Exploring Victorian High Country: Epic Tracks, Stunning Gorges, and the Blue Rag Track
- Adventure Lifestyle
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
G'day! Fresh from our adventures in the Victorian High Country, we've got some absolutely cracking spots to share with you. This trip had it all - high country rivers that'll blow your mind, single-lane mountain tracks that'll test your nerves, and the legendary Blue Rag track that lived up to every bit of hype.
Pinch River Campground and the Barry Way
We rolled into Pinch River Campground in Kosciuszko National Park just after dark, having driven in via the Barry Way - a road that took Paul by surprise being his first time there. Crazy doesn't even begin to describe it.
The campground sits right on the Snowy River, about 10 kilometers north of the Victorian border, and it's classic national parks setup: drop toilets, fire pits, and absolutely nothing else. Exactly how we like it.
After a swim in the freezing Snowy River the next morning (coffee was definitely needed to warm up after that), we packed up and kept exploring south along the Barry Way toward McKillops Bridge.
Little River Gorge: Worth the Detour
Our first stop was Little River Falls - a multi-tiered waterfall with a massive drop-off at the end. The walk in is only about 400 meters, but wear proper shoes even if it's sunny. The track gets boggy and slippery, and we learned that lesson the hard way (or rather, Karleah did in her thongs).
Five minutes down the road, we hit Little River Gorge. Another 400-meter walk, this time downhill the entire way, which meant the walk back up was going to hurt. But the gorge itself? Absolutely insane. Easily one of the most spectacular spots we've seen, and completely worth the climb back to the vehicles.
McKillops Bridge: Victorian High Country Beach Camp
The road into McKillops Bridge was another gnarly one - super narrow, super windy, with sections where if you met another vehicle coming the other way, someone would be reversing for a long time. Sheer cliff on one side, sheer wall on the other, and absolutely no room to pass.
The campground didn't disappoint. We found an actual beach down by the river - proper sand, plenty of flow after recent rain, and the kind of spot that makes you want to pull up stumps early and just enjoy it.
After checking out the bridge and another campsite nearby, we decided to push on to Old Joe Creek, a spot that turned out to be even better.
Old Joe Creek: Where Plans Change
Sometimes you've got to go with the flow when you're traveling, and Old Joe Creek was one of those places that made us completely change our plans. Absolutely spectacular spot right next to the river, and we ended up delaying the Blue Rag track by a day just to enjoy a lazy afternoon there. Caught up on some editing, soaked in the sunshine, and reminded ourselves why we do this.
Crossing Mount Hotham to Blue Rag Track
After a lazy morning at camp (when the spot's that good, there's no rushing), we headed toward the start of Blue Rag track via Mount Hotham and Omeo. The views from above Mount Hotham were epic - even with overcast conditions limiting visibility, the mountains looked absolutely stunning.
Blue Sky Lightning: A Camp Night We Won't Forget
That afternoon we arrived at Annie's Flat Campground at the start of the Blue Rag Track, and experienced something we never had before - blue sky lightning. Not metaphorical, not exaggerated - actual lightning bolts in completely clear blue sky. We watched this massive storm building in the distance while the sun was setting on the other side, creating one of the most surreal and memorable scenes either of us have witnessed.
The clouds were forming so fast you could literally watch them grow. At one point, there was a random cloud in the distance that looked like a volcano going off. Between the cracking sunset, the mountain views, the storm building, and the blue sky lightning, we were spinning in circles trying to take it all in.
Blue Rag Track - A Morning in Low Range
The following morning we aired down at the start of the track and immediately headed up. Straight off the road, straight up the mountain, straight into low range.
The Blue Rag track itself was everything we hoped for. Long, steep climbs in first gear with rear diff locked, crawling up sections that were the closest to vertical either of us had ever driven. The track wasn't overly technical in the dry, but it would get seriously sketchy in the wet with all the off-camber sections.
That last major climb? Absolutely worthy of the hype. Steepest, closest to vertical, most intense climb we've done.
The Takeaway
Kosciuszko National Park delivered in every possible way. The gorges were spectacular, the river camping was world-class, and the Blue Rag track lived up to its reputation as one of Australia's best 4WD experiences.
We ended up spending a couple of extra days in the High Country because sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. As a result, we gave the Grampions a miss this time around, but we'll be back.
If you're planning to tackle this area, here's what you need to know:
Barry Way and the McKillops Bridge road: Narrow, not technical but not for the faint-hearted. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and you're comfortable with mountain driving.
Little River Falls and Gorge: Both worth the stop. Wear proper footwear.
McKillops Bridge campgrounds: Multiple options along the river, all excellent. The one at Old Joe Creek is particularly stunning.
Blue Rag track: Rated as difficult on Hema, but manageable in the dry with a decent 4WD and some experience. Low range, diff locks, and take your time.
Timing: We went in summer with recent rain - tracks were in good condition but would be slippery in wet weather.
Next up for us: the Flinders Ranges. You can read about our time ticking off that bucket list destination here.
Watch the full adventure on our YouTube channel to see our reaction to the blue sky lightning, the epic climbs, and all the spots we couldn't fit into this post. And if you're planning your own trip through this area, we'd love to hear about it in the comments!
See you on the road,
Paul & Karleah
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