Explore Victoria’s 4WD tracks

Victoria’s back roads offer some of the most breathtaking 4WD touring in Australia — from rugged High Country ridgelines to the lush forests of East Gippsland. Whether you're chasing remote riverside campsites, gold rush history, or panoramic mountain views, these scenic routes will leave you planning your next off‑road escape before you’ve even washed the mud off the tyres.

Here are 6 standout self-guided‑ 4WD tours, each offering its own mix of scenery, heritage, and adventure.

1. High Country Back Road Tour – Dargo to Swifts Creek

For those seeking classic High Country scenery, the Dargo to Swifts Creek route delivers from the first turn of the wheel. This 77 km journey winds north from the township along the High Plains, following the Dargo and Wentworth Rivers through vast mountain landscapes.

Expect scenic campsites, river vistas, and the option to take a more challenging side trip to iconic Wentworth Falls.

Historic sites such as the Strobridge Huts add another layer of richness to the experience, making this a favourite for drivers wanting a mix of nature and heritage.

Camp along the Dargo River at the following sites:

• Two Mile Creek
• Italian Flat
• Jimmy Iversons
• Ollies Jump Up

Route details

• Distance: 77 km one way
• Duration: 4+ hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Best for: Alpine river scenery, overnight camping, historic sites

2. Aberfeldy Back Road 4WD Tour – Jordan Valley

Steeped in the gold mining legacy of Gippsland’s Jordan Valley, the Aberfeldy Back Road Tour - Jordan Valley is a fascinating journey through historic settlements, forested mountain roads. Along the way, relics of Victoria’s pioneering past bring the landscape’s rich history to life.

This self guided 55km route connects the old township of Aberfeldy with Woods Point, offering interpretive stops at Red Jacket, Jericho, and other former gold rush communities.

For a longer adventure, travellers can extend their journey via the Aberfeldy Crossing side trip or continue north to link with the Upper Goulburn 4WD Tour.

Route details:

• Distance: 55 km one way
• Duration: 4+ hours one way
• Difficulty: Medium; some difficult side trips available
• Best for: Gold mining history, remote valleys, heritage sites

3. Far East Gippsland Back Road Tour – Murrungowar Forest Drive

For a gentler half-day forest escape, the Murrungowar Forest Drive showcases the lush, varied landscapes of East Gippsland.

The easy 34 km drive begins at the Murrungowar Picnic Area, about 17 km east of Orbost. It loops through stands of towering eucalypts, regrowth forests, and historic settlement sites before reconnecting with the Princes Highway.

Short walks enhance the experience, including the tranquil half-hour return walk to Little Cabbage Tree Creek Falls and the scenic Falls Creek Memorial Walk.

Dry weather allows 2WD access, but the route turns into an easy 4WD adventure after rainfall.

Route details:

• Distance: 34 km one way
• Duration: 1 to 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (Green Circle)
• Best for: Forest scenery, waterfalls, short walks

4. Aberfeldy Back Road 4WD Tour – Donnelly's Creek Loop

If you’re drawn to remote mountain scenery and rich High Country history, the Donnelly’s Creek Loop is a classic Victorian 4WD adventure. Starting in Walhalla and winding through former gold rush settlements, the route passes historic sites like Edwards Reef, Store Point Hut and Toombon, along with lookouts that reveal sweeping views across the ranges.

There is opportunity to stay the night at popular bush camps including O’Tooles Flat and Little O’Tooles. The loop finishes via Aberfeldy, where the heritage walk and historic cemetery are a key relic of the region’s pioneering past.

Route details:

• Distance: 74 km one way
• Duration: Full day, or 2 full days if undertaking walks
• Difficulty: Medium (Blue Square), some narrow steep forest roads
• Best for: Steep terrain, mountain lookouts, historic gold sites, bush camping

5. Upper Goulburn 4WD Tour

If you love mountain climbs, sweeping views, and the feel of true Victorian bush, the Upper Goulburn 4WD Tour, in the Upper Goulburn State Forest is a must-do. Starting at Jamieson and finishing at the historic Kevington Hotel, this 90 km route is a full‑day challenge featuring steep climbs, ridgeline views, river crossings, and rich gold mining history.

Key highlights include panoramic views from Mt Terrible Fire Tower and the fascinating Tunnel Bend diversion tunnel, carved into the landscape during the gold era. The route also passes through Gaffneys Creek and Knockwood, both surrounded by rugged terrain shaped by past mining activity.

Route details:

• Distance: 90 km return
• Duration: 4+ hours one way
• Difficulty: Difficult (Black Diamond)
• Best for: Steep terrain, mountain lookouts, historic gold sites

6. High Country Back Road Tour – Omeo to Dargo

Linking two of the region’s most iconic towns, the Omeo to Dargo tour is an 80 km route that takes drivers from Omeo to Dargo via Mt Birregun, with spectacular views stretching toward the Gippsland plains and, on a clear day, all the way to the ocean.

The tour begins at Omeo’s Livingstone Creek Park, home to rich gold history and mountain bike trail networks. Along the drive, travellers will encounter the impressive 90 km Jirnkee Water Race, Dogs Grave (a stockman’s dog memorial from the 1860s), and scenic elevated lookouts. For those seeking the extra challenge, consider a side trip to Harrisons Cut (Grade- Difficult).

Campsites along the Dargo River include Ollies Jump Up and Italian Flat.

Route details:

• Distance: 80 km one‑way
• Duration: 1 to 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (with optional difficult detours)
• Best for: Wide‑open views, gentle touring, riverside camping

Ready to hit the tracks?

Whether you’re after a rugged challenge or a peaceful forest meander, Victoria’s network of back road tours has something for every type of 4WD explorer. Before you set off, always:

• Check seasonal road closures
• Carry recovery gear and sufficient water
• Travel with a second vehicle on difficult tracks
• Respect local heritage sites and natural environments.

Page last updated: 30/04/26