Being such a large area you can spend weeks or even months exploring this region. Its a short but steep walk up to the fire tower lookout perched on a rocky summit. Although in a literal sense, you could actually miss it, as its perched just off the main road between Mansfield and Jamieson. Personal reflections of a stop in Ouray, CO while on a Cross Country RV Road Trip with Lolo, Herb, Andrew and Tommy Gaidus in their Lazy Daze Motorhome. Like a highlight reel, this 3 night 4WD and camping trip through the high Country will lead you to a number of iconic, must visit places. From the south of Thailand to the north, then down through, Read More 6 Things Ive Learned from 6 Weeks in AsiaContinue, Its rare I feel the need to write about an individual place we stay on our adventures, but Springriver Resort, Read More SpringRiver Resort Laos: 5 Reasons You Must Stay Here [Review]Continue, Nothing in this world thats worth having comes easy Now thats a quote worthy of starting an article. Around 6km onwards is Kingswell Bridge and immediately over the bridge turn to the left onto the Crooked River Track. VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY 6-DAY PACKAGE, $2850. The full tour fee is payable 2 weeks prior to the tour and is not refundable after this time. Next up are a series of rocky sections that are quite slow but generally fairly easy going. A further 13km onwards the road crosses Moroka River with the Old Moroka road on the right.Another 2km is the Marathon Road turnoff on the right, which heads south to Briagolong. Call Vic for an itinerary. Win a REDARC solar setup worth over $1700! I have visited this area for over 25 years and have put together a trip that includes the magic and splendour of this great land. You should consider taking out Travel Insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances including illness, vehicle problems or family matters. Mansfield Zoo want quite what we expecting, but was a great morning out for any of you travelling with kids. The main aim of the, Read More Pulpit Rock & Cape Schanck Lighthouse: Definitely Worth a VisitContinue, If I had to name my favourite place to visit in Williamstown, it would be the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary (and, Read More Jawbone Marine Sanctuary: The Best Place to Visit in Williamstown?Continue. Harrietville marked the start of severe inclines, with switchbacks replacing the long straight tarmac wed had so far (just check out those corners on the map below!). 7.3 km from the winter gate at the end of the rough 2WD section of the road. From here you can take a day to drive the best part of the Great Alpine Road up to Hotham Heights, even doing the full loop up to Omea and back round to Mount Beauty. Its located off you guessed it Bluff Track. Your 4WD should have recovery points located at the front and rear. The Victorian High Country holds some of the world's best 4WD destinations; with breathtaking panoramic views and stunning alpine scenery. Victorian High Country - Australia The Victorian High Country is a almost unique and very iconic Australian 4wd destination, every 4wd driver has to do it sometime. In fact, its around six hours of low range to get back out to Mansfield (which is just the way we like it!). If you're looking for adventure in Ubud, white water rafting should be high on your agenda, and unless you have your own wheels, a package makes economic sense. For this tour we recommend drivers have some 4WDing experience; as there are numerous steep hill climbs and descents and creek crossings. One place wed been keen to see with the Victorian High Country and the Great Alpine Road, so on a late November morning we headed packed up the car and headed out early from Melbourne for five nights away. . Victoria's High Country - The Official Website - plan and book your next getaway WALKS WITH ENDLESS VIEWS Step outside the everyday. Which is Australias most difficult 4WD track? This track is doable with a camper trailer but having a lightweight slide on like the Trayon makes the experience easier and safer without sacrificing any of the camping essentials we like to have in the bush nowadays. See more ideas about country, victorian, australia country. Piles of stones mark chimney sites where miners cottages, shops, banks and hotels once stood. The end point go our Alpine Road adventure was the town of Dinner Plain. With a huge range of tracks and campsites on offer, the majority of which are completely free of charge, the high country is truly one of the premier camping and 4WDing destinations in Australia. There are some fantastic tracks that are still local secrets. It will take between two and a half and three and a half hours to get to the Victorian High Country, dependant on