Next stop-off was beside a man-made lake we saw off to the side of the road about a further 3.5km along. It's no place for soft-roaders and is a challenge for quite capable 4WDs. 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. 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 For those who want to call it a weekend, head south from Drago along Dargo High Plains Rd. 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. It made the must-see list for being so damn unusual, I can honestly say Ive never come across anything like it. The stars here are also something else, so stay out late if you can. We'll prepare and cook your delicious and nutritious . Victoria's High Country Brewery Trail. Victorian High Country with Camper Trailer. 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. From end-to-end, Billy Goat Bluff track is less than 10kms but due to the challenging terrain, its advisable to schedule at least an hour for this trek. From MacFarland Saddle Carpark, continue along Moroka Road for another 14kms and you will cross the Bridget that spans Moroka River. 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! Barwite Apartment>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. From Talbotville take the McMillan Road up to Grant which is approximately 11km. For this tour we recommend drivers have some 4WDing experience; as there are numerous steep hill climbs and descents and creek crossings. Lets start with the basics, where exactly is the Victorian High Country? From the top here we could see down to Hotham Alpine Resort. 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. 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. The track itself is extremely narrow at places, with cliff faces on both sides. Wellington River Campgrouds Victorian High Country, Gateway into the Victorian High Country Dargo, Getting to Licola Entry point into the Victorian High Country, 1st night Camp along the Wellington River just north of Licola, Talbotville Camp overnight Historical township from the gold rush era, Grant Historical township from the gold rush era. Its located off you guessed it Bluff Track. VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY 6-DAY PACKAGE, $2850. In winter months many of the higher altitude and more fragile tracks will be closed to avoid damage so that we can continue to use them for years to come. Engine braking is required, so pick the lowest gear your transfer case will offer, and grind your way down. Camping in the Victorian High Country is fantastic. 4 Day High Country Tag-Along Tour Intermediate 4WDrive and Recovery Course at Narbethong Victorian High-Country tours are designed as introductory tours for both inexperienced and semi-experienced campers. Billy Goat Bluff is considered one of the most challenging and scenic tracks in the Victorian High Country. Mansfield Zoo want quite what we expecting, but was a great morning out for any of you travelling with kids. 7.3 km from the winter gate at the end of the rough 2WD section of the road. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Now is a good time to air down and prepare for some challenging 4WDriving. 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. 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. That my friend equates to a very looong day in the saddle i just read that back and it doesnt quite read right. Its quite impressive, but I wouldnt go too far out of your way to see it if you werent passing by El Dorado already. Welcome to my Victorian High Country Itinerary. This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. Enjoy yarns and games around a cosy campfire. Victoria's High Country is well known for it's breathtaking views, natural attractions, 4 wheel driving, gourmet food and skiing. What was great fun though was the number of animals that it was possible to get up close to and feed. and Kayes wonderful home-baked goodies (left for us in the fridge) were a lovely surprise. 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. Today, Dargo is a very popular destination for 4WDers and is considered a hub of the Victorian High Country. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, its also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. These are our favourite places from the High Country in the order we visited them. [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? 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. Be cautioustravelling at the beginning of the plain as there are several bog holes that can trap the unwary. Find and compare all 988 South Africa tours, cruises, and packages from 242 companies. Our aim was to see the famously pretty little Victorian towns, drive some of the spectacular High Country roads and get to as many of the mountains and national parks as we could. A little further and we commence the steep descent into the valley. Worth a listen and track it on google maps or something as he talks about it. We also found this oversized chair at the top, which I imagine looks very different in winter surrounded by snow. The Talbotville camping area has pit toilets, fire rings and plenty of space to camp. Image: Michael Page-Sharp. Solo travellers take note - a six-day hiking tour in the Victorian Alps in March has waived the single supplement (saving $325) and is now priced from $2850 a person. You are using an out of date browser. The round-trip tour from Bright in the High Country combines hikes through the ski villages of Falls Creek, Hotham and Dinner Plain . If you choose only one place for your High Country Itinerary, Bright should be it. And as already mentioned, the view from the top is mind-blowing. If I was concerned the road was a little flat for an Alpine route, I shouldnt have been. Complete this quick survey. Iconic Four Wheel Drives of Victoria - Parks Victoria, Four Wheel Drive Victoria & Victorian State Government. More Info will be sent to you once you register with your deposit, No 4WD? 20/20 Head to Healesville, a foodie's paradise Peters knowledge of the local area (ask him to show you some of his finds from the river!) Keep following the Dargo High Plains Road to the Treasure Plain. Follow the footsteps of the pioneering cattlemen and gold miners. 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!! If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement. We are British ex-pats who moved out to Victoria in 2019 and have been exploring the state in our spare time (this links to all my Victoria content). An itinerary carefully curated to suite Grade 2 -3 hiking ability. Best time of year to Visit the High Country? 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. 0. There are a few pieces of must-have kit Id recommended for some time away in the Victorian High Country in summer. Hubby & I have been planning a 3 week trip from FNQ down to Victorian High Country (VHC)in late April early May. Find your own secluded campsite by a fresh mountain stream. Whats not to love about these roughly constructed bush shelters? 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. What I dont do on these posts it put together a random lists of places Ive never been, these are all places we personally visited and can vouch for (if we visited somewhere crap, it simply didnt make it on the list below!). 