Crooked River Track

Looking for a quick but rewarding 4WD adventure near Wongungarra? The Crooked River Track delivers exactly that—a scenic 0.7 km route that showcases Victoria's rugged waterway crossings without the extreme technical demands. You'll navigate gentle terrain as you wind your way toward the river, where the real challenge begins. Multiple river crossings form the heart of this experience, requiring careful line selection and moderate water fording skills. The crossing points vary depending on seasonal flow, so you'll need to assess water depth and current conditions before committing.

The medium difficulty rating makes this trail perfect for intermediate 4WD enthusiasts building their water-crossing confidence. With a completion time of just 16 minutes, you could easily run this track multiple times in a single outing, each pass offering slightly different conditions through the river. The landscape around Crooked River is picturesque bushland that showcases the region's natural character. Since there's no steep grades to contend with, your main focus stays on safe water crossing technique rather than steep climbing or descending.

Before heading out, check local conditions—recent rainfall dramatically impacts river levels and crossing difficulty. Bring recovery gear and consider traveling with another vehicle for safety. The track's popularity among 4WD enthusiasts (264 vehicles have completed it) speaks to its appeal as a solid training ground for water crossings. Use the Newtracs app to access detailed trail maps before your visit.