Crooked River Track Guide: River Crossings, Campsites & High Country Touring

Water crossings. Rocky climbs. Pure High Country touring.

Crooked River Track is one of the Victorian High Country’s true classics. Not because it’s the hardest track in the region, but because it delivers exactly what High Country touring is supposed to feel like: river crossings every few kilometres, rocky climbs, remote campsites and long days weaving through mountain valleys with mud drying on the doors.

For plenty of 4WDers, Crooked River is the track that hooks them on the High Country for life. It’s scenic, technical enough to stay interesting, and loaded with that proper remote alpine feeling that keeps people coming back year after year.

If you’ve spent a day crossing the river over and over again, tyres dripping, suspension flexing and the convoy laughing over UHF after another splash-through, you already know why this track has become a High Country favourite.

Where Is Crooked River Track?

Crooked River Track sits near Dargo in the Victorian High Country, winding through the famous Wonnangatta Valley region.

• Region: Victorian High Country
• Nearest town: Dargo
• Track type: River crossings, rocky climbs and touring terrain
• Difficulty: Easy to medium in dry conditions
• Suitable for: Proper 4WDs with low range

The track follows the Crooked River itself, crossing back and forth through shallow and moderate river sections surrounded by steep mountain ranges and dense bushland.

Why Crooked River Is So Popular

Simple.

It’s one of the best all-round touring tracks in the Victorian High Country.

You get:

• Multiple river crossings
• Beautiful campsites
• Scenic valleys
• Rocky terrain
• Easy access to iconic surrounding tracks
• A proper remote High Country atmosphere

Unlike some High Country tracks that feel like pure punishment, Crooked River balances challenge with scenery perfectly.

It’s the kind of track where the driving is fun all day without becoming exhausting.

How Difficult Is Crooked River Track?

In dry conditions, Crooked River Track is generally considered easy to medium difficulty for experienced touring setups.

But like every High Country track, conditions change everything.

Dry Conditions

• Shallow river crossings
• Rocky riverbeds
• Loose climbs
• Corrugations in sections
• Suitable for most touring wagons and dual-cabs

Wet Weather Conditions

• River levels rise quickly
• Slippery entry and exit banks
• Hidden rocks under muddy water
• Strong current after heavy rain
• Track damage and washouts possible

The river crossings are what catch most drivers out. Conditions can change dramatically after storms or snow melt higher up in the ranges.

How Many River Crossings Are on Crooked River Track?

A lot.

Depending on your exact route and conditions, expect around 20 to 30 river crossings throughout the area.

Most crossings are relatively shallow in normal conditions, but don’t get complacent. River depth changes constantly throughout the season.

Always walk crossings if you’re unsure.

Fast-moving High Country water can do serious damage quickly.

Do You Need a Snorkel for Crooked River?

Not always.

In normal summer conditions, many vehicles complete the track without one.

But after rain, water levels rise quickly and a snorkel becomes cheap insurance.

At minimum, you should have:

• Recovery points
• Low range
• All-terrain tyres
• Recovery gear
• UHF radio

River crossings are never something to underestimate in the High Country.

Best Time to Drive Crooked River Track

The best time to visit Crooked River is generally between late spring and autumn.

• November: Rivers flowing well with cooler conditions
• December-February: Peak touring season
• March-April: Cooler weather and quieter campsites
• Winter: Cold conditions, closures and rising river risks

Summer is the busiest period, especially during holidays and long weekends.

If you want quieter campsites and fewer convoys, shoulder season is hard to beat.

Camping Along Crooked River

This is one of the best camping regions in the Victorian High Country.

You’ll find campsites all throughout the valley, many sitting directly beside the river itself.

Popular Camping Areas

• Talbotville: One of the most famous High Country campsites
• Crooked River camps: Smaller bush sites along the crossings
• Wonnangatta Valley: Remote alpine camping nearby
• Grant Historic Area: Easy basecamp access

Expect campfires, freezing mornings, river noise and dust-covered rigs parked under gum trees.

This is proper High Country camping.

Tracks Commonly Combined With Crooked River

Most High Country crews combine Crooked River with other iconic Victorian tracks.

• Billy Goat Bluff Track
• Blue Rag Range Track
• Wonnangatta Valley
• Zeka Spur Track
• Cynthia Range Track
• Hearn Spur

This whole region links together into some of the best multi-day touring in Australia.

Essential Recovery Gear for Crooked River

Even though Crooked River isn’t considered an extreme track, conditions can change fast.

Carry:

• Snatch strap or kinetic rope
• Recovery boards
• Rated shackles
• Tyre repair kit
• Air compressor
• First aid kit
• Offline maps
• UHF radio

Water crossings always increase the risk of mechanical issues and recoveries.

Common Mistakes on Crooked River Track

• Driving crossings too fast
• Entering crossings without checking depth
• Using highway tyre pressures
• Ignoring weather forecasts
• Overloading vehicles
• Underestimating slippery river exits

The track itself is manageable.

Bad decisions are what usually cause problems.

Why Crooked River Keeps People Coming Back

Some High Country tracks are about bragging rights.

Crooked River is about the full experience.

The crossings, campsites, mountain scenery and relaxed touring pace make this one of the best all-round 4WD destinations in Victoria.

It’s the sort of track that becomes part of annual trips, repeat convoys and long weekends with mates.

And once you’ve driven it properly, it earns a permanent spot in your High Country stories.

Badge the Crossings

If you’ve tackled Crooked River Track, splashed through the crossings and camped deep in the valley, you’ve earned the patch.

Grab the Crooked River Patch and mark one of the Victorian High Country’s true touring classics.

Want more iconic alpine tracks? Explore the full TracMarc patch collection.

Looking for more challenging alpine tracks? Check out the hardest Victorian High Country tracks.

Track it. Mark it. Stitch it. Send it.