Switchback Track

You'll experience some genuinely technical driving on the Switchback Track near Deptford, where steep grades and tight hairpin turns demand your full attention and solid vehicle control. This 6.4 km route challenges even experienced 4WD drivers with its 24% gradient sections, making it an excellent progression trail if you're building your off-road skills. The winding nature of the track means you'll navigate multiple switchbacks that test your line selection and precision—get your entry wrong and you'll be backing up to reset your approach.

The landscape reveals beautiful Victoria high country scenery, with native vegetation flanking the trail as you climb and descend through some genuinely remote terrain. You'll encounter rocky outcrops, rutted sections from water runoff, and loose surface in places that can catch you off-guard if you're not concentrating. The 50-minute average completion time reflects the technical demands rather than distance, so don't expect to cruise through this one.

Before attempting Switchback Track, ensure your vehicle is in top condition with quality tyres and reliable brakes—the steep grades demand mechanically sound equipment. High-clearance 4WD with good articulation is essential, and locking differentials will significantly improve your confidence on the trickier sections. Plan your approach carefully; the switchbacks aren't forgiving to rushed driving, and recovery options are limited once you're committed to the track.