Buckland Spur Track

Get ready to tackle some serious elevation gain on the Buckland Spur Track, a punchy 4WD challenge that packs genuine thrills into a compact package near Merrijig. This medium-difficulty trail delivers an 18% grade that will test your vehicle's climbing ability and your nerve, making it popular with experienced off-road drivers looking for a quick adrenaline hit without committing to a full-day expedition.

You'll navigate steep, rocky terrain as you ascend through native bushland, with views opening up as you gain altitude across the 500-metre stretch. The narrow track demands precision driving and good vehicle control; loose rocks and rutted sections mean you'll need quality ground clearance and decent articulation to maintain traction. The aggressive gradient means momentum management is crucial—too slow and you'll bog down, too fast and you risk losing control on the unforgiving surface.

Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is in peak condition with quality tyres and properly functioning differentials. The short completion time of around two minutes shouldn't fool you into complacency; this trail has proven itself challenging enough to attract serious 4WD enthusiasts, with over 200 successful driver attempts logged. Bring recovery gear just in case, check weather conditions beforehand, and consider tackling this one during daylight hours when visibility is maximum.