Billy Goat Bluff Track is one of the High Country’s most iconic 4X4 challenges, and for good reason. With its punishing 27% gradient and a relentless 1200-metre climb over just 7 kilometres, it’s a badge of honour for those brave enough to tackle it. But the track’s unforgiving terrain comes at a cost—it’s also prone to erosion, making maintenance a necessary evil.
Right now, the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) Gippsland is carrying out repairs to stabilise degraded sections of the track. For some 4WDers, this might feel like taking the edge off an adventure, but DEECA reckons the works are unavoidable, especially since this track is a vital fire response route coming into bushfire season.
What’s Happening?
DEECA crews are grading and repairing sections of Billy Goat Bluff Track to address erosion and safety risks. While the track remains open during the works, delays are likely. Expect traffic management between Moroka Road and Wonnangatta Road, with hold-ups of up to 30 minutes.
While no one loves seeing a grader on their favourite track, it’s not the first time the dozers have ran up the track and these upgrades aim to keep it passable for both 4X4ers and emergency services. It’s a balancing act between maintaining the track’s appeal and ensuring it’s safe and functional as a fire trail.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re heading to Billy Goat Bluff during the works, here’s how to prepare:
- Check Conditions First: Always check the Public Access Map for up-to-date closures or delays.
- Expect Delays: Traffic management is in place, so bring patience, snacks, and maybe a thermos of coffee to make the wait easier.
- Radio Ready: Mobile reception is patchy at best, so a UHF radio is your best bet for staying in touch.
- Drive Smart: The repairs mean loose surfaces and machinery on-site—keep your wits about you and drive cautiously around work zones.
What’s the Impact?
Grading work on tracks like Billy Goat Bluff is a double-edged sword. While it’s essential to keep the track usable and safe, it can dull some of the charm that makes it such a drawcard for hardcore 4X4ers. That said, it’s better than the alternative—closures or unsafe conditions that take this legendary route off the map entirely.
For now, it’s a reality we have to accept. If you’re planning a trip, factor in the works, adapt your approach, and embrace the challenge—graded or not, Billy Goat Bluff Track isn’t going soft anytime soon.
