:
Explore the Vic High Country’s Blue Rag Range Track
Words Ron and Viv Moon and Julija Zivanovic Pics Ron Moon and Supplied
One of the most iconic tracks in the Victorian High Country, Blue Rag Range Track is a visual spectacle that can create some nervous moments for drivers attempting to scale its heights.
Thanks to its massive network of 4WD tracks that run up and down epic mountain ranges providing spectacular views, Victoria’s High Country is the ideal place to go four-wheel driving.
One of the highest alpine tracks, few tracks in the Vic High Country are as famous or as steep as the Blue Rag Range Track, and that’s because it covers a lot of varying tough terrain which can test even the most seasoned four-wheel driver.
Before we get into some tips for tackling the Blue Rag Track, here’s some essential information.
What you need to know
Grading: Difficult — low range and high clearance required
Time: One day
Distance: 140km Bright to Mt St Bernard; 141km via Mt Murray North Track
Longest drive without fuel: 160km Bright to Harrietville; one-day endurance in heavy 4WD conditions required
Fuel and supplies: Bright, Harrietville, Porepunkah
Best time of year: Spring and summer for wildflowers, autumn for changing foliage; most of these tracks are closed in winter
Warnings: These tracks are subject to closure anytime between May and late November; check closures before departing at Parks Victoria. 2024 seasonal road closures available here.
Facilities: Bright, Porepunkah, Harrietville, Hotham Heights
Important contacts: Alpine Visitor Information Centre - Bright — 03 5755 0584 or 1800 111 885
Activities: 4WD, skiing (winter), bushwalking, cycling, hunting (restrictions apply)
The drive
This climb provides excellent views of the High Country but keep in mind the track conditions here are not for the fainthearted. Using Bright as a base, this 4WD trek takes us to Porepunkah then south into the Buckland Valley.
From the Buckland River Bridge, you'll climb the Goldie Spur Track to the Yarrabuck Track. This track follows the ridgetop, giving excellent views on the way to the Buffalo Range Track.
Travel south on the Buffalo Range Track to Mount Selwyn Road then continue to the Mount Selwyn summit access track. The Mount Selwyn summit is a short, very steep scramble. The view at the summit is well worth the effort.
You’ll then go back to the Mount Selwyn Road junction using the summit access track and a turn north, which will take you to the sign-posted Great Dividing Range Track. Further along, you’ll begin the descent down to Dingo Creek along the Dingo Creek Track, which is very steep and descends to ford the creek.
From the Dingo Creek Track turn north into Selwyn Road and travel down to Buckland Valley Road. Head south along Selwyn Creek Road past the excellent camping area at Beveridges Station.
About 1km further on, the Mount Murray North Track provides a worthwhile side excursion — otherwise, stay on the Selwyn Creek Road to Twins Jeep Track. A worthwhile side trip off Twins Jeep Track is the 2km drive up the Mount Murray summit access track. You'll need to walk the last 200m to the summit. Returning to the Twins Jeep Track, follow it to Mount St Bernard on the Great Alpine Road at the intersection with the Dargo Road.
At the junction, head south on the Dargo Road and travel 12km to the Blue Rag Range Track. Climb the Blue Rag Range Track until you reach the Trig Point. Although the Blue Rag is a one-way trip, it is one of the best and steepest tracks you’ll find.
You’ll need to return to the Dargo Road, as the Blue Rag Range Track dead-ends at the Wongungarra River. Camping is possible at the end of the track but is difficult with no facilities and very little space. Return on the Blue Rag Range Track then use the Dargo High Plains Road to get back to Mount St Bernard. From here, you can take the Great Alpine Road east to Hotham Heights and Omeo or north to Bright via Harrietville.
Beveridges Station ruins near to the camping area
Camping
Beveridges Station camping area
Bright Holiday Park
03 5755 1141/1800 706 685
Bright Riverside Holiday Park
03 5755 1118
Mount Murray bush camping area
Mount Freezeout bush camping area
Riverview Caravan Park, Porepunkah
03 5756 2290
Things to do
While in Bright, make sure to explore Mount Buffalo National Park. Take in views of the peaks from the Mount Buffalo Chalet. All-season camping is available at Lake Catani campground, with remote camping for cross-country skiers at Mount McLeod. This area is beautiful during autumn with great conditions and one of the High Country's biggest festivals, the Bright Autumn Festival.
Views like no other
If there was ever a good opportunity to get out of your car and soak in the view, this spectacular track will provide it! Spend some time at Mount Murray, Mount Selwyn and Mount Blue Rag to take advantage of some of the High Country’s most stunning views.
If you want to go out on a hiking excursion, there is a section of the Australian Alps Walking Track that runs from Mount Murray to Mount St Bernard. The granite tors and rushing waterfalls of Mount Buffalo National Park make it an amazing place to hike at any time of year, especially the area around the Horn. The Razorback Walk runs from Mount Hotham to Mount Feathertop and can be done in part as a day hike or in full with a stopover at Federation Hut.
Grab a copy today!
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.
Hema Tours
If you can’t muster a ready-made convoy, join Hema Tours for a 4WD tag-along tour, full of adventure and discovery. Hema Tours are powered by the Adrenalin Offroad Centre, licensed commercial tour operators. Find out more here.
Related articles
The Vic High Country’s most iconic track: Billy Goat Bluff
Camping in the Vic High Country: What you need to bring
How to budget for your next adventure
0 comments