traffic. After a selfie fill session at the Pinnacles lookout, head back down the same road until you reach the turn off for Billy Goat Bluff track. Outside of peak periods such as summer long weekends or Easter, there should be plenty of availability to setup camp. Fuel Fuel requirements for this trip are:-Diesel = 120 litres 4 and V6 petrol = 125 litres Straight 6 and V8 . Some of the tracks, rated double black diamond by Four Wheel Drive Victoria, are a test of tyres, suspension, engine torque and driver skill. The Victorian High Country provides the best 4Wdriving and most spectacular scenery in Australia. The King Spur Track starts by meandering amongst the Snow Gums before opening out to spectacular views across to Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. Stationary steam engines, water wheels and stamping batteries anything that was too big to get out after it all went bust is still on site. The Crooked River Track heads north through farmland and then into forested areas. Like many National Parks in Australia, Gariwerd is rich in Aboriginal heritage and natural beauty. The High Country Rail Trail is a super popular 80km route that stretches from Albury Wodonga to Shelley in Victoria, offering cyclists a scenic journey through an iconic landscape. 4 Day High Country Tag-Along Tour Intermediate 4WDrive and Recovery Course at Narbethong Location: Mansfielf, Vic Product code: VHC6 Leaving from Mansfield, Vic we head into the Victorian High country and Alpine region. Camping is available out the back of the pub or over at the Dargo River Innif wishing to make a night of it! WAYPOINT EXPEDITIONS. The 4WD Suitable to 4WDrives with high and low range. One aspect of the Victorian High Country is that it has many spectacular places only known to a relative few, and hopefully, this article will encourage you to explore some of these hidden gems (or perhaps find your own piece of Victorian High Country paradise!). Explore nature trails on foot or horseback, and frolic in the snow in winter. If you are towing a camper trailer, take extra precautions, and consider resting your brakes to let them cool down halfway down the descent. For those who want to call it a weekend, head south from Drago along Dargo High Plains Rd. Coming off the back of a year that included a 112-day lockdown in Victoria, this slice of calm on a hill in the High Country was what we needed. Around 11km further on is Grant Junction and the turn-off to Grant and Talbotville. Mount Buffalo is almost literally on the doorstep, the Great Alpine Road starts heading quickly upwards from here and even Beechworth is only 45 minutes away. We also found this oversized chair at the top, which I imagine looks very different in winter surrounded by snow. The Peru & Bolivia Marco Polo Pocket Guide lets you explore Peru and Bolivia with this handy, pocket-sized, authoritative guide, packed with Insider Tips. Just be careful though, as what looks like a 1 hour drive can turn into much, much longer thanks to the biggest drivable mountains Australia has on offer. 4. It made the must-see list for being so damn unusual, I can honestly say Ive never come across anything like it. When you arrive, you will be rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views of the High Country. Suitable 4WDrive with high and low range. We have a roof top tent, planning on spending most of our time in the national parks, but also into Melbourne & do the GOR. This gave us a good mix of experiences in different parts of the High Country. This is a classic hotel in every sense of the word, with hearty meals, wraparound verandahs and a perfect location. Steep climbs, over 40 river crossings and the incredible scenery are features of this trip. Oct 18, 2019 - Explore the Victorian High Country in Australia. We did find one small cafe by the main hotel open which, judging by how many words the owner fitted into her welcome, didnt see a lot of customer at this time of year. You can grab a four beer tasting tray plus local pesto for $12 bring on summer! Being an Alpine region, winters in the Victorian High Country are undoubtly cold. The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. For me, I really love autumn in the High Country. If you are travelling up into the High Country with kids, then a sturdy carrier for hikes is going to be needed. Sitting on the little deck outside, watching the sunset (photo above) as the chickens scratched around making their nests for the night melted a years worth of anxiety away from my brain. 