Branch Track

For hardcore 4WD enthusiasts seeking a genuine test of vehicle capability and driver skill, Branch Track delivers an adrenaline-pumping challenge near Mount Macedon. This brutally steep 1.1 km route is not for the faint-hearted—you'll encounter an eye-watering 81% grade that demands respect, precision, and a properly equipped vehicle. Only 11 brave souls have successfully tackled this trail, making it a genuine badge of honor for serious off-roaders.

You'll navigate relentless uphill sections that will push both your 4WD and your nerves to their limits. The terrain is unforgiving, with minimal room for error as you battle loose surfaces and extreme inclines. A winch is absolutely essential—this isn't optional equipment, it's mandatory survival gear. You should expect the 25-minute completion time only applies if conditions are favorable; recovery situations are genuinely likely. The scenery around Mount Macedon is stunning, but you'll be too focused on maintaining traction and line to fully appreciate it.

Before attempting Branch Track, ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound with excellent brakes, fresh tires with aggressive tread, and a winch system you trust completely. Bring a spotter, recovery gear, and ideally a support vehicle. Check trail conditions via the Newtracs app before heading out, as weather can make this already-brutal track completely impassable. This is where 4WD dreams become reality—or expensive lessons.