You're at 1,750 metres above sea level, completely surrounded by stark mountains and valleys, which slowly disappear into . 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. 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. Well start this adventure at Licola, which is a small town on the banks of the Macalister River. 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. 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. Reply By: . Get the best stories straight into your inbox! Alpine National Park. 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. Ive already written a bit about this place in the Where to Stay in the Victorian High Country section, but I wanted to push home the point here. Continuing along the high plains on Tamboritha Road, head pass the Lost Plain picnic area and you eventually arrive at Arbuckle Junction. Beginner trip to the Vic High Country. We will introduce you to different driving, convoy and UHF radio techniques along with the campground etiquette. It's home to steep climbs and descents, plenty of water crossings and thousands of kilometres of tracks that are ever-changing. Bright was definitely our favourite town, with the farmstead near Mansfield the best experience, as we sat on the edge of the hill watching the sunset and a clear sky full of stars appear every night. Find your own secluded campsite by a fresh mountain stream. There are bypass tracks around the worst areas so generally these shouldnt cause any problems. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. The Deddick Trail features some of the steepest tracks in the Victorian High Country. If you are interested in doing a Victorian High Country 4wd Tag Along Tour then have a look at the trips that Australian 4x4 tag Along Tours run to this region. Suitable 4WDrive with high and low range. Towns & Villages LIMITLESS HORIZONS The Wellington River Camping area consists of 14 separate camping areas of varying sizes along a 10km stretch of the Wellington River. Horseyard flat is a series of grassy flats beside the Upper Moroka River and is a great spot to camp. Though, the High Country experience doesnt have to be all white knuckle and hairy chested. Victoria's High Country is well known for it's breathtaking views, natural attractions, 4 wheel driving, gourmet food and skiing. Alpine National Park is an Australian Alps national park in the High Country region of Victoria. It's no place for soft-roaders and is a challenge for quite capable 4WDs. Steep climbs, over 40 river crossings and the incredible scenery are features of this trip. 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. This gave us a good mix of experiences in different parts of the High Country. . There are some fantastic tracks that are still local secrets. Ok, so Ill fully admit this place not be for everyone, but we loved it. Sunday: Sleep in Pack up head home via Wonnangatta . It made the must-see list for being so damn unusual, I can honestly say Ive never come across anything like it. Worth a listen and track it on google maps or something as he talks about it. Parks Victoria websitekeeps a detailed list of road and track closures. From Dargo take the road north on the Dargo High Plains Road through picturesque farmland and past charming homesteads, until climbing out of the valley into a forested area. Dandongadale Falls isnt the sort of place that most people talk about around the campfire and thats possibly because they drive straight past. Sep 14, 2018 - Essential Victorian High Country 4WD Camping Guide. Its a beautiful area, and thats why I think its the best four wheel drive destination in Australia! In the evening shed knock to see if we wanted to go down with her to sort the animals out for th night. The view from Dannys Lookout was amazing, we sat up here for well over half an hour, letting our little girl stretch her legs and have a crawl around and chatting with the photographers, who were quite concerned that Id just cleaned my camera lens with my t-shirt! Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. your itinerary sounds great, could you do day 3 with a camper trailer on? NSW & Victoria High Country DEPARTING Tuesday 4th February 2020 COST $2475.00pp (twin share) The finer details Tour Price: $2475.00 per person twin share Single Supplement:$475.00 Deposit:$300.00 per person within 7 days of booking. Sorry the content is a bit long however i felt if i get it all down people willing to help especially those that have done it before will have a good understanding of the type of trip we'd like to take for hopefully the first of many to the High country it sounds awesome!! 