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Great Divide Tours reserves the right to cancel or alter any tour or course at any time. 4WD Pack Hema HX-1 Navigator Beaches, Koalas, waterfalls and much more! The recommendations on AirBNB were glowing and rightly so. But then theres Zeka Spur, Billy Goat Bluff, and the list goes on. Lovicks Hut, King Hut, Craigs Hut the list goes on and on. 4WD Tracks of the High Country will lead the reader through twenty of the best four-wheel drive touring destinations in the Victorian and New South Wales High Country. For all my favourite travel and photography gear check out this page. From Talbotville head east towards Grant, which is approximately 11km via McMillian Road. With its famous Raspberry Grenade, a great tasting beer flavoured with a hint of local raspberries, the Jamieson Brewery is a hard pub to pass. Relatively easy, but exposed. El Dorado is a quirky little gold-rush town, with not a busting lot going on in it. It is suitable for those with and without off road trailers. From the Pinnacles head back down to Billy Goats Bluff turnoff on the right. 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. The 12mm I picked up was great, as it can focus to infinity and has an aperture of f2. When people talk about the Dargo Hotel, they do so with a glint in their eye, and a grin on their gob. The High Country weather can change so quick, particularly when your planning to go and your in there with a camper! To support the community, stores, churches, banks, hotels and even a police station was present. 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. 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. It's known for its Victorian-era streetscapes, and is home to the Grape Vine Hotel, the largest grapevine in Australia. 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. 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. Location: Mansfielf, Vic Product code: VHC5 Leaving from Mansfield, Vic we head into the Victorian High country and Alpine region. Recommended by 94% of travelers. 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. 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. You can only vote once, but please add to the list if your favourite isn't there. Its a beautiful area, and thats why I think its the best four wheel drive destination in Australia! Tracks, Towns, Maps and Campgrounds, Photography everything you need to know. . Whether you're visiting in Summer, Winter or somewhere in between, you'll be spoilt with scenery. African safaris. Though, the High Country experience doesnt have to be all white knuckle and hairy chested. Heres how to prepare. I was told today visiting VHC would be like a holiday to the moon following the devastating fires. 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. Alpine National Park. The Wellington River is also a good place to try your luck at catching a Trout although probably having a plan B for when the fish arent hungry! 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. These areas have pit toilets and large flat grassy areas to setup camp. Around 11km further on is Grant Junction and the turn-off to Grant and Talbotville. 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. There will be some places that you may have heard of before, and maybe a few spots that are new. 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. Licola has an excellent general storefor any of those last minute supplies or fuel for the trip. 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. 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. If your heart needs a rest from walking to hidden historic sites or driving double black diamond tracks you can head out to stock up on supplies. 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. by Evan Spence 14/01/2015, 9:44 am 1 Comment. 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. With our girl propped on our hip we helped brush the goat, collect eggs and put the ducks away from the foxes. If you're coming from Woomargama National Park, you can join the trail from either end - or opt for a cruisier section by starting at Sandy Creek Bridge, which . Safely tackle some of Australia's toughest 4WD trails. All rights reserved. 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. The 4WD Suitable to 4WDrives with high and low range. The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. The track eventually comes to a large open grassy area called Talbotville, a very picturesque and terrific place to camp. I enjoyed many a beer sitting on the porch watching the sun go down. There are plenty shady parks with rest areas nearby for lunch or a quick stop over. Here are a few other things we found really useful on the trip: What is the best place you have visited in Victoria? Recommended for those with the proper 4WD training, experience and well prepared vehicle, you can take on this challenge with confidence. day 3 bluff hut, lovicks hut ,zeka spur into wonnangatta valley , camp at talbotville. You will have the opportunity to take in the impressive mountain range, breath-taking views, and wildlife. Dandongadale Falls isnt the sort of place that most people talk about around the campfire and thats possibly because they drive straight past. Daintree Rainforest. The Great Alpine Road was the main reason for our visit to the High Country. We cruised through Harrietville, a small town with a clear love of gardening ornate shrubs and vibrant blooms made the roadside more entertaining. 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. If I had to choose one place to stay for a length of time in the High Country it would be Bright. 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. Almost immediately after starting down Crooked River Track, you will come to the first of 20+ river crossings along this track. So without further ado, here are some of the High Country must see places and my Victorian High Country Itinerary. FollowupID: 869585. 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. This is when the lower foothill areas that are much less used are worth visiting. The shady park nearby is an excellent place for a cuppa or lunch before tackling the tracks. Victoria's High Country is the place where many of our best four-wheel drivers earned their spurs. The Victorian High Country covers a large part of South-Eastern Victoria, with much of the area only accessible via a 4WD. Head for the hills, because the High Country is the place to be! Deposits are non refundable. You should consider taking out Travel Insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances including illness, vehicle problems or family matters. The most memorable experiences of the entire trip. It is suitable for those with and without off road trailers. 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. Parks Victoria websitekeeps a detailed list of road and track closures. 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. This is not a road for the travel sick! The Man From Snowy River 1 & 2 are essential viewing. 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 rocky track surface is very slippery when wet so avoid any attempts in poor weather.