Back Creek Trail

Back Creek Trail delivers a genuine test of your vehicle's capabilities without overwhelming inexperienced drivers. This medium-difficulty route near Lochiel showcases the rugged terrain Victoria's high country has to offer, combining technical sections with scenic creek crossings that'll keep you engaged for the full 4.1 km journey.

You'll navigate a mix of rocky outcrops and rutted track sections as you work through the 10% grade, with Back Creek's crossing being the highlight of the drive. The surrounding landscape shifts between dense forest and open scrub, offering glimpses of the natural beauty that makes this region popular with 4WD enthusiasts. Water conditions can vary seasonally, so checking recent trip reports on Newtracs before heading out is smart planning. You should bring recovery gear and ensure your vehicle's suspension is in good condition—the terrain won't tolerate neglect.

The estimated 22-minute completion time assumes steady progress, but you'll want to allocate extra time for photography or careful creek navigation, particularly after heavy rain. Only three vehicles have completed this trail on Newtracs so far, which speaks to its lesser-known status. That means fewer ruts to follow but also fewer reference points—come prepared with navigation tools and let someone know your plans before departing.