The 5 Levels of High Country Victoria

The Victorian High Country is an epic 4x4 destination that is known for its off-road challenges. Despite this reputation, this off-road maze has something for everyone – no matter your 4WD skill level.

1. Difficulty rating: Eyes closed

Stringybark Creek to Powers Lookout
Even when it’s not taking you up rock-strewn hill climbs and threatening hillside rollovers, the High Country is simply bursting with history at every turn. Case in point is the largely AWD gravel road to Stringybark Creek and Powers Lookout. Along the drive you’ll come face-to-face with the Kelly Tree – the site of Ned’s infamous 1878 shootout with local police – as well as the breathtaking views over King Valley from Powers Lookout. For those who get a taste and want a stronger dose, there are plenty of side tracks on offer that will give you a sterner 4WD test.

1. Difficulty rating: Piece of cake

Wonnangatta Valley
There are multiple ways to get to the postcard-worthy depths of the Wonnangatta Valley, however the friendliest route is from the north along East Buffalo Road, East Riley Road and then the Wonnangatta Track. The early and later sections of the drive follow the region’s river system, while your reward at the end of the trip arrives at the open grassy plains of the valley, which are framed by rolling mountains on every side.

1. Difficulty rating: Rougher stuff

Blue Rag Range
While its heights hint at a white-knuckle drive, the trip along the ridgeline of Blue Rag Range is not as impossible as it seems at first glance. There certainly are some challenging sections and it can be treacherous if the conditions are poor, but its bark is often worse than its bite. What can’t be denied is the breathtaking views on offer from the Blue Rag Trig. Meanwhile, for those who love to hike in breathtaking surrounds (both literally and figuratively), Mount Buffalo National Park has multiple trails and countless scenic highlights to break up the drive.

1. Difficulty rating: Palms are sweaty

Billy Goats Bluff Track
As one of the steepest tracks in the entire High Country, Billy Goats Bluff track can be a truly hair-raising journey. The track traverses a knife’s edge of a mountain ridge where the threat of falling down either side feels ever-present – but so too is the thrill that comes from tackling rocky climbs with tilted views of rolling hills completely surrounding you. There are also some spectacular campsites to enjoy along the way, including spots at Kingswell Bridge, Horseyard Flat and Black Snake Creek to name a few.

1. Difficulty rating: Eyes bulging

Ingeegoodbee Track
Some tracks are steeper, some are rockier, but perhaps none are as consistently challenging as the Ingeegoodbee Track. Your wits, your 4x4 and all your technical experience will be called into question as you debate which heavily eroded line to take or push your vehicle to claw its way up a ragged hill – only to be greeted by an eye-watering descent as a reward for your hard work. Some truly excellent river crossings add some pleasant colour to a journey that’s sure to test you in more ways than one.