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. When people talk about the Dargo Hotel, they do so with a glint in their eye, and a grin on their gob. This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. Your 4WD should have recovery points located at the front and rear. Move aside and let on coming convoys pass in safety. If you choose only one place for your High Country Itinerary, Bright should be it. Piles of stones mark chimney sites where miners cottages, shops, banks and hotels once stood. About all that remains visible of the township are a few stonewalls and the old gold mines in the area. Tim Bates recently did a 2 part youtube live of what he reckons would be the trip of a lifetime, aimed at people that aren't experts on high country travel and not into the hardest of tracks. Best time to drive: Spring or autumn. Around 6km onwards is Kingswell Bridge and immediately over the bridge turn to the left onto the Crooked River Track. In the second half of the nineteenth century thousands of Europeans, Americans and Chinese headed into the High Country in search of gold. You can grab a four beer tasting tray plus local pesto for $12 bring on summer! 4 Day High Country Tag-Along Tour Intermediate 4WDrive and Recovery Course at Narbethong This cost-effective tour includes all safety equipment, white water rafting with a guide, lunch, and a choice of a morning or noon departure. . The Victorian High Country holds some of the world's best 4WD destinations; with breathtaking panoramic views and stunning alpine scenery. Some of the tracks, rated double black diamond by Four Wheel Drive Victoria, are a test of tyres, suspension, engine torque and driver skill. In this article, we focus on some of the southern areas of the Victorian High Country. The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. 4WD Pack Hema HX-1 Navigator At the very top youll find The Horn where its possible to walk the final steep kilometre or so to the very top. Image: Michael Page-Sharp. Kids of pretty much any age can thrill to an African family safari but it does take careful planning and leaning on the experts for advice. 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. Your 4WD should have recovery points located at the front and rear. The photo above was taken with this lens, as were many of the wide-angle shots from on the Alpine Road. Facilities There are pit toilets at our camp sites. Be considerate of others on the track. Itinerary is as follows Day before tour kicks off - meet up in Jamieson for welcome dinner Day 1 - Jamieson in to the High Country Day 2 - Travel high country tracks and trails Day 3 - Travel high country tracks and trails Day 4 - Travel high country tracks and trails Day 5 - Travel high country tracks and trails with farewell dinner As tracks re-open, they are often slippery and treacherous in some places, especially after any amounts of rain, care and patience must be taken. When we pulled over at Dannys Lookout, the bikes were all lined up here, each taking their turn to go back around one of the bends with a photographer waiting to take the action shot. Itineraries and trips from 242 experts. The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. Camping in the Victorian High Country is fantastic. The Peru & Bolivia Marco Polo Pocket Guide lets you explore Peru and Bolivia with this handy, pocket-sized, authoritative guide, packed with Insider Tips. The track itself is extremely narrow at places, with cliff faces on both sides. 4WD, road trip, Visit Victoria Urgent Roadside Assistance Call 1300 627 742 Day or Night Find the right battery for your vehicle or application with our Battery Selector: Use the form below to find the right battery for your car, truck, 4WD or boat - in fact any type of battery across our huge range. The recommendations on AirBNB were glowing and rightly so. On the second day drive up to the top of Mount Buffalo and take in the views from The Horn. Continue along the track to the trig point at 1716m this point offers spectacular 360degree views across the mountains and valleys. Following the Ovens Valley, head to Bright, your destination for the evening. Its alpine destinations and tracks - Wonnangatta, the Dargo High Plains, Blue Rag, Mount Stirling - are legendary and not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. See more ideas about beautiful mountains, mountain town, australia. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Talbotville was another of Gippslands small gold mining towns that sprang to life when gold was found in the Crooked River in 1860 but vanished when the gold ran out. Explore the local scene in charming seaside towns and make time for some unusual stops along the way. Towns like Bright and Harrietville are simply stunning as the leaves fall, and the bracing weather makes you really feel like a High Country traveller. Being an Alpine region, winters in the Victorian High Country are undoubtly cold. The 4WD Suitable to 4WDrives with high and low range. and Kayes wonderful home-baked goodies (left for us in the fridge) were a lovely surprise. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for South Africa in 7 days. A mountain gold town which flourished during Victorias golden era, Talbotville was one of the longest surviving towns in the region. We'll prepare and cook your delicious and nutritious . Jawbone Marine Sanctuary: The Best Place to Visit in Williamstown? Great Divide Tours reserves the right to cancel or alter any tour or course at any time. Blue Rag Range Track in the Victoria High Country would have to be one of the best 4WD tracks that you will drive any where in Australia.Blue Rag Range Track. Photography Beach. [Pros & Cons], 100+ Incredible Travel Resources (For Simple & Cheap Travel), Taking a Year Off Work to Travel (Full Guide +4 Examples), Things To Do Before Travel: 35 Clever Little Tips [Checklist], 19 Alternative Travel Tips and Tricks I use on Every Trip, What is a Sabbatical? 