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Victorian High Country tracks that are open year round: part one
Words Brendan Batty and Robert Crack Pics Robert Crack and Supplied
A lot of tracks in the Victorian High Country undergo seasonal closures. Find out some of the ones that remain open. Owing to the geographical, historical and technical variety of the Victorian High Country, we felt it prudent to bring you this in two parts.
Where does the High Country start?
And where does it stop?
If we drive down the official track (well, it doesn’t get more official than the Australian Bureau of Statistics!), we can ascertain that the High Country comprises the following Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2s), of which there are almost 2500 nationwide:
Alexandra, Mansfield, Yea, Benalla, Benalla Surrounds, Rutherglen, Wangaratta, Wangaratta Surrounds, Beechworth, Bright - Mount Beauty, Chiltern - Indigo Valley, Myrtleford, Towong, Yackandandah and Kinglake.
The SA2s are used by Tourism Research Australia (TRA), a branch of Austrade, to approximate official Tourism Regions (TR).
And if we continue our drive down the tourism track, the locations of Accredited Visitor Information Centres (AVIC) also tell us that if we dropped into any of these, we would be in the High Country tourism region:
Alpine Visitor Information Centre - Bright, Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, Benalla Visitor Information Centre, Chiltern Visitor Information Centre, Ned Kelly Discovery Hub and Visitor Information Centre - Glenrowan, Mansfield Visitor Information Centre, Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre, Myrtleford Visitor Information Centre, Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre, Wangaratta Visitor Information Kiosk, Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre and Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre.
Somewhat ironically, the SA2 known as Alps - East, is located not in the High Country tourism region, but rather in the Lakes tourism region. And the SA2 region known as Alps - West is part of the Gippsland tourism region, not the High Country tourism region.
The SA2 known as Mount Baw Baw Region is not in the High Country tourism region either. It’s in the Gippsland tourism region. And the Bruthen - Omeo SA2 is in the Lakes tourism region, not the High Country tourism region.
Believe it or not, place names which conjure up thoughts and images of the High Country — such as Omeo, Benambra, Swifts Creek, Anglers Rest, Bruthen, Tom Groggin, Suggan Buggan, Nunniong, Mitta Mitta, Merrijig, Gelantipy, Deddick Valley, Cassilis, Cobberas and Cobungra — are actually located in the East Gippsland Shire local government area. And Noojee, Baw Baw National Park, Walhalla, Erica, Rawson and the Thomson Dam are all located within the Baw Baw Shire local government area.
Accordingly, these places do not fall within the orbit of Tourism North East, the peak tourism organisation for the tourism region known as High Country. Rather, these places so synonymous with the ‘high country’ are within the purview of Destination Gippsland Ltd, being the Visitor Economy Partnership for the Gippsland and Lakes tourism regions.
Confused?
Not to worry! Here at Hema Maps, when it comes to four-wheel drive tracks, we consider all of the aforementioned places to be within the scope of our Victorian High Country Atlas & Guide.
Winter closures
Tracks in Alpine National Park which close seasonally include (but are not limited to): Wonnangatta Track, Blue Rag Range Track, Dinner Plain Track, Zeka Spur Track, Mount Pinnibar Track, Tom Groggin Track, Herne Spur Track, King Billy Track, King Spur Track, Macalister River Track, Sandy Flat Track, Bluff Track, Cobbler Lake Track, Cowombat Flat Track, Butcher Country Track, Butcher Country Link Track, Mount Selwyn Summit Track, Four Mile Creek Track, Kellys Road, McMillans Track, Mountain Creek Road, Marathon Road, Mount Wellington Track, Davies Plain Track, Nunniong Road, Tingaringy Track, Brocks Road, Buckland Spur Track, Buckwong Track, Stockyard Track, Shady Creek Upper Track, Mount Murray Track, Twins Jeep Track and Wabonga Track.
