Orton Track

If you're seeking a genuine extreme 4WD challenge that will test both your vehicle and your nerve, the Orton Track near Dargo delivers in spades. This 5.4 km beast demands serious mechanical sympathy and recovery equipment—a winch is essential, not optional—making it the domain of experienced off-roaders only. You'll encounter relentless 34% grades that feel almost vertical, technical rock sections, and terrain that punishes hesitation. The Victorian high country scenery is spectacular, but you won't have much time to admire it while concentrating intensely on your line selection and vehicle control.

Completion typically takes around 33 minutes, though this assumes you don't need winch recoveries or mechanical adjustments. The narrow, boulder-strewn track demands precision driving as you navigate steep ascents and descents where a single mistake could result in costly damage or worse. You'll need genuine 4WD expertise, quality recovery gear, and ideally a spotter who understands terrain communication. Only 11 vehicles have successfully tackled this trail—a statistic that reflects both its difficulty and the skill required.

This isn't a trail for building experience; it's for veterans who want to push their limits in one of Victoria's most formidable 4WD proving grounds. Come prepared with proper recovery equipment, communication devices, and respect for the mountain.