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. Located near Lake Cobbler and down a few hundred metres of bush track, Dandongadale Falls is quite impressive. He caught the bug for travel at an early age when his dad moved out to South Africa, and now builds regular mini-retirements' into his career, in which he sees the world with his wife Becca. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, its also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. Airlie Beach. LEARN MORE ABOUT VICTORIA: 30 Interesting & Unusual Facts About Victoria. Access: Closed during winter and on catastrophic fire danger days. There is plenty to see here including grabbing some last minute supplies, souvenirs or fuel from the general store. In my opinion, a high priority is to visit the legendary Dargo Pub. A little further and we commence the steep descent into the valley. Now its time to select low range to save the brakes and tackle the several switch-backs which are a common feature of steep tracks in the victorian high country. African adventures of the safari and coastal kind. A wood, white and grey, modern home looking like its been copied straight from an Ikea showroom, it had everything we needed including toys provided, a BBQ and play area outside. The incline of the roads meant we gained altitude at a rapid rate, quickly getting above the green into an eerie landscape of white tree skeletons, leftover from devastating bushfires in 2013. The adventure starts at Licola, which is located on the South Eastern edge of the High Country, about a 3 hour drive from Melbourne. For a five day Victorian High Country Itinerary I would suggest one night in Beechworth, two in Bright and then two near Mansfield to finish off where you can visit Jamieson, Mount Buller or do as we did, relax on a farmstead. Licola has an excellent general storefor any of those last minute supplies or fuel for the trip. We are the home of Ironman 44 and all things 4WD in East Gippsland and the Victorian High Country. And as already mentioned, the view from the top is mind-blowing. Survival Gear. If you are towing a camper trailer, take extra precautions, and consider resting your brakes to let them cool down halfway down the descent. Welcome to my Victorian High Country Itinerary. The Man From Snowy River 1 & 2 are essential viewing. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Around 11km further on is Grant Junction and the turn-off to Grant and Talbotville. The track is very steep (drops 1200m in less than 7km) and challenging, with rock steps and loose sections requiring prudent line selection and plenty of clearance. 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 are a photographer then the High Country is a great chance to have a dabble in astrophotography. Steep descents that test the nerves, keeping your foot off the brake pedal and allowing the vehicle to walk down as you steer delicately to avoid deep ruts and rocks. More details on the camping along the Wellington River and further in the Alpine National Park can be found on the Parks Victoria Website. Included in price: Small-group day tour in a luxury 4WD Travel off the beaten track down exclusive 4WD backroads Morning tea Skybury Coffee Plantation with local coffee or tea, and a snack Spot kangaroos, emus, wallabies, wedge-tail eagles (wildlife galore!) The Victorian High Country (VHC) has some of the best 4WDriving and camping anywhere in Australia, and this trip is into one of the best in the region. 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. personly i wouldnt go down zeka spur , but go up to mount wellington and then the pinnacles. 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. The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. From Dargo, Melbourne is about a 4 hour drive. The Moroka road offers great views at times to the north across the Avon Wilderness area with the mountain ranges in the distance. If unsure it pays to walk the crossing first. This is a fantastic option for your first overnight camp. During the gold rush era, the township boasted a population of 2,000. There's an open plateau at around 1,600m elevation covered in low flowering bushes with 360 degree views just nearby the camp site. . 