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The Vic High Country’s most iconic track: Billy Goat Bluff
Words Ron and Viv Moon and Julija Zivanovic Pics Supplied
The Victorian High Country is teeming with incredible 4WD tracks that we can’t get enough of — and the Billy Goat Bluff Track is one of the best. Keep reading to discover some tips for tackling this famously steep track.
One of the steepest tracks in the Victorian High Country with lots of rocky sections, the Billy Goat Bluff Track pulls no punches. We advise being well prepared for this one, always driving to the track conditions and it should only be attempted by experienced 4WD enthusiasts.
Before we get into some tips for tackling the Billy Goat Bluff, here’s some essential information.
What you need to know
Grading: Difficult — low range and high clearance required
Time: A day (overnight if hiking into Lake Tali Karng)
Distance: 125km
Longest distance without fuel: 125km, Dargo to Licola; one-day endurance in heavy conditions required
Fuel and supplies: Dargo, Licola
Best time of year: Spring and summer for wildflowers. Subject to seasonal road closures during winter.
Warnings: Tracks around Mount Buller are subject to close anytime between May and January because of changing conditions and seasonal closures. For more information contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 131 963 or the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Fire bans: Sections of Alpine National Park will be closed on Code Red (catastrophic) days
Facilities: Dargo, Licola
Important contacts:
- Dargo DEECA Office — 03 5140 1243
- Dargo General Store — 03 5140 1219
- Omeo Region Visitor Information Centre — 1800 637 060
Activities: Bushwalking, horse riding, fishing, camping, rock climbing, hunting (restrictions apply)
The drive
Using Dargo as a setting off point, head south on the Dargo Road and to the Short Cut Road or London Stores corner. Turn west and head down into the Wonnangatta River Valley on the Crooked River Road.
At Kingswell Bridge, turn north onto the Wonnangatta Road and then south at the Billy Goat Bluff Track. Continuing, you should take time out to take the short diversion to the Pinnacles Fire Tower to enjoy the spectacular views over the remote country that surrounds you.
Kingswell Bridge
The track itself begins with a descent on a very exposed narrow section along a rocky ridgeline. From there it becomes scrambly — downhill drivers will get the best views, while those going the other way will be too involved with the challenge to admire the scenery. Watch out for loose rock!
Continue on to Horseyard Hut on the Pinnacles Road, then on to McFarlane Saddle and eventually Arbuckle Junction. From Arbuckle Junction it is an easy descent down to Licola on the good gravel all-weather Tamboritha Road.
Camping
Kingswell Bridge, Moroka Hut (no vehicle-based camping) and McFarlane Saddle are all bush camping areas with no facilities, notwithstanding the picnic area at Moroka Hut. Black Snake Creek camping area has toilets, while Horseyard Flat camping area has toilets, firepits, a picnic area and drinking water.
At base of Billy Goat Bluff Track
Things to do
The towns of Dargo and Licola are both great stepping off spots for four-wheel drive adventures. And don’t forget to check out the iconic Dargo Hotel, famous for its rustic friendly atmosphere and great food!
There are a number of walking trails in the area, including the short but tough trail to The Crinoline from the Wellington River — the peak can also be reached from Tamboritha Saddle.
The Lost Plain has a number of short easy trails that are mainly used during the winter for cross-country skiing.
Horse riding is popular in the region and there is a horse route from the Wellington River to Tali Karng. Horseyard Flat (as the name implies) makes a good base for horse riding.
Hunting for sambar deer (stalking only) is a popular activity in this region and is allowed within much of the Alpine National Park between 15 February and 15 December each year.
The Hidden Lake
Nestled deep in the mountains, Lake Tali Karng is a breathtaking spot and is known as being the only deep highland lake in the state of Victoria. It is said that it was formed 1500 years ago when a rockslide careened down into the valley, damming up the Nigothoruk (Wellington) River.
The Gunai Kurnai tribe was the first occupier of this area, a place they came to consider sacred. It is believed that the Aboriginal people did not know the lake existed, earning it the title ‘The Hidden Lake’.
A walking trail leads from McFarlane Saddle south to this picturesque lake — those with a 4WD can start their walk a little closer, from Millers Hut, accessed via the Mt Wellington Track.
If you enjoyed learning about this iconic track and want more information on it and 29 other incredible 4WD trips in the Vic High Country, you can purchase the Hema Victorian High Country Atlas & Guide here or at leading outdoor retailers.
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