Honestly, you dont need a list from me, just get out of your car and wander around until you see something you like. 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. Definitely! A superb tin hut built to withstand the fire season (with a really unique gutter design), and a great view out the front. From Grant head 6km to the Dargo High Plains Road then turn right toward Dargo which is a further 17km away. If I was concerned the road was a little flat for an Alpine route, I shouldnt have been. Then head back to Melbourne, stopping at Wangaratta for some lunch on the way home. Suitable 4WDrive with high and low range. Australia Itinerary. Your 4WD should have recovery points located at the front and rear. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. The Wellington River Camping area offers a dozen campgrounds, spread out along a 10km stretch of the river bank. The Moroka road now becomes the Pinnacles road and the next point of interest is Horseyard Flat, approximately 2km from Marathon Road. I had my first ever go whilst staying in Mansfield (and documented my efforts in Adventures in Astrophotography). Follow the footsteps of the pioneering cattlemen and gold miners. . 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. 2 wonderful high country horse rides suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. It's a really nice mix of high alpine scenery (snow gums and epic landscape views) and 4WD track driving. Worth a listen and track it on google maps or something as he talks about it. Talbotville would have to be a front-runner as the most popular site for families, but with its history and misty mountain scenery, Id have to give the award to the Wonnangatta Valley. Daintree Rainforest. Explore the Victorian High Country and Australia's Great . Given the Victorian High Country 4X4 tracks are closed from early June to late October, that narrows down at least some parts of the year. You will have the opportunity to take in the impressive mountain range, breath-taking views, and wildlife. There are bypass tracks around the worst areas so generally these shouldnt cause any problems. On the other side of the range is the Dargo Hotel, est 1898. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for South Africa in 7 days. The proximity of the High Country to surrounding towns adds variety to a visit. It felt like walking onto a movie set an hour before the actors and crew arrived. The steep descent should pose few problems except in wet conditions when some of the clay based sections will become quite slippery. It's full of awesome tracks, picturesque camping, and the type of wilderness usually only available when places are hard to get to. For those heading into the High Country, Dargo offers a chance to grab some last min supplies and fuel from the General Store. Explore nature trails on foot or horseback, and frolic in the snow in winter. This is your last chance to refuel and pickup any last minute supplies from the General Store. Today, Dargo is a very popular destination for 4WDers and is considered a hub of the Victorian High Country. From an adult point of view, Mansfield Zoo is a so-so experience, but for a kid this place is amazing. We have a roof top tent, planning on spending most of our time in the national parks, but also into Melbourne & do the GOR. Towns & Villages LIMITLESS HORIZONS The Deddick Trail features some of the steepest tracks in the Victorian High Country. There are a few deep river crossings that are generally straightforward with a firm base, however take particularcaution especially if recent rains have fallen. 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! Horseyard flat is a series of grassy flats beside the Upper Moroka River and is a great spot to camp. 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. Keep an eye on future articles to explore more of the region. 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. Friday: Travel to a Talbotville (toilet available) set up camp this will be a static camp We will be travelling to Talbotville via Bulltown Spur track which has lots of river crossings. 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! Beginner trip to the Vic High Country. Next stop-off was beside a man-made lake we saw off to the side of the road about a further 3.5km along. See more ideas about beautiful mountains, mountain town, australia. Basic Requirements For This Tour . Find your own secluded campsite by a fresh mountain stream. Reply By: . About 12km from Arbuckle Junction is MacFarlane Saddle which is the commencement point for the Lake Tali Karng walking track. If you are a photographer then the High Country is a great chance to have a dabble in astrophotography. Jawbone Marine Sanctuary: The Best Place to Visit in Williamstown? I was told today visiting VHC would be like a holiday to the moon following the devastating fires. 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 . Some 4WDing experience is preferred as there are numerous steep hill climbs and descents and creek crossings. There are plenty shady parks with rest areas nearby for lunch or a quick stop over. It is truly one of the premier camping and 4WDing destinations in Australia with a huge range of tracks and campsites on offer, the majority of which are completelyfree of charge. Treat yourself to fine dining The fine dining experience at Provenance is a must-do for foodies. Yes the apartment is fairly basic and there is no WiFi, but frankly, who cares. The most popular (read: crowded) times to go are over the Christmas holidays and the Easter Holidays. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, it's also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, its also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. The Great Alpine Road was the main reason for our visit to the High Country. Craigs Hut at sunset is a photographers paradise, as the post and rail fence line draws the eye first to the beautiful hut, and then on to the surrounding ranges. I enjoyed many a beer sitting on the porch watching the sun go down. Lovicks Hut, King Hut, Craigs Hut the list goes on and on. 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. Victoria's High Country region encompasses an extensive area of alpine mountain terrain about 380km north-east of Melbourne. For this tour we recommend drivers have some 4WDing experience; as there are numerous steep hill climbs and descents and creek crossings. 