Mount Blue Rag: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills
Mount Blue Rag is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.715m (5,626ft) above the sea level, located in the Victorian High Country of Australia. It’s definitely only for 4WD cars with good clearance. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
Set high in the Australian Alps, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Blue Rag Range Track. The track is 15.9 km (9.87 miles) long. Is starts at Dargo High Plains Road and finishes with a decent to the Wongungarra river. This gravel rough track snakes its way over the tops of the range and it’s one of the highest alpine tracks in the country. It follows the ridge lines, with rough, rocky, steep climbs, descents and high precarious mountain edges. Be aware that snow may fall without warning at any time during the year, and Dargo High Plains Road is closed during the snow season. Check closures before departing.
The track is not for the beginner and unprepared as the conditions here are not for the faint-hearted. This track requires four wheel driving and a keen eye on what is coming ahead of you. Some people find this track just too daunting. It requires alertness due to some precarious drops on either side of the trail during the main climb to the summit. Some of the turns are so narrow, that it’s difficult to turn in one go. At least two vehicles and experienced drivers are recommended. This track can get very difficult as it’s thin, and steep and with more wear during the rainy days, ruts will form.
The track is an exhilarating way to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Alpine National Park, but please drive and conduct yourself in a respectful manner. It is a visual spectacle that can create some nervous moments for drivers attempting to scale its heights, with awesome 360º views at the summit.
Pic: Michael Petroff