
The track to Mount Terrible: low range and high clearance required
Australia, oceania
24.3 km
1,305 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Victorian High Country of Australia, just southwest of Kevington, lies Mount Terrible. And trust me, the name isn't kidding around.
We're talking about a 24.3km (15-mile) trek to 1,305m (4,281ft) of pure, unadulterated Aussie bush. Forget smooth asphalt; this is Mt Terrible Track, a totally unpaved, rough, and rocky ride through the Mount Terrible Natural Features and Scenic Reserve. Think scrabbly sections, steep climbs, rocks, and ditches galore.
This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a 4x4 beast with great tires, low range, high clearance, and a driver who knows how to pick the right lines. The Great Dividing Range throws everything it has at you, including potential closures from July to late October due to snow. Yep, this track gets rocky AND snowy in winter!
But the reward? Stunning views from the summit, home to a fire lookout tower (circa 1962) and a comms tower. It's an epic High Country adventure!
Where is it?
The track to Mount Terrible: low range and high clearance required is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.8315, 131.7354
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,305 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -24.8315, 131.7354
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