Mt Terrible Track

The road

The Mt Terrible Track runs 59 kilometres along the spine of the Great Dividing Range between the Eildon-Jamieson Road and Ryan Spur Track near Kevington. The name refers to the mountain, not the track - though both earn respect. The track follows a ridgeline for much of its length, with views south over the Goulburn River catchment and north into the mountains beyond Jamieson. The signature section is Frenchmans Gap, where the track drops through a narrow saddle between ridges with steep forested slopes falling away on both sides. The gap is scenic rather than technically difficult, but it marks the transition between the western and eastern halves of the track. The surface varies between well-graded fire trail and rougher sections where water runoff has carved ruts into the clay. In dry conditions the whole track is accessible to a stock 4WD, but the length means any problem occurs a long way from help. The bush here is mixed eucalypt forest - stringybark and peppermint on the ridgetops, mountain ash in the gullies. The track passes several fire lookout points with cleared views, and the summit of Mt Terrible itself is accessible via a short spur. The mountain sits at roughly 1,200 metres and provides a broad panorama of the surrounding ranges. This is one of the longer ridgeline tracks in the Victorian Alps and the sense of isolation builds as the kilometres accumulate. Traffic is light even in peak season - it is possible to drive the entire track without seeing another vehicle.

The region

The Great Dividing Range between Eildon and Jamieson forms the backbone of the Victorian Alps. The country here is high, forested and sparsely populated. Jamieson is a small town at the junction of the Jamieson and Goulburn rivers with a pub, a general store and a reputation as a gold rush settlement. Kevington at the eastern end is barely a settlement - a handful of houses on the Upper Goulburn. Lake Eildon is visible from several points on the western approach. The area was heavily affected by the 2006-07 bushfires and the regrowth forest is now well-established.

Before you go

Fuel at Eildon or Jamieson before entering. No services on the track. The 59-kilometre length means you are committed once you pass the halfway point - turning back adds distance. No mobile coverage for the full length. Carry a satellite communicator, extra water and basic recovery gear. The track is seasonal - closed by snow and mud from June to October. Allow a full day including stops.

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