Ritchies Track (Extremely Steep)

You'll discover why Ritchies Track has earned its reputation among Victoria's most thrilling short 4WD experiences. This 1.8 km route near Stanley tests your vehicle's capability with an aggressive 11% grade that demands respect and precision. What makes this trail particularly interesting is how it compresses genuine technical driving into just 9 minutes—you're constantly engaged with steep descents and challenging terrain that separates experienced drivers from novices.

As you navigate Ritchies Track, you'll encounter dramatic elevation changes across rugged landscape that showcases the raw beauty of Victoria's backcountry. The scenery shifts dramatically as you descend, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding terrain. However, don't let the "Medium" difficulty rating fool you—the steep grade means you'll need excellent vehicle control, proper tyre pressure, and genuine off-road experience. Loose rocks and deep ruts become more treacherous on steep sections, so smooth throttle control is essential.

Before tackling this trail, ensure your vehicle has good ground clearance, functional brakes in excellent condition, and appropriate recovery gear. Check weather conditions beforehand, as wet conditions dramatically increase hazard levels on steep grades. Only five vehicles have completed this track on Newtracs, suggesting it remains genuinely challenging. With proper preparation and respect for the terrain, Ritchies Track offers an unforgettable concentrated dose of 4WD adventure that leaves drivers exhilarated and satisfied.