Blowhard Range Track

If you're seeking a genuine challenge that separates seasoned 4WD drivers from casual weekend warriors, the Blowhard Range Track near Toolangi demands respect. This 2km beast packs serious technical difficulty into a deceptively short distance, with an 11% grade that'll test your vehicle's capabilities and your nerve in equal measure. You'll need a winch equipped rig to tackle this one safely—it's not a suggestion, it's essential.

The terrain here is unforgiving, featuring deeply rutted sections that wind through dense Victorian bushland with minimal room for error. As you climb, expect loose rocky surfaces that shift beneath your tyres and steep drop-offs where concentration can't slip. The landscape opens intermittently to reveal views across the Blowhard Range, but you'll be too focused on line selection and traction management to fully appreciate them. Most drivers complete the trail in around 48 minutes, though that time varies dramatically depending on conditions and recovery requirements.

Preparation is critical. Check vehicle weight distribution, ensure your winch is in perfect working order, and consider your approach angle carefully. The trail's 98 previous conquerors can attest that overconfidence leads to costly mistakes here. Use Newtracs to review vehicle data from those who've completed it before you. This isn't a trail for learning advanced techniques—it's for proving you've already mastered them.