Tune in to Channel 9 on Sunday 18th June at 1.00pm for Episode 1 of Drive TV Season 5.
Drive Season 5 screens on Channel 9 at 1pm each Sunday. The full episode will be available to video on 9Now after it airs.
On this week's episode of Drive TV, we explore the Blue Rag Track in the Victorian High Country. The track is known for its scenery and challenging terrain, but perhaps one of its best qualities is that it's accessible to the public.
We lucked in with a spot with the Isuzu I-Venture Club, which meant that we had access to experts and travelled in a convoy. The group included existing Isuzu owners – from beginners to experts.
Travelling from Melbourne, our first stop point was at the charming and bustling town of Bright. The town is the ultimate base for exploring the peaks of Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park, and is home to popular ski resorts.
The trip to reach the very first point is a scintillating and challenging climb up Great Alpine Road. From there, we began our ascent to reach the magnificent Blue Rag Trig Point. Here, you'll experience some of the most majestic scenery overlooking the national park.
This stint includes a number of hills, undulations and bumpy terrain – nothing our Isuzu D-Max couldn't handle. After we took in the beauty of the trig point, we then tackled a demanding descent that ended with the ultimate prize – dinner at the Bright Brewery.
This component of the track is far more testing, offering up ambitious rock walls and river crossings. We ventured from Bright along Goldies Spur Track, Rose's River and finished the journey in Mansfield.
This leg is the longest, taking around five hours to complete, with several pit stops in between.
The greatest highlight of this track as a whole is that it encompasses a bit of everything. Not only does the view look like a postcard, it also serves up difficult hills, gravel roads, mud and crossings. Photos don't do it justice, and that's why we encourage you to conquer it yourself.
There is an abundance of towns to explore in this region. Unfortunately, our time was rather limited, so best to lock out a long weekend or even a week to enjoy it properly.
The Blue Rag Track is open to the public, and if you're wanting to travel with a group, then we encourage you to sign up to clubs and communities in your area.
Google maps link for this drive (from Bright)