20/20 Head to Healesville, a foodie's paradise A mountain gold town which flourished during Victorias golden era, Talbotville was one of the longest surviving towns in the region. Check with Parks Victoria to ensure the track is open before you leave home. Basic Requirements For This Tour . Wood sometimes can be scarce so it pays to bring your own or collect some on the way to ensure a good campfire for the evening. Past the Treasures-Mt Even Hut which is just visible from the main road with the Downey Road heading off to the right. Make sure you stop in at the old style sweet shop to stock up. Enjoy yarns and games around a cosy campfire. Take some time to absorb this view and appreciate what many believe is the best view in the whole Victorian High Country! Four-wheel driving fans value Victoria's ruggedly diverse national and state parks for the extensive track network and spectacular scenery. In winter I imagine this place is heaving, but in November it was a complete ghost town. Our Place, Bright>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. Theres a range of great local towns to visit, shops and pubs to experience, and of course, the spectacular mountain scenery that the Victorian High Country is famous for. From Grant continue along McMillians Rd for another 5km then turn right onto Dargo High Plans Rd and continue for another 18km until you reach the town of Dargo. It's known for its Victorian-era streetscapes, and is home to the Grape Vine Hotel, the largest grapevine in Australia. Note that it is not advisable to tow a camper trailer up this track so leave your trailer at the Dargo High Plains Road no issues with alightweight slide on camper like the Trayon with the advantage of having all the equipment right with you when we get the top. Find and compare all 988 South Africa tours, cruises, and packages from 242 companies. We can help with the Hire of a 4WD. Beginner trip to the Vic High Country. From the soaring pillars of the Twelve Apostles to the tree-fern gullies of the Otway National Park, this stunning coastal route is one of the most iconic road trips in Australia. From the Pinnacles head back down to Billy Goats Bluff turnoff on the right. Located near Lake Cobbler and down a few hundred metres of bush track, Dandongadale Falls is quite impressive. While most of the crossings are small, there are a few deeper ones to watch out for. Lets start with the basics, where exactly is the Victorian High Country? With pristine camping, spectacular views, and great 4WDriving you just have to get out and explore this area for yourself. Some of the tracks, rated double black diamond by Four Wheel Drive Victoria, are a test of tyres, suspension, engine torque and driver skill. Long rocky climbs seem to go on forever, only to end with spectacular views of mountains and the distant thin lines of other tracks crossing the ridges. On the other side of the range is the Dargo Hotel, est 1898. African safaris. There is enough to do here to make it an interesting place to stay home, but the big appeal is access to so many of the High Countrys icons. With a baby in the car, we didnt quite make the whole loop to Omeo but managed to do an out-and-back journey to Dinner Plain that was more than sufficient as an Alpine fix. This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. Dargo is arguably the hub of the Victorian High Country. This is your last chance to refuel and pickup any last minute supplies from the General Store. From the Pinnacles carpark it is a short walk up the access track to the radio transmitter and fire spotters hut, then a steep track with sheer drops on both sides to the fire tower. But then when you contrast this with the view from the Blue Rag Range, which boasts a more stunning and challenging track, its a tough choice indeed. Ok, so Ill fully admit this place not be for everyone, but we loved it. These are our favourite places from the High Country in the order we visited them. Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour. Further along this road there are some great camping areas on the Dargo River with places such as Italian Flat, Dusty Flat and Black Flat just to name a few. After lots of searching, we decided on the Macpac Vamoose as it was comfortable, put our baby high up so she could see and also has a handy detachable daypack. The rocky track surface is very slippery when wet so avoid any attempts in poor weather. In the event of you canceling a booking the following refund policy applies. Would love your thoughts, please comment. We also popped into the Burke Museum which documents the failed journey of Burke and Wills to cross Australia, but also has other curiosities such as a stuffed Thylacine (a Tasmanian tiger, extinct since 1936) and a recreation 19th Century Australian street which was unusual. Youll have the region on the one map, and youll be able to plan each and every stop. But then theres Zeka Spur, Billy Goat Bluff, and the list goes on. On a clear day, you can see as far as Gippsland Lakes, Mt Hotham to the north and the settled areas of the Wonnangatta Valley far below. Get the best stories straight into your inbox! Sep 14, 2018 - Essential Victorian High Country 4WD Camping Guide. The track is steep in parts, and scrabbly in others, but is in generally pretty good condition. and Kayes wonderful home-baked goodies (left for us in the fridge) were a lovely surprise. A guided 4 day Pack-Free walk. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for South Africa in 7 days. Most of the towns have a coffee shop for a caffeine jolt, a bakery to replenish the cholesterol level and you may find a boutique brewery or hidden gem winery. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Camping gear You need to supply your own camping gear, this is a camping tour there is no accommodation option. An itinerary carefully curated to suite Grade 2 -3 hiking ability. Definitely! The Talbotville camping area has pit toilets, fire rings and plenty of space to camp. Jawbone Marine Sanctuary: The Best Place to Visit in Williamstown? We chose to stay one day in the north of the High Country near Beechworth, two days in the centre in Bright and two days in the south near Mansfield. Heading out of Bright on the B500 we started to get our first glimpses of what was to come, with Mount Feathertop pushing the horizon up the windscreen and leaving the road feeling a tad inadequate in the foreground. Continuing along the high plains on Tamboritha Road, head pass the Lost Plain picnic area and you eventually arrive at Arbuckle Junction. The rest of El Dorado is fairly sleepy, with a couple of little hikes near the creeks, a self-guided historic town walk and the Mcevoy Tavern, which lays claim to being the smallest pub in Victoria. It will generally take about 1 hour to reach the camping areas in the valley from the turnoff on the Dargo High Plains Road. Broadly the High Country encompasses an area starting from Nagambie in the west, Rutherglen in the north, Omeo in the southeast and Jamieson in the south. day 3 bluff hut, lovicks hut ,zeka spur into wonnangatta valley , camp at talbotville. The food will be provided by our very guide. May 31, 2019 - Explore Helen Henrich's board "Victorian High Country" on Pinterest. Camping in a hut with a fire going and the kettle boiling while the thick morning frost starts to thaw outside is a High Plains luxury. From an adult point of view, Mansfield Zoo is a so-so experience, but for a kid this place is amazing. From short day trips to extended four-wheel drive touring through desert, mountains, rainforest and snow, different routes cater for all levels of skill and expertise. Next is Tamboritha Saddle and some of the fabulous Victorian high plains. From Licola, head along the Wellington River Valley on the Tamboritha Road which passes several picturesque camping areas on the riverbank this is a great option for an overnight stop. The Victorian High Country provides the best 4Wdriving and most spectacular scenery in Australia. Hi Swaggie would you be able to share with me your knowledge of the area and perhaps give me a plan of how to spend the seven days camping in two to three different spots (bases) that have the following to keep every one happy. Both films stand the test of time, and will really get you in the mood for that gorgeous steep terrain that youre about to encounter. there is a couple of good books on 4wd tracks in the high country with heaps of info. It can get very busy during holidays so perhaps avoid peak times. Australia Itinerary. From Horseyard Flat it is another 8km to the turnoff to Billy Goats Bluff track (which well check out later) then another kilometre to the fabulous Pinnacles. your itinerary sounds great, could you do day 3 with a camper trailer on? The zoo aspect of it wasnt so impressive. The only formed campsites on the Trail are a couple of grassed areas on New Country Creek, at the base of the infamous 'Staircase' climb that can accommodate at most four vehicles. A superb tin hut built to withstand the fire season (with a really unique gutter design), and a great view out the front. The Moroka road now becomes the Pinnacles road and the next point of interest is Horseyard Flat, approximately 2km from Marathon Road. Drive distance: 243 km. Photography Beach. Cattlemens huts are a feature of the High Country. During the gold rush era, the town of Dargo provide a stop over for miners on their way to the goldfields of Grant, Talbotville and Crooked River. Unfortunately, little of this remains today. Keep going for another 15 kms and you will reach the Pinnacles Lookout and Fire tower. Whether you're visiting in Summer, Winter or somewhere in between, you'll be spoilt with scenery. Located on an open grassy flat on a bend in the Crooked River, the 1860s presented a scene of weatherboard stores and dwellings with the township servicing the local miners and rural families. Unit 3/614 Maroochydore RdKunda Park, Sunshine CoastQLD Australia 4556. 