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. Licola has an excellent general storefor any of those last minute supplies or fuel for the trip. Explore nature trails on foot or horseback, and frolic in the snow in winter. Id seen photos that left me nostalgic of summer trips to Austria and wanted to see this slice of Victoria for myself. 4WD. Given the impact Covid has had on so many places like this though, Ill give them the benefit of the doubt, as the team seemed to be working really hard while we were there on renovations. 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. You can test your driving skills as we cross over streams, trail mountains and have loads of fun along the great 4WD . Take some time to absorb this view and appreciate what many believe is the best view in the whole Victorian High Country! Blue Wren Stay is a two-bedroom apartment, attached to the home of Peter and Kaye who were wonderful hosts. At the end of the descent the reward is our first camping option beside the picturesque Dargo River. Outside of peak periods such as summer long weekends or Easter, there should be plenty of availability to setup camp. Hubby & I have been planning a 3 week trip from FNQ down to Victorian High Country (VHC)in late April early May. 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. For this tour we recommend drivers have some 4WDing experience; as there are numerous steep hill climbs and descents and creek crossings. Wilderness Survival. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Each one is unique and historic and they make fantastic refuges when the weather turns nasty, which it will in the Alpine areas. 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! Now is a good time to air down and prepare for some challenging 4WDriving. 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. 4 Day High Country Tag-Along Tour Intermediate 4WDrive and Recovery Course at Narbethong There are a few pieces of must-have kit Id recommended for some time away in the Victorian High Country in summer. The Blue Rag Range view from the trig point is a multilayered one, as the endless blue mountain ranges seem to go on, and on, and on. We will introduce you to different driving, convoy and UHF radio techniques along with the campground etiquette. Alpine National Park is an Australian Alps national park in the High Country region of Victoria. These are our favourite places from the High Country in the order we visited them. This is one reason why this track is known as one of the most spectacular tracks in the victorian high country the views and vistas are truly outstanding. It's a really nice mix of high alpine scenery (snow gums and epic landscape views) and 4WD track driving. It can get very busy during holidays so perhaps avoid peak times. The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. For three days I would add a nights stay in Beechworth to the itinerary above, a historic rural Victorian town with lots to do. Find and compare all 988 South Africa tours, cruises, and packages from 242 companies. You can only vote once, but please add to the list if your favourite isn't there. Past the Treasures-Mt Even Hut which is just visible from the main road with the Downey Road heading off to the right. Located near Lake Cobbler and down a few hundred metres of bush track, Dandongadale Falls is quite impressive. It was the central point of our adventure to the High Country and had been well worth the visit. However most gates to 4wd tracks are locked in May in anticipation of imminent snowfalls. From the Pinnacles head back down to Billy Goats Bluff turnoff on the right. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, its also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. Make a left turn immediately after the Bridge onto Talbotville Road heading east. This walk traverses diverse landscapes of forests, alpine grassland, winters snow-blanketed mountains, precipitous ridges and high plains. Driver experience Prior experience not necessary as we will assist you as we go or you might consider attending our driver training course. At the very top youll find The Horn where its possible to walk the final steep kilometre or so to the very top. 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. With pristine camping, spectacular views, and great 4WDriving you just have to get out and explore this area for yourself. 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 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. Beautiful mountain towns, Australian skiing, 4wD Tracks , and Camping are all great to see in the mountains of Victoria. Camping in the Victorian High Country is fantastic. Youll have the region on the one map, and youll be able to plan each and every stop. 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. Oodnadatta Track: The iconic Aussie Adventure. The Ingeegoodbee Track is one of the High Countries 4WD test-pieces. 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. Whats not to love about these roughly constructed bush shelters? 10 Tips For Travelling And Exploring Remote Destinations. A mountain gold town which flourished during Victorias golden era, Talbotville was one of the longest surviving towns in the region. Safely tackle some of Australia's toughest 4WD trails. With a little girl in tow, we decided to head back up into the Alpine Road and drop back into Bright for the evening. It will take between two and a half and three and a half hours to get to the Victorian High Country, dependant on traffic. Move aside and let on coming convoys pass in safety. Though, the High Country experience doesnt have to be all white knuckle and hairy chested. This is not a problem during hotter months, as the tracks dry out and become quiet dusty. With pristine camping, spectacular views, and great 4WDriving you just have to get out and explore this area for yourself. 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. For this, I am assuming you have a weekend and are travelling up on a Friday night before returning late on a Sunday. Great Ocean Road. Photography Beach. 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Itineraries and trips from 242 experts. 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. Ben is the blogger behind TheSabbaticalGuide.com, a site designed to give people the information, tools and inspiration they need to make their sabbatical dreams a reality. The Victorian High Country provides the best 4Wdriving and most spectacular scenery in Australia. Highlights: Wentworth Falls, Jamison Valley, Blackheath, Capertee Valley, Wollemi National Park and Mount Tomah. 