Horton Track

Challenge yourself on one of Victoria's most demanding alpine tracks where steep grades and technical terrain will test both your vehicle and your nerve. The Horton Track near Merrijig is a short but intense 4km route that demands respect—with a punishing 17% average grade, you'll navigate some seriously rugged mountain country that separates the capable rigs from the rest. This is a trail for experienced 4WD drivers who've mastered their vehicle's capabilities and aren't intimidated by steep descents and challenging obstacles.

You'll experience dramatic elevation changes as you work your way through this hard-graded track, with the landscape shifting from open woodland to exposed alpine terrain. The narrow track surface combined with the aggressive slope means you'll need precise vehicle control and careful line selection. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, so you should check forecasts before heading out—wet conditions dramatically increase the difficulty and risk.

Come properly prepared with recovery gear, spare water, and a well-maintained vehicle with good ground clearance and low-range capability. Only six vehicles have successfully completed the Horton Track, making this a genuine test of 4WD skill and determination. Use the Newtracs app to track your progress and log your completion—if you conquer this beast, you'll have earned bragging rights among serious off-roaders. Expect around seven minutes of pure adrenaline, though conditions may extend this significantly.