4WD Pack Hema HX-1 Navigator About 6km from Dargo take the Upper Dargo Road which heads off on the right. Famous for this huge hunk of metal on the edge of town, The El Dorado Dredge once actually moved (hard to believe for something this big) through the backwaters of the Woolshed Valley pulling up tin and gold from the waters. From the Wellington River, the road climbs up out of the valley to Bennison Lookout which is worth a stop to take in the fabulous views towards Lake Tali Karng, Mount Wellington and the Razorback. The views are absolutely breathtaking the panoramic 360 degree views from the Pinnacles take in the seeminglyendless mountains and valleys to the North and the plains all the way to the sea to the South (on a clear day). JavaScript is disabled. Mount Buffalo, or more specifically, The Horn at the top of Mount Buffalo is home to some of the most striking and iconic views in the Victorian High Country. Its alpine destinations and tracks - Wonnangatta, the Dargo High Plains, Blue Rag, Mount Stirling - are legendary and not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. Theres information boards highlighting the surrounding areas and peaks, and your camera is sure to get a workout, especially on a good day. Sleeping with the gurgling sound of a nearby creek and waking to the early morning calls of birds like the raucous black cockatoos is priceless. - Do you require Driver Training? Recommended for those with the proper 4WD training, experience and well prepared vehicle, you can take on this challenge with confidence. You can test your driving skills as we cross over streams, trail mountains and have loads of fun along the great 4WD . Our daughter was fascinated by her daily visits down to the chicken coop with Elly and we loved the home-produced produce that she left for us. The track itself is extremely narrow at places, with cliff faces on both sides. Best time of year to Visit the High Country? Food This is a self catered tour, bring your own food and drink requirements, we supply a gas BBQ for your use in camp. Be cautioustravelling at the beginning of the plain as there are several bog holes that can trap the unwary. It came from, Read More Biggleswade To Paris 240 Miles Non Stop!Continue, We visited Cape Schanck on our recent trip to the Mornington Peninsula and loved it. However once back on the high plains road there is a location that should not be missed the famous Blue Rag Range and trig point. Powers Lookout is named after Harry Power, a bushranger from the mid-1800s, who was a mentor to the most famous bushranger of them all, Ned Kelly. Great Divide Tours will determine if any refund is due if this action occurs. But of course, you are in the mountains, so expect the unexpected when it comes to weather. SEMA 2014: LOOKING FOR A FEW GOLD NUGGETS IN A SEA OF BAD IDEAS, MADVENTURE AGENCY, a part of the Adventure Marketing Group Pty Limited (ABN: 66 650 398 995), Heading to Cape York with your 4WD? This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. This walk traverses diverse landscapes of forests, alpine grassland, winters snow-blanketed mountains, precipitous ridges and high plains. This is a fantastic option for your first overnight camp. With inspiring scenery, challenging drives and vibrant townships, it caters to a broad spectrum of travellers' tastes, from off-road adventurers to foodies, hikers, cyclists and more. there is a couple of good books on 4wd tracks in the high country with heaps of info to fit your itinarary this might be some ideas to work with camp at sheepyard flat out of mansfield day 1 craigs hut and mt stirling, back to sheepyard flat day 2 bindaree falls and lake cobbler loop via the staircase, back to sheepyard Stunning camping sites dot the landscape around Victoria's High Country. There are several good camping areas on the cliff-edge but at an elevation of 1500m a cold night is guaranteed and a roaring fire essentialif choosing to camp here. After a stressful year with the Covid lockdown and not being able to see any family from the UK, a two night stay on Ellys little farmstead was the most relaxed Ive felt in a long long time. Lets face it, Australia is pretty damn flat. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, it's also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. At over 2,000 tons it is huge and at one point was the second largest drain on Victorias electricity supply behind the cities of Melbourne and Geelong! For all my favourite travel and photography gear check out this page.