Cooks Break

Cooks Break delivers a thrilling alpine challenge that rewards adventurous 4WD drivers with stunning high-country scenery and genuine technical driving. Near Ensay North in Victoria's rugged backcountry, you'll encounter a demanding 27% grade that tests your vehicle's capabilities and your nerve. This 5.8 km route pushes through steep terrain where precision steering and careful throttle control become essential—it's the kind of trail that separates casual weekend warriors from committed off-road enthusiasts.

The driving experience is intense but manageable for medium-skilled operators with properly equipped vehicles. You'll navigate rocky outcrops, deeply rutted sections, and narrow passages where one mistake could prove costly. The landscape opens up to expansive views across the high country, making the technical difficulty worthwhile. Before attempting Cooks Break, ensure your 4WD is in peak condition with quality recovery equipment on board. Low range gearing is non-negotiable, and we recommend tackling this trail only in dry conditions—wet weather transforms the steep sections into genuine hazards.

This trail remains relatively untouched on Newtracs, with limited user data, which adds an element of exploration to your journey. Bring extra fuel, water, and communication devices, as help is distant. The 13-minute completion time assumes continuous driving without stops, though you'll likely want to pause and appreciate both the views and your achievement.