4. For all my favourite travel and photography gear check out this page. Beat the price rise & place your booking deposit on a new Trayon Camper before Nov 5th, 2021! The chalets and bars were all closed and the roads were empty. It's full of awesome tracks, picturesque camping, and the type of wilderness usually only available when places are hard to get to. Arguably one of the most well-known and scenic coastal drives in Australia, the Great Ocean Road can be done by anyone with a well-maintained 2WD or 4WD and an adventurous spirit. Youll have the region on the one map, and youll be able to plan each and every stop. But theres nothing quite like unfolding HEMAs High Country map to plan your trip. Fuel Fuel requirements for this trip are:-Diesel = 120 litres 4 and V6 petrol = 125 litres Straight 6 and V8 . Outside of the really busy periods of the year such as Easter and summer long weekends, you are usually assured of getting a suitable site to set up camp. However littleremains today. We loved the magical little toy shop Beechworth Toys and Collectables, Beechworth Sweet Co, the shop that looks like it could have come from a Harry Potter movie and having some wonderful eggs Benedict at the Rustique Soul Cafe, sitting beside a life-sized replica of Ned Kellys armour. The end point go our Alpine Road adventure was the town of Dinner Plain. The steep descent should pose few problems except in wet conditions when some of the clay based sections will become quite slippery. This is a classic hotel in every sense of the word, with hearty meals, wraparound verandahs and a perfect location. Victorian High Country with Camper Trailer. Things to do: Visit Scenic World, go . For three days I would add a nights stay in Beechworth to the itinerary above, a historic rural Victorian town with lots to do. Then head back to Melbourne, stopping at Wangaratta for some lunch on the way home. Its worth it for 360 degree views looking out over a view littered with the bodies of burned out gum trees and boulders smoothed from millions of years of erosion. 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. This trip well explore east, so right it is along the Moroka Road. Copyright 2023 by AxiomThemes. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. What was great fun though was the number of animals that it was possible to get up close to and feed. The lake is one of Victorias deepest natural lakes and is believed to have been formed about 1500 years ago when a massive rock slide collapsed into the valley damming the waters of Nigothoruk Creek above Wellington River. Clocking in at 110km from Suggan Buggan to Benambra, set aside a day to complete the trek at a casual pace. - Do you require Driver Training? Still free in an age of user pays, there are hundreds of places to roll out the swag, pitch a tent or set up the camper trailer. The Victorian High Country is truly Trayon territory, as many of the tracks are unsuitable for camper trailers, and having the freedom of a slide on camper is a distinct advantage. Its an architectural striking gold-rush town, filled with well-preserved buildings, quirky local stores and pillar-lined covered walkways to escape the sun. Whether you're visiting in Summer, Winter or somewhere in between, you'll be spoilt with scenery. Returning from the trig point you can backtrack to the Dargo High Plains Road, or take the Basalt Knob Track particularly if you are heading back towards Talbotville and are looking for a challenge! Lets face it, Australia is pretty damn flat. If I was concerned the road was a little flat for an Alpine route, I shouldnt have been. This is when the lower foothill areas that are much less used are worth visiting. Your 4WD should have recovery points located at the front and rear, Fuel Fuel requirements for this trip are:- Diesel = 120 litres 4 and V6 petrol = 125 litres Straight 6 and V8 petrol = 150 litres, Spares/equipment A UHF radio we can hire you a radio Carry a snatch strap and rated shackles (see our shop if you need recovery equipment) Spare Fan belts, fuel filter, oil and brake fluid. Thrill to the spectacular mountain-top scenery of the alpine high plains. Visit townships like Mansfield, Dargo and Omeo. Theres information boards highlighting the surrounding areas and peaks, and your camera is sure to get a workout, especially on a good day. This is decision time left is Howitt Road which heads towards the Howitt High Plains and right is the Moroka Road which heads towards the Pinnaclesand the east. Walk the highlights of the Victorian High Country including Bright, Mount Buffalo, Bogong high plains and Mt Feathertop returning each evening to our cosy accommodation in the beautiful town of Bright. The Wellington River Camping area offers a dozen campgrounds, spread out along a 10km stretch of the river bank. Complete this quick survey. Might give you a bit of a start. Its more simple than you think, all you need is a sturdy tripod and a lens with a fairly wide aperture. At the end of the descent the reward is our first camping option beside the picturesque Dargo River. 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. Bear in mind that this is a 3.5 hour journey each way to Central Melbourne. . This walk traverses diverse landscapes of forests, alpine grassland, winters snow-blanketed mountains, precipitous ridges and high plains. Engine braking is required, so pick the lowest gear your transfer case will offer, and grind your way down. For those who want to call it a weekend, head south from Drago along Dargo High Plains Rd. Blue Wren Stay, Eldorado>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. There are a few deep river crossings that are generally straightforward with a firm base, however take particularcaution especially if recent rains have fallen. The Victorian High Country (VHC) has some of the best 4WDriving and camping anywhere in Australia, and this trip is into one of the best in the region. The shady park nearby is an excellent place for a cuppa or lunch before tackling the tracks. 