These closures typically begin after the King's Birthday long weekend in June and run until late October, though exact timing can shift with the weather. Some of these are closed as early as the start of May. The tracks are closed during winter due to rain and snow, which can cause significant track and environmental damage and make driving unsafe.
But this article isn’t about the 4WD tracks that are seasonally closed.
It’s about High Country four-wheel drive routes which remain open and accessible year round.
One such route is from Eldorado to Mount Stanley.
Eldorado to Mount Stanley
This scenic track winds through historical gold rush towns and rugged landscapes. Starting near Wangaratta, drivers can bypass the city by exiting the Hume Highway via the Great Alpine Road, then following signs to Eldorado. Don’t miss the massive Eldorado Gold Dredge — a relic of Victoria’s gold mining boom. The route continues into the Woolshed Valley and Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park, passing Reedy Creek — a hot spot for modern-day gold panning for which you will need to purchase a Victorian miner's right.
Follow gravel tracks through Beechworth and on to the summit of Mount Stanley. From there, a combination of steep 4WD tracks such as Mount Stanley Jeep Track and Wallys Track make for an exciting descent to Myrtleford. Heritage towns, gold history, bush camping and epic 4WD trails — it’s a High Country adventure built for winter wheels.
Things to see and do
Wangaratta and surrounds — walk the Bullawah Cultural Trail and Ovens Riverside Path, the Warby Falls Heritage Trail, the Salisbury Falls Walk, Glenrowan Heritage Siege Precinct Walk or Eldorado Historic Walk. Pack a picnic lunch and head to Paradise Falls, Powers Lookout or Ryans Lookout.
Beechworth — check out the Burke Museum, Telegraph Station, Old Courthouse and many other fine buildings. The best collection of Ned Kelly memorabilia is on display in the Sub-Treasury Building. If you feel like stretching your legs, the Beechworth Gorge Walk is a great combination of forest, cascades, rockpools and rocky outcrops.
Myrtleford — walk the Mosaic Trail (Ovens River Trail), Myrtleford History Walk or Reform Hill Lookout Loop. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue beside Lake Buffalo.
Campsites along the way
Reedy Creek Campground
Woolshed Valley Campground
Contacts
Myrtleford Visitor Information Centre or 03 5755 0514
Beechworth Visitor Information Centre or 1300 366 321
Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, Wangaratta or 1800 801 065
Buffalo Range and Buckland Valley
The Buckland Valley is a gem for 4WD enthusiasts, offering year-round access, epic mountain views and riverside campsites. While some high-altitude tracks such as Twins Jeep Track and Mount Murray Track North may be closed seasonally, you can easily detour via Selwyn Creek Road off the Great Dividing Range Track to keep rolling.
Start your adventure in Porepunkah, heading south on Buckland Valley Road. Weather permitting, a short detour along Harris Lane to Sinclairs Waterhole (great for a dip but you won’t catch me in there during winter!) offers magnificent views of Mount Buffalo.
View down Harris Lane to Mount Buffalo (Image Credit: Robert Crack)
Sinclairs Waterhole (Image Credit: Robert Crack)
Just past the Buckland River Bridge, turn onto Goldie Spur Track — a steep climb gaining 700m over 7km. From here, connect to Yarrabuck Track, climbing toward a trig point that delivers panoramic views of Mount Buffalo’s dramatic southern face.
Follow the ridgeline via Buffalo Range Track to Mount Selwyn Road and make the short but steep hike to the 1424m summit. Continue south, turning sharply onto the Great Dividing Range Track, then onto Selwyn Creek Road to cross the Australian Alps Walking Track.
The route then follows the Buckland River, with access to Beveridge Station Camping Area and a string of peaceful riverside campgrounds, including Ah Youngs and Camp Flat. Buckland Cemetery and the historic markers of early European settlement round out the loop near Porepunkah.
Buckland River near Ah Youngs Campground (Image Credit: Robert Crack)
Things to see and do
The Buckland and Ovens Rivers offer great trout fishing. Take time to explore Mount Buffalo National Park and its iconic viewpoints from The Gorge and the historic chalet.
