways, every trip offers something new. Preparation is key: a well-equipped 4WD with quality upgrades like performance exhausts, snorkels, and suspension kits will keep you confident wherever the track takes you.
Ready to explore? DEA Performance has the gear to help you get the most from your 4WD. Check out our blog for more tips or explore our range of high-performance exhaust kits before your next adventure.
