French Line
Victoria's gnarliest forest challenge.
The French Line carves through Victoria’s Otway Ranges near Forrest, following old logging tracks through temperate rainforest gullies. This technical single-track drops into creek beds at Distillery Creek and climbs brutal off-camber sections through towering mountain ash. The notorious Hill 60 section will test your diff locks and throttle control, while constant creek crossings keep things interesting year-round.
Expert-level driving required — this isn’t a beginners’ trail. You’ll need solid 4WD with low-range, bash plates, and good recovery gear. Wet conditions make it nearly impossible, so stick to drier months from November to April. Expect body damage from tight timber, and bring a chainsaw for tree-fall. What you get is Victoria’s premier technical challenge through some of the state’s most spectacular forest country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24 km |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2130 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with diff locks |
| Nearest town | Forrest, VIC |
| Land manager | Parks Victoria |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock LandCruiser or Patrol run the French Line, or do I need lockers?
A stock vehicle will get stuck. Diff locks front and rear are effectively mandatory — the steep, rutted climbs and off-camber sections in wet forest conditions will defeat open diffs. Lifted suspension and all-terrain or mud tyres are expected minimums on top of that.
When is the French Line open, and what happens if it rains?
Best window is November through April when conditions are drier and the track is least likely to be closed. The Otways get heavy rainfall year-round and Parks Victoria will close the trail at short notice after rain — check with Parks Victoria or local Forrest contacts before you leave, not the night before from the city.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive the French Line?
No permit or entry fee is required, but the trail runs through Parks Victoria managed land and is subject to seasonal and weather-related closures — always verify the current status with Parks Victoria before heading out.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually expect?
The steep, heavily rutted climbs through dense forest are where rigs get into trouble — loose dirt over clay, tight lines with trees on both sides, and very little room to recover a mistake. Budget time for the creek crossings too; after any rain they can deepen fast and the exit banks are slippery and aggressive.
There's zero cell service — what's the nearest fuel and should I carry recovery gear?
Fuel up in Forrest or Colac before you start; there's nothing on-trail and you're in remote Otways forest the entire 24km. Carry a full recovery kit — snatch strap, shackles, hi-lift jack, and a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach — because self-recovery or a mate's help is your only option out here.
Trail track
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