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. Australia Itinerary. From the top here we could see down to Hotham Alpine Resort. There have been too many instances of drivers failing to do so, and plummeting of the side of the track and into the snow gums. From Talbotville head east towards Grant, which is approximately 11km via McMillian Road. Ill give the gong here to Bluff Hut, maintained by the Stoney family. From Grant head 6km to the Dargo High Plains Road then turn right toward Dargo which is a further 17km away. There is also a track to the right to another campsite, but it pays to cross the Dargo River and continue up the valley as there is plenty more to come. The round-trip tour from Bright in the High Country combines hikes through the ski villages of Falls Creek, Hotham and Dinner Plain . The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. On the second day drive up to the top of Mount Buffalo and take in the views from The Horn. That my friend equates to a very looong day in the saddle i just read that back and it doesnt quite read right. Both Diesel and Unleaded types are available. The Victorian High Country is a premier camping and 4WD destination that combines breath taking scenery with some of the most spectacular 4WD tracks. Four-day 4WD trip in Victoria's high country With stunning valleys, mountains, rivers and lakes, the Victorian High Country is ideal for a family 4WD adventure. The shot above is one of my favourites, showing one of the hundreds of rustic huts that are dotted across this landscape, relics of a time when rangers and cattlemen walked these hills. 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. 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. With our girl propped on our hip we helped brush the goat, collect eggs and put the ducks away from the foxes. If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement. If you are towing a camper trailer, take extra precautions, and consider resting your brakes to let them cool down halfway down the descent. A little further and we commence the steep descent into the valley. 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. Towns & Villages LIMITLESS HORIZONS The itinerary includes two base camps beside beautiful mountain streams and a camp high amongst the snow gums. Tracks with river crossings where you have to pick the right line before carefully climbing out of the current onto the slippery track that leads to another deeper crossing of the same stream. We stock the full range of Ironman 44 products including Suspension, Bullbars, Lights, Vehicle Protection, Recovery gear, snorkels, auto electrics, dual battery systems, towing accessories, tanks, underbody protection, Camping Gear and more! Packed with features, including the region's history, natural features and highlights, making this guide is an indispensable travelling companion for those Booktopia has High . The track can be quite narrow in places and it can be challenging to pass oncoming vehicles so put your UHF radio to scan and keep a close watch for vehicles. More Info will be sent to you once you register with your deposit, No 4WD? 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. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. The Grant Township once had a population of around 2000 with stores, hotels, a police station, churches, banks, dwellings and even a local newspaper flanking two broad main streets. and Kayes wonderful home-baked goodies (left for us in the fridge) were a lovely surprise. So if crowds dont bother you, then go for it. 12km from Arbuckle Junction is MacFarland Saddle, which is the trail head for the Lake Tali Karang walking track. Get the best stories straight into your inbox! From Dargo Melbourne is around a 4 hour drive. Victoria Content Hub Day 1 Melbourne to Bright Distance 324km - Driving Time About 4 hours Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Alpine Road as you set off on your adventure. This self-contained two-bedroom place is attached to the family home of the delightful Elly, an eccentric, warm-hearted host who has (amongst other things) a goat, a sheep, a cow, a selection of chickens, ducks and a couple of fun little dogs on her smallholding. Our Place are custom-built holiday homes on a large plot of land in Bright. We were grateful for finding somewhere to eat though, and politely listened to stories about people wed never met whilst munching on some freshly made sandwiches. 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? We cruised through Harrietville, a small town with a clear love of gardening ornate shrubs and vibrant blooms made the roadside more entertaining. Detour along the Bogong Alpine Way, on the Bogong High Plains Road, and loop through Bright, Mount Beauty, Falls Creek and over . Victorian High-Country tours are designed as introductory tours for both inexperienced and semi-experienced campers. Keep your radio handy so you can stay in constant communication with your convoy and other vehicles on the track. Generally this first river crossing is fairly easy but there are several large rocks to avoid. You're at 1,750 metres above sea level, completely surrounded by stark mountains and valleys, which slowly disappear into . Victoria's High Country is a wine-lovers paradise and with so many amazing wineries in the region (like Pizzini, Dal Zotto, Corsini and Politini), one of the best ways to start your journey is by taking a full-day wine tour. Check with Parks Victoria to ensure the track is open before you leave home. 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. From Grant Junction continue northwards through the forested area on the Dargo High Plains Road. 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. Stunning camping sites dot the landscape around Victoria's High Country. Sunday: Sleep in Pack up head home via Wonnangatta . Following the Ovens Valley, head to Bright, your destination for the evening. Continue to follow the road along the river for another 6km then take a left onto Crooked River Track. 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!). Yes there were lions, dingoes, camels and other zoo favourites, but the enclosures werent the best and it felt a little unloved. 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. From Talbotville take the McMillan Road up to Grant which is approximately 11km. The track climbs steeply from the road and then you are presented with the magical view of the track snaking its way along the mountain spur line into the distance with trig point just visible in the distance. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, it's also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. There are some fantastic tracks that are still local secrets. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 The Sabbatical Guide | Established 2018. Gee, another tough one. This is your last chance to refuel and pickup any last minute supplies from the General Store. An itinerary carefully curated to suite Grade 2 -3 hiking ability. 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. 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. . Trauma. this will no doubt cause some controversy, so let the hate mail begin! 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 MacFarland Saddle Carpark, continue along Moroka Road for another 14kms and you will cross the Bridget that spans Moroka River. parkway west high school principal,