OFF ROADING

4WD & DIRT BIKING ROUTES

MOUNT POREPUNKAH

This easy route stays close to Bright but packs a punch. Starting in town, turn into Star Road and then Toorak Road and Mount Porepunkah Road via Quinns Gap. Follow the signs to Mount Porepunkah where you will be rewarded with excellent views from the summit across Mount Buffalo and the Victorian Alps. Continue north on Mount Porepunkah Road to return to Bright via One Mile Creek Road and the Great Alpine Road via Porepunkah.

BLUE RAG RANGE

This difficult alpine track is one of the most spectacular in the High Country. Drive south from Harrietville on the Great Alpine Road and turn right onto the Dargo High Plains Road. Blue Rag Range Track will be on your right as you head towards Dargo. The track ends at Trig Point. Return the way you came in. This remote track reaches over 1,600m elevation and is closed in winter, but be aware that snow may fall anytime of year without warning. The track has a few very steep rocky sections. Two vehicles with experienced drivers are recommended.

CLEARSPOT LOOKOUT

Another easy route that stays close to Bright, but soars to fantastic heights. Start on Bakers Gully Road, continue on Clear Spot Road and then Demon Ridge Road, following the signs to Clearspot Lookout for expansive views of Morses Valley, Mount Buffalo and the Great Dividing Range. Return via Clearspot Road, turning left onto Demon Ridge track and return to Bright via Wandiligong Road. This 36km loop will take just over an hour.

MOUNT MURRAY

At 1,634m high, Mount Murray lookout in the Alpine National Park overlooks the remote Selwyn Creek and the Blue Rag Range. To get there, drive down Buckland Valley Road and follow Buckland River Road past Beveridge Station. Take the next left onto Mount Murray North Track and follow it to Twin Jeeps Track and turn left. Turn onto Mount Murray Track South, which will take you to the lookout. Drive back along the Twins Road to Mount Saint Bernard on the Great Alpine Road and back to Bright. A medium-level 4WD loop in scenic country.

GET ON THE OFF ROAD

STONEY TOPS

An enjoyable 4WD route that peaks near the summit of Mount Feathertop. From Bright, drive south on the Great Alpine Road. Turn onto Old Harrietville Road, then Snowy Creek Road, which turns into Dungey Track as you enter the state forest. Turn onto Stoney Tops Track and follow to the lookout. If you feel adventurous, it's a 4hr return hike to Mount Feathertop. This drive is easy until the last section of track which is over large rocks along a narrow ridgeline. This section is closed in winter due to snow.

GOLDIES SPUR

Goldies Spur Track is an easy scenic route that runs along the power line easement and south boundary of Mount Buffalo National Park. The drive has great views of The Horn and the Back Wall. To get there, drive along Buckland Valley Road and turn right on Goldies Spur Road. Follow the track over the gap to Buffalo River Valley, exiting via the SEC Access Track to Buffalo River Road. The Lake Buffalo recreation area is nearby. Return the way you came, or via Buffalo River Road and Myrtleford on the Great Alpine Road.

THE PLANTATIONS

Many gravel roads in Bright & Surrounds pass through private regenerative pine plantations owned by HVP Plantations. HVP permits entry to their workplace at your own risk after having read and accepted the conditions of their free online Human Powered Pass. As working forests, you are never permitted to enter an area that has been closed for forestry operations. Operations may occur anytime of year. Please look after our forests and stay on formed roads only. Thank you for your cooperation.

NATIONAL PARKS

The spectacular and rare alpine High Country of eastern Victoria provides a backdrop of endless views while 4WD touring and dirt biking. These areas are protected as Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park. The Alpine National Park in particular provides a plethora of stunning tracks. While some are easy, many are difficult, remote and recommended for experienced tourers only. For track conditions, contact Parks Victoria before you go. These alpine tracks close in winter due to snow cover and harsh conditions.

PREPARE FOR ANYTHING

From snow to bushfires, floods and gale-force winds, the weather in the High Country can be fierce and change rapidly. Always check conditions before venturing out, ensure your equipment is working and carry adequate food, water and warm clothing. Importantly, download the VicEmergency and the Emergency Plus apps to your phone.

Notify someone of your plans before you set out. Many parts of the High Country have poor or no mobile phone coverage. Emergency beacons and satellite devices are recommended for your safety.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Our region is sensitive to human presence. We are privileged to have endangered animals such as platypus, pygmy possums and alpine dingoes surviving in our environment. Your behaviour has a direct impact on our flora and fauna. When driving or riding, stay on formed roads and don't cut new lines. Protect our wildlife and the beauty of our environment by taking all rubbish with you.

Never light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted, always extinguish it completely before you leave. Enjoy our outdoors, and remember, leave no trace.

EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE

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