Howqua Gap Trail

You'll find the Howqua Gap Trail offers an excellent introduction to alpine 4WD driving, combining accessible terrain with genuinely rewarding scenery near Mount Buller. This 4.2 km route takes you through the heart of Victoria's high country, where you'll navigate a mix of rocky outcrops and graded track sections with a consistent 6% grade that keeps things interesting without overwhelming less experienced drivers.

The driving experience here is where the trail earns its reputation. You'll encounter variable surface conditions that demand consistent throttle control and line selection, while the surrounding mountain landscape rewards every turn with expansive views across the alpine plateau. The terrain alternates between firmer track sections and looser, more technical ground where careful tire placement makes a real difference. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation, so you should check conditions before heading out and carry recovery gear—the track can become slippery when wet.

With over 200 vehicles having completed this trail, you'll benefit from a well-established route that's received plenty of traffic, though this doesn't diminish the genuine 4WD challenge it presents. At 35 minutes average completion time, it's perfectly suited for a focused driving session or as part of a larger alpine exploration day. The medium difficulty rating reflects genuine obstacles rather than pure distance, making it ideal for building your skills in a spectacular setting.