Campsites along the way
Beveridge Station Camping Area
The Bend Campground
Headrace Flat Campground
Good Hope Flat Campground
Leinster Flat Campground
New Chum Flat Campground
Shippens Flat Campground
Camp Flat Campground
Ah Youngs Campground
River crossing to access Camp Flat Campground on the Buckland River (Image Credit: Robert Crack)
Shippens Flat Campground (Image Credit: Robert Crack)
Contacts
Alpine Visitor Information Centre, Bright or 1800 111 885
Jamieson to Woods Point via Mount Terrible
Whilst the best time to go is spring to early autumn, tracks are open year round. That said, some of the tracks can turn nasty in wet or snowy conditions.
Stick to the main lines for a cruisy ride or hit the tougher fire trails for a proper challenge.
Roll out of Jamieson and hang a left onto Eildon-Jamieson Road. Cruise past the Jamieson Brewery & Grill and Lake Eildon’s southern edge before winding through Cummings Gap. After about 10km, at Bald Hill Gap, it’s time to leave the bitumen — hook left onto the Mount Terrible Track.
This track climbs steadily for 14km along the ridgeline with sweeping views and plenty of rocky terrain to keep things interesting. You’ll come across offshoots for those after something rougher — ruts, steps and steeper climbs for the more adventurous.
At 1260m, Mount Terrible certainly delivers the goods — the fire tower lookout and rebuilt hut (from 2016) make a great stop. You can even roll out a swag in the hut or pitch a tent nearby if you’re camping.
Keep pushing along the same track as it morphs into Ryan Spur Track. About 4km down, you’ll find Ryan Spur Hut in a small clearing — a bit rugged but it does the trick. From there, the track gets easier and eventually joins Corn Hill Road. A steep stretch brings you to Corn Hill (1326m), where you’ll swing right onto Frenchmans Gap Track.
This descent can be slick if it’s been raining, so keep your wits sharp. After some rock hopping, the track evens out and drops you onto Mansfield-Woods Point Road. Cruise the final stretch into Woods Point — one of the most remote and character-filled towns in the High Country.
Things to see and do
Jamieson — known for its gold rush past, wander the historic buildings or cast a line in the Jamieson or Goulburn Rivers.
Mount Terrible Hut — solid High Country vibes, good for a break or a night’s stay.
Ryan Spur Hut — basic but full of bush character; ideal for a breather.
Woods Point — a proper bush town frozen in time: check out the old servo, pub and explore nearby goldfields. 800,000 ounces came out of these hills in the gold rush!
Campsites along the way
Jamieson Caravan Park — great base before the climb
JH Scott Camping Reserve — right near Jamieson
Comet Flat Camping Reserve — just outside Woods Point and a top spot for the night
Contacts
Mansfield Visitor Information Centre or 03 5775 7000
Jamieson to Licola via Son of a Bitch Track
This is a High Country haul with a name that says it all! The best time to go is spring to early autumn. Most of the route stays open year round but expect things to get seriously hairy in the wet.
Kicking off in Jamieson, cross the bridge out of town onto Jamieson-Licola Road and settle in for around 30km of winding gravel. It's in decent nick, but don't relax too much — you’re heading straight into High Country heartland.
Hang a left onto Mt Sunday Road, dropping you into thick forest and some beaut riverside camping near Wrens Flat. There’s a choice of a newer bridge or an old-school ford crossing — have a crack at both if you’re game. As you climb out of the valley, the road narrows, gets muddier and treats you to epic views and lush gullies.
About 14km in, you’ll spot a rough trail off to the right that leads up to Mount Sunday summit — steep, rutted and worth it for the bragging rights and top-of-the-world picnic potential.
Backtrack to Mt Sunday Road and continue for another 5km until you find Low Saddle Road. Some maps get this name wrong, so double-check. It’s rough going from the start: narrow, muddy and overgrown in spots. After 5km, veer right onto the infamous Son of a Bitch Track.