6 Things Ive Learned from 6 Weeks in Asia, SpringRiver Resort Laos: 5 Reasons You Must Stay Here [Review]. A superb tin hut built to withstand the fire season (with a really unique gutter design), and a great view out the front. Lake Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. 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. Ive tried my best to create a map showing the area which you can see a screenshot of below or it is saved on Google Maps here. From the King Spur Track turn right onto the Dargo High Plains Road and drive 6km to the Blue Rag Track which commences on the left beside a small dam. If I want to impress someone, the Blue Rag Range track is short, exhilarating and not too far up the road from Mt Hotham. After a night around the campfire, head out east along Tamboritha Road until you reach Bennison Lookout, which is worth a stop as it offers fantastic views towards Lake Tali Karng, Mount Wellington and the Razorback. In the evening there are lots of places in eat in Bright including the local craft brewery. Next is Tamboritha Saddle and some of the fabulous Victorian high plains. . If you've got a 4x4, you're well on your way to visiting the High Country in your own time, and on your own terms. The walking track is a 31km round trip on foot and takes most hikers 2 days. 4WD Day Trips 4WD Day Trips are very enjoyable where you will find good company, practise some skills and get into. 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. 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. Continuing along the high plains on Tamboritha Road and you will arrive at Arbuckle Junction. Here is a summary of the top 10 beginner's 4WD tracks in Victoria: Toolangi State Forest Tallarook Woods Point Aberfeldy Lake Eildon Warburton Croajingolong National Park Bunyip State Park Alpine National Park Grampians National Park Below is a more in-depth explanation of each of the tracks and what you should bring along to be prepared. Hotels near Devil's Pool Hotels near Victoria Falls Hotels near Livingstone Museum Hotels near Mukuni Big 5 Safaris Limited Hotels near Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Hotels near Owen's Taxi and Tours Hotels near Livingstone Crocodile Park Hotels near Cherish Travel and Tours Zambia Hotels near Railway Museum Hotels near Zambezi Eco Adventures Best time of year to Visit the High Country? Turning left will take you through to Eaglevale and onto the iconic Wonnanngatta Station, but on this trek were turning right towards Dargo. The Crooked River Track heads north through farmland and then into forested areas. In winter I imagine this place is heaving, but in November it was a complete ghost town. Basic Requirements For This Tour . Although in a literal sense, you could actually miss it, as its perched just off the main road between Mansfield and Jamieson. All rights reserved. The Ingeegoodbee Track is one of the High Countries 4WD test-pieces. Keep an eye on future articles to explore more of the region. 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. Businesses included a butcher, baker, chemist, restaurant and a hotel, with a Post Office operating intermittently into the late 1940s. . This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. But then theres Zeka Spur, Billy Goat Bluff, and the list goes on. There are still plenty of relics to find in the bush. There are some information boards and walking tracks around the township which provide an insight into the towns former glory. Generally this first river crossing is fairly easy but there are several large rocks to avoid. 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. Saturday: We can head up to Blue Rag,and other tracks time depending. The bamboo bridges are one of Luang Prabangs most iconic sights and appear on many famous photos of the town. Head for the hills, because the High Country is the place to be! You are using an out of date browser. Unfortunately, little of this remains today. With ample flat grassy campsites adjacent the Dargo River, plenty of shade from the majestic gum trees, and the vista of the surrounding mountains you would be hard pressed to find a better location for a few days. Next up are a series of rocky sections that are quite slow but generally fairly easy going. A fantastic option when passing through is to enjoy a meal at the legendary Dargo Pub. These areas have pit toilets and large flat grassy areas to setup camp. Its recommended that this trip is embarked on by intermediate to advanced drivers and navigators in two or more capable 4WDs with low range and appropriate recovery gear. 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. There are pit toilets, a hut and several separate areas to setup camp. From Grant head 6km to the Dargo High Plains Road then turn right toward Dargo which is a further 17km away. Whats not to love about these roughly constructed bush shelters? From Licola, head North on the Tamboritha Road for 13kms and you will reach Currawong Camp, which is the first of several scenic campgrounds in the Wellington River Camping area.
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