Telephone Track

If you're after a genuine test of your 4WD's capabilities and your own nerve, the Telephone Track near Mount Cole will deliver. This brutal 1.2 km route packs serious challenge into a short distance, with an unrelenting 58% grade that'll have you gripping the wheel and concentrating hard from start to finish. You'll navigate rocky, deeply rutted terrain that demands precise vehicle control and genuine technical skill—this isn't a trail for the faint-hearted or unprepared.

The scenic Victorian landscape around Mount Cole provides a rewarding backdrop, but your attention will be firmly on the track ahead. You should expect loose rocks, sudden drop-offs, and sections where maintaining traction becomes genuinely challenging. With an average completion time of just 12 minutes, the intensity is relentless; there's little opportunity to catch your breath or recover momentum. Twenty-three vehicles have successfully tackled this beast, proving it's possible—but the margin for error is slim.

Before attempting Telephone Track, ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition with quality tyres and recovery equipment on board. You'll need intermediate to advanced off-road driving experience and ideally a spotter. The Newtracs app will help you navigate and track your progress, but preparation and caution are essential. This trail rewards skill and respect; underestimate it at your peril.