This one earns its name — the opening climb is loose and relentless, leading into more ruts, slippery sections and tight forest with the odd fallen tree to navigate. It’s only 9km long, but it’ll test your line-picking and patience. Allow an hour if you want to make it through without panel damage.
At the top, connect with Mountain Ash Track — the toughest stuff is behind you now. After 3km swing right onto Bull Plain Road, where things mellow out a bit, though you’ll dodge fallen timber and blackened trees along the way.
After about 19km, turn left onto Glencairn Road and enjoy 13km of scenic farmland driving. Don’t miss the turnoff to Barkly River Campground — it’s a top spot to pull in for the night. A bit further on, take Target Creek Road and you’ll eventually link back up with Jamieson-Licola Road, landing just outside the quirky town of Licola.
This place is unique — the only privately owned town in Victoria, run by the Lions Club. There’s a beaut caravan park on the Macalister River, a general store and a couple of cracking spots to set up camp, either in town or further up the valley along Tamboritha Road.
Campsites along the way
Wrens Flat
Chesters Hut
Barkly River
Licola Caravan Park
Contacts
Mansfield Visitor Information Centre or 03 5775 7000
Jackson Crossing & the Snowy River
Spring to late autumn is the best time, however this route is accessible all year — just be ready for variable conditions. Jackson Crossing can become impassable after rain or during spring snowmelt, so always assess water levels before you dive in.
If you’re after an iconic High Country river crossing, Jackson Crossing delivers. This bold route takes seasoned four-wheel drivers across the mighty Snowy River near Buchan, plunging you deep into rugged bushland and the wilder corners of Snowy River National Park.
From Buchan, head out on the Buchan-Orbost Road before turning onto gravel at Basin Road (about 5km from town). Continue to Tulloch Ard Road, then turn onto Running Creek Track. The route becomes more serious as you tackle Jacksons Crossing Track — a rugged descent with sections of washout and narrow overgrowth from regrowth after the 2020 fires. This is where low range earns its keep.
Once on private land, the terrain levels off as you approach the river — expect open paddocks, cows and a dramatic cliffside as your backdrop. Before you reach the private Erics Hut, swing right to approach the Snowy River crossing, around 27km from Buchan.
Crossing the Snowy happens in two hits: first, a short jaunt through shallow water to a river island, then the second — deeper, longer and packed with hidden rocks — traces the upstream current. Conditions shift frequently, so hop out and check depth and flow before taking it on.
On the eastern bank, a track to the left leads to a stunning beach — soft sand, so park smart. Veer right instead and continue along Varneys Track to splash through the Rodger River before reaching Hicks Campground.
From there, tackle Yalmy Road and turn off onto Moorsford Road, taking you to Raymond Creek Falls and the camping area. Nearby Garnets Track slices through Tara Range Park and tracks the Snowy River. You’ll pass multiple bush camps with great river access. Wall Track offers a steep drop to a hidden beach — well worth the detour for those after solitude and swim-worthy water.
Continue along Garnets Track (which becomes B Road) through open bush and farmland until you roll into Orbost.
Things to see and do
Buchan Caves Reserve — explore jaw-dropping limestone caverns on guided tours.
Snowy River National Park — go paddling, hike to Basin Falls or set up base at Balley Hooley Campground.
Raymond Creek Falls — stretch your legs with a 2km walk to the waterfall or take on the longer 13km hike to reach the Snowy’s banks.
Fishing — the upper Snowy in these areas is generally too warm for trout, but Australian bass and eels are active. For estuary fishing, follow the river to the coast for flathead and bream.
Orbost — drop into the Orbost Arts Centre to see the best of Aussie woodwork at the Australian Wood Design Exhibition.
Campsites along the way
Jacksons Crossing Camping Area
Hicks Camping Area
Raymond Creek Falls Camping Area
Woods Point Campground
Contact
Orbost Visitor Information Centre or 03 5154 2424
Licola to Dargo via Billy Goat Bluff
Tackle one of the most thrilling tracks in the High Country and end the adventure with a well-earned drink at Dargo’s iconic pub.