20/20 Head to Healesville, a foodie's paradise Victoria's High Country - The Official Website - plan and book your next getaway WALKS WITH ENDLESS VIEWS Step outside the everyday. Cattlemens huts are a feature of the High Country. It's no place for soft-roaders and is a challenge for quite capable 4WDs. Generally this first river crossing is fairly easy but there are several large rocks to avoid. Great Divide Tours will determine if any refund is due if this action occurs. Just past the Treasures boundary on Lankey Plain is the well-signed track on the right to King Spur and Mayford our ultimate destination for the night. Those legs can stand on uneven surfaces Versatile 360 Ball Head Metal ball head comes with a quick release plate for instant camera mounting. Almost immediately after starting down Crooked River Track, you will come to the first of 20+ river crossings along this track. Choosing just one great track in the high country verges on a criminal act! Though, the High Country experience doesnt have to be all white knuckle and hairy chested. They offer lenses for most types of cameras (I use a Fuji X-T3) and are cheap enough to have a go without feeling like youre making another major investment. 4WD only with high clearance and low range capability. It is suitable for those with and without off road trailers. About all that remains visible of the township are a few stonewalls and the old gold mines in the area. Continue to follow the road along the river for another 6km then take a left onto Crooked River Track. This is not a road for the travel sick! 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. 4X4 High CountryadviceBest Vic High CountryCamping VictoriaguideHo-tohow toTravelVic High Country. Walking Tour Itinerary A guide will accompany you as you walk between 7 and 22 km each day. 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. The track is steep in parts, and scrabbly in others, but is in generally pretty good condition. Blue Wren Stay is a two-bedroom apartment, attached to the home of Peter and Kaye who were wonderful hosts. 10 Tips For Travelling And Exploring Remote Destinations. When you arrive, you will be rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views of the High Country. From Dargo, Melbourne is about a 4 hour drive. 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 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. We also found this oversized chair at the top, which I imagine looks very different in winter surrounded by snow. Recommended by 94% of travelers. 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. Theres information boards highlighting the surrounding areas and peaks, and your camera is sure to get a workout, especially on a good day. Location: Mansfielf, Vic Product code: VHC6 Leaving from Mansfield, Vic we head into the Victorian High country and Alpine region. 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. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Clocking in at 110km from Suggan Buggan to Benambra, set aside a day to complete the trek at a casual pace. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Lots of hotels they were wild years. 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 . Our Place, Bright>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. Licola has an excellent general storefor any of those last minute supplies or fuel for the trip. Itineraries and trips from 242 experts. THE VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY 4WD TOUR 27,304 views Apr 22, 2018 237 Dislike Share Save Trip In A Van - RoadTrip Australia Series 154K subscribers We drop the caravan off and hit the tracks for a. 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. We chose the Spring home, which had two bedrooms, perfect for us with our little girl. 4WD. You have arrived at the historical Talbotville Camping Area. Peters knowledge of the local area (ask him to show you some of his finds from the river!) WAYPOINT EXPEDITIONS. Sample the exotic flavours of Africa's 'Spice Island', relax on Kande Beach at Lake Malawi, scale the sand dunes in Sossusvlei, glide through the . You should consider taking out Travel Insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances including illness, vehicle problems or family matters. On the second day drive up to the top of Mount Buffalo and take in the views from The Horn. 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. From the Dargo River campsites backtrack to the Dargo High Plains Road and commence the steep climb up onto the high plains. Not to mention there is no fast way in to the Wonnangatta, its low range for hours in and out. There are some great photo opportunities all the way along the track, particularly at the pinch and the helipad. Heres how to prepare. A fantastic option when passing through is to enjoy a meal at the legendary Dargo Pub. What was great fun though was the number of animals that it was possible to get up close to and feed. Which is Australias most difficult 4WD track? 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. Photography Beach. The For this reason, most of the 4WD tracks in the region are closed for from the start of June to November. Mansfield Zoo want quite what we expecting, but was a great morning out for any of you travelling with kids. Rule 1: don't try to cram an entire . JavaScript is disabled. Carry warm clothing at all times. Some of the tracks, rated double black diamond by Four Wheel Drive Victoria, are a test of tyres, suspension, engine torque and driver skill. These tours run throughout the year and are fully catered. Following the Ovens Valley, head to Bright, your destination for the evening. Check out this Victorian High Country Map of our adventure. 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. But theres nothing quite like unfolding HEMAs High Country map to plan your trip. More Info will be sent to you once you register with your deposit, No 4WD? 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. 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!). 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!) 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. Great Divide Tours reserves the right to cancel or alter any tour or course at any time. A guided 4 day Pack-Free walk. and Kayes wonderful home-baked goodies (left for us in the fridge) were a lovely surprise. The Victorian High Country provides the best 4Wdriving and most spectacular scenery in Australia. 