The climb up to Coal Pit Saddle sits near the Gibbston Valley, and the payoff is the view from the top, sweeping back over the valley. Well worth the effort to get up there.

This used to be a hard, rutty and boggy ascent that turned plenty of vehicles around. It was dozed and graded in late 2024, then realigned and graded to gravel-road standard in places, so it's a different beast now. These days it rates as a medium drive, with the steep climb being the main challenge rather than anything technical. Some drivers have even got standard SUVs to the top. The return trip comes in comfortably under two hours, so it's an easy half-day outing.

Conditions can still shift with the weather, so have a look at the recent comments before you head off and bring a vehicle that'll handle a steep gravel climb. Much easier than it once was, but the views are still the reason to make the trip.