Billy Goat Bluff Track and this route are accessible year round, though it’s best to take it on from spring to autumn when the conditions are drier. While Billy Goat Bluff is already challenging in dry conditions, it becomes treacherous with water or snow — avoid it during these times.
Few tracks in the Victorian High Country are as legendary as Billy Goat Bluff. Renowned for its steep ascents and descents, this track offers the perfect blend of thrilling offroading and attainable challenge. Close to the historic Dargo Hotel and the tranquil town of Licola, it’s the ultimate adventure for any 4WD enthusiast.
Starting at Licola General Store, head north on Tamboritha Road, passing over the Wellington River Bridge. From here, the road transforms from bitumen to gravel as it meanders through lush forest, past 13 official (and a few hidden, unofficial ones) campsites along the river. After Bennison Lookout, continue your ascent to Tamboritha Saddle, then veer southwest toward The Lost Plain, located just south of Arbuckle Junction.
To the right, Moroka Road climbs steeply to McFarlane Saddle, the highest point on this route. From here, Moroka Road gently drops as it passes Moroka Hut and the peaceful Horseyard Flat Campground beside the Moroka River.
Moroka Hut
If you have time, detour 8km to the right to explore the Pinnacles Fire Tower. From the Pinnacles Lookout, enjoy panoramic views of the rugged East Pinnacle region. Once back at the intersection, it’s time to head down the Billy Goat Bluff Track.
The track’s descent begins with a hair-raising crossing of a narrow ridgeline where the drops on either side are dizzying — an excellent spot for a photo. Billy Goat Bluff is notorious for its steep, loose shale surfaces and deep ruts, offering stunning views as you descend. Expect some bottoming out or scraping over rocky steps, but with a standard high clearance 4WD, proper tyres and cautious driving, it’s a challenge you can conquer. Just be prepared for the occasional stuck vehicle — winch scars on trees are a common sight.
Take your time to enjoy the sweeping views that stretch out before you as you descend. These vistas will make the tough terrain feel worth every bump and scrape.
At the bottom, turn right onto Wonnangatta Road, which will take you over Kingwill Bridge and into lush farmland, dotted with campsites beside the river. At Shortcut Road, take a left and climb over a ridge to meet Dargo Road. A quick left onto the bitumen leads you straight into Dargo, where the journey ends.
Things to see and do
Dargo — a small town surrounded by expansive walnut orchards is perfect for a quick stop or overnight stay. Wander the streets lined with walnut trees or explore Lower Dargo Road, where you’ll find plenty of fresh walnuts in autumn. If you’re in the area during harvest time, you’ll have no trouble gathering them as you drive through.
Campsites along the way
Licola Caravan Park & General Store
Wild Cherry Camping Area
Boobook Camping Area
Blackfish Camping Area
Currawong Camping Area
Pardalote Camping Area
Treefrog Camping Area
Manna Gum Camping Area
Muttonwood Camping Area
Cockatoo Camping Area
Breakfast Creek Camping Area
Red Box Camping Area
Greenhood Camping Area
Platypus Camping Area
Moroka Hut and Camping Area
Horseyard Flat Campground
Kingwill Bridge
Black Snake Creek Hut Campground
Dargo River Inn
Dargo Hotel
Contacts
Parks Victoria, Alpine National Park or 13 19 63
Licola Caravan Park & General Store or 03 5148 8786
Dargo Hotel or 03 5140 1231
Dargo River Inn or 03 5140 1330
We’re not finished yet with Victorian High Country tracks that are open year round! Come back soon for part two.
Related articles
Historical High Country - The Huts They Called Home
Top 10 Places to Visit in the Victorian High Country
Camping in the Vic High Country: What you need to bring
Main image: Mount Buffalo (Image Credit: Brett Madsen)
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