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. The Victorian High Country is a magical place, one of the best off-roading destinations on the planet. 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! Blue Wren Stay, Eldorado>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. 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 track itself is extremely narrow at places, with cliff faces on both sides. Victorian High Country Trip Planning Where to Stay in the Victorian High Country At this point, turn slightly right onto Moroka Road and continue to head east. 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. 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. For three days I would add a nights stay in Beechworth to the itinerary above, a historic rural Victorian town with lots to do. Now its time to prepare for some adrenaline filled 4WDing ahead! Your 4WD should have recovery points located at the front and rear. Sunday: Sleep in Pack up head home via Wonnangatta . 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. From Talbotville take the McMillan Road up to Grant which is approximately 11km. Next is Tamboritha Saddle and some of the fabulous Victorian high plains. Nestled next to a river or perched high up in the hills, these sites are the perfect place to base for hiking, fishing, four-wheel driving or mountain-biking adventures. 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. That being said there is a few pretty fun tracks in there. The Wellington River Camping area consists of 14 separate camping areas of varying sizes along a 10km stretch of the Wellington River. LEARN MORE ABOUT VICTORIA: 30 Interesting & Unusual Facts About Victoria. This is when the lower foothill areas that are much less used are worth visiting. 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. With pristine camping, spectacular views, and great 4WDriving you just have to get out and explore this area for yourself. In the evening there are lots of places in eat in Bright including the local craft brewery. It will take between two and a half and three and a half hours to get to the Victorian High Country, dependant on traffic. Youll have the region on the one map, and youll be able to plan each and every stop. 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. We found it on our journey between Bright and Mansfield, a few kilometres down a dusty track, a worthwhile stop off if youre in the area. Airlie Beach. 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 track climbs steeply out of the river and then drops down to another crossing, with another two river crossings before the valley opens up into a picturesque grassy plain with the bubbling Dargo River, surrounding mountains, and wide open plain this makes a spectacular sight! For two days in the High Country I would suggest basing yourself at Bright for both nights. 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. So when youre forced to drive kilometre after kilometre down into steep valleys, your brakes will really start to feel the heat. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. I had a full itinerary at the May Club meeting, will bring copies to future meetings, and can send a PDF copy to anyone that PMs me with their email address. Like many National Parks in Australia, Gariwerd is rich in Aboriginal heritage and natural beauty. Welcome to my Victorian High Country Itinerary. Lake Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. 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. If you wish to make a nigh of it, camping is available out the back of the pub or over at the Dargo River Inn. We will introduce you to different driving, convoy and UHF radio techniques along with the campground etiquette. 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. Get the best stories straight into your inbox! Book your holidays, sit down with a Victorian High Country Map to plan your route, pack up the 4WD and come to the Victorian High Country for a trip of a lifetime! Finding each campground is straight forward since all campgrounds are clearly sign posted and easily visible from Tamboritha Road. 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. 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. Piles of stones mark chimney sites where miners cottages, shops, banks and hotels once stood. 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. For a decent price tripod, try Neewer. There are some information boards and walking tracks around the township which provide an insight into the towns former glory. . Visit townships like Mansfield, Dargo and Omeo. And as already mentioned, the view from the top is mind-blowing. 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. 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. In the evening shed knock to see if we wanted to go down with her to sort the animals out for th night. So if crowds dont bother you, then go for it. Fuel Fuel requirements for this trip are:-Diesel = 120 litres 4 and V6 petrol = 125 litres Straight 6 and V8 . With pristine camping, spectacular views, and great 4WDriving you just have to get out and explore this area for yourself. Call Vic for an itinerary. 1251 expert & traveler reviews on South Africa trips. Was a Second Trayon Camper The Right Choice? It's known for its Victorian-era streetscapes, and is home to the Grape Vine Hotel, the largest grapevine in Australia. VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY 6-DAY PACKAGE, $2850. If I had to choose one place to stay for a length of time in the High Country it would be Bright. The track eventually comes to a large open grassy area called Talbotville, a very picturesque and terrific place to camp. The 4WD Suitable to 4WDrives with high and low range. Outside of peak periods such as summer long weekends or Easter, there should be plenty of availability to setup camp. From Grant Junction continue northwards through the forested area on the Dargo High Plains Road. Keep your radio handy so you can stay in constant communication with your convoy and other vehicles on the track. Best time of year to Visit the High Country? African adventures of the safari and coastal kind. There are pit toilets, a hut and several separate areas to setup camp. Ultimate 4WD & Camping Guide to North Stradbroke Island, Barrington Tops Camping & 4WD Guide Everything You Need To Know, Camping in Wilsons Prom | Everything You Need to Know, An In Depth Beach Driving Guide by Experienced 44 Enthusiasts. Holly Revord. 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.