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The Victorian High Country - A 4WD Bucket List Adventure

by Daniel & Bianca

The Victorian High Country - A 4WD Bucket List Adventure

For this instalment in our 4WD Bucket List Destinations series, Daniel and Bianca from Explore Bound share their adventures in off-roading through one of Australia's most iconic regions: the Victorian High Country.

One of Australia's most diverse and dynamic four-wheel driving destinations, the Victorian High Country transforms dramatically with each season. From challenging ridgeline tracks offering sweeping panoramic views in spring and autumn, to rugged, snow-covered peaks and unforgettable winter camping experiences, the High Country delivers adventure and natural beauty in every form.

Having explored this incredible region across multiple seasons, we've narrowed down our top four must-do experiences that truly capture the essence and magic of the Victorian High Country.



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Blue Rag Range Track

Arguably one of the most iconic 4WD tracks in Australia, the Blue Rag Range Track is a true bucket-list drive. Winding its way up to 1,726m of elevation, it delivers sweeping 360-degree views over the Victorian mountains that make the epic trek even more worthwhile. The track can be a challenge depending on the conditions, so do your homework before heading up and make sure your vehicle is prepared with decent 4WD tyres and capable suspension (a bit of off-road experience goes a long way too).


Highlights of the track

  • Epic climbs and descents
  • 360-degree views at the summit
  • Breathtaking Alpine National Park scenery


Talbotville Campground

If you're chasing the perfect campsite nestled amongst the mountains, the historic former gold mining town of Talbotville is the place to head. Located deep in the valley beside the Crooked River, this spacious grassy flat offers mountain views in every direction, park benches, a drop toilet, and best of all - it's a completely free campsite with no booking required. It's peaceful, easy to access for most setups, and makes an excellent base for exploring nearby 4WD tracks.


Campground highlights

  • Basic camping facilities
  • No fees or booking needed
  • Grassy space with mountain views
Talbotville Campground


Crooked River Track

Running straight through the historic Talbotville township, the Crooked River Track is an epic 4WD adventure that follows the winding Crooked River, crossing it a staggering 23 times! Track conditions change a lot depending on what time of year you visit, but provided there hasn't been too much rainfall recently, the crossings won't be too deep and it's a great way to get familiar with the many river crossings of the high country! The track itself isn't too long, only taking an hour or two to drive, but there are plenty of places along the way to stop for lunch and explore.


What makes the track special

  • Endless river crossings
  • Manageable overall length
  • Plenty of things to stop and check out
Crooked River Track


The Joys Of Snow Camping

There are only a few places in Australia where you can camp in the snow, and the Victorian High Country during winter is one of them. Keep an eye on the local ski fields' snow forecast, climb to higher campsites like McFarlane Saddle Camp Ground near Licola and prepare for a cold but magical adventure!

It's important to be prepared for camping in these environments, though - ensure your 4WD is fuelled up with alpine diesel, pack LOTS of firewood and warm clothing, and keep your drinking water somewhere insulated so it doesn't freeze overnight (any external water tanks or jerry cans will be ice blocks). Waking up to a snow-white campsite in Australia is a truly magical experience that's well worth the adventure.


The pleasures of snow camping

  • The pure silence of a snowscape
  • The cosy warmth of a campfire
  • Frosty nature scenes and wildlife
Snow Camping


Gear & Prep Tips For Tackling The High Country

The Victorian High Country is vast, remote, and unpredictable, so here's the gear we'd recommend you bring to tackle the above tracks and campsites:

  • A reliable 4WD setup with good tyres (AT or MT), upgraded suspension and most importantly, rated recovery points (a winch is recommended, but not essential)
  • A roof top tent or similar sleeping setup (you can tow a trailer in the Victorian High Country, but it may limit where you can go).
  • Tyre deflators
  • A compressor
  • Recovery tracks
  • Basic communications gear, like a UHF radio
  • Emergency communications equipment, such as a personal locator beacon (PLB), or a Starlink dish to provide internet access when you're out of phone reception
  • Offline navigation, such as a GPS navigator or paper maps
  • First aid supplies
  • Sufficient warm weatherproof clothing for the time of year you're visiting.
  • WikiCamps mobile app for finding campsites


Find Everything You Need For Your Next Epic 4WD Adventure At Anaconda Today

No matter how many times you visit, the Victorian High Country always has more to discover with hundreds of tracks, endless campsites and new adventures. It's wild, beautiful, addictive in the best way possible and well deserving of a place on your 4WD bucket list.

Before you head out on any off-road adventure, make sure you have everything you need, including roof racks, communication and navigation equipment, towing equipment, recovery gear, 4WD storage, camping gear and much more. Also, make sure you also check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and inspiration for exciting destinations. If you liked this guide to the Victorian High Country from Daniel and Bianca from Explore Bound, then you might also like some of our other articles, such as:

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive range of 4WD equipment for your next outdoor adventure.


Credits

All content and images supplied by Daniel and Bianca from Explore Bound.

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