To support the community, stores, churches, banks, hotels and even a police station was present. Though, the High Country experience doesnt have to be all white knuckle and hairy chested. Recommended days: 2-3 days. Follow the footsteps of the pioneering cattlemen and gold miners. 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. The Victorian High Country, so many different tracks, so many mountains to climb, so many creeks to cross. Great Divide Tours will determine if any refund is due if this action occurs. 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). Past the Treasures-Mt Even Hut which is just visible from the main road with the Downey Road heading off to the right. A superb tin hut built to withstand the fire season (with a really unique gutter design), and a great view out the front. 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. 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. 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. 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. Basic Requirements For This Tour . 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. Victoria's High Country - The Official Website - plan and book your next getaway WALKS WITH ENDLESS VIEWS Step outside the everyday. 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. by Evan Spence 14/01/2015, 9:44 am 1 Comment. Yes the apartment is fairly basic and there is no WiFi, but frankly, who cares. It would involve a fair but of driving (around 1,000km) and our first big adventure with our 11-month-old little girl. 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. Parks Victoria websitekeeps a detailed list of road and track closures. 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. 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 . - Do you require Driver Training? For three days I would add a nights stay in Beechworth to the itinerary above, a historic rural Victorian town with lots to do. 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. 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. Victoria's High Country Brewery Trail. When you arrive, you will be rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views of the High Country. 1251 expert & traveler reviews on South Africa trips. Businesses included a butcher, baker, chemist, restaurant and a hotel, with a Post Office operating intermittently into the late 1940s. Copyright 2023 by AxiomThemes. 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 more recommendations read 20 Amazing Attractions to Discover in Beechworth. 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). African adventures of the safari and coastal kind. 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? Its a short but steep walk up to the fire tower lookout perched on a rocky summit. So without further ado, here are some of the High Country must see places and my Victorian High Country Itinerary. 19,000Kms Later, 15 Electric Utes Australia Would Love to See in the roads, Budget Ute Showdown: Tata, Great Wall, Foton, Jmc And More. 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. Victoria's High Country lives up to its claims. Lets face it, Australia is pretty damn flat. 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. The most popular (read: crowded) times to go are over the Christmas holidays and the Easter Holidays. Daintree Rainforest. Youll have the region on the one map, and youll be able to plan each and every stop. 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. We'll prepare and cook your delicious and nutritious . There is much to discover about the area's rich . If unsure it pays to walk the crossing first. 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! 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!! Billy Goat Bluff is considered one of the most challenging and scenic tracks in the Victorian High Country. [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? Lets start with the basics, where exactly is the Victorian High Country? 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. Once on the grassy plain you have reached the locality of Mayford, one of the best places to camp in the Victorian High Country. 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. 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. Welcome to my Victorian High Country Itinerary. 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. 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. Now its time to prepare for some adrenaline filled 4WDing ahead! For those who want to call it a weekend, head south from Drago along Dargo High Plains Rd. Complete this quick survey. The recommendations on AirBNB were glowing and rightly so. Access: Closed during winter and on catastrophic fire danger days. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Check with Parks Victoria to ensure the track is open before you leave home. The chalets and bars were all closed and the roads were empty. Rule 1: don't try to cram an entire . However most gates to 4wd tracks are locked in May in anticipation of imminent snowfalls. Hubby & I have been planning a 3 week trip from FNQ down to Victorian High Country (VHC)in late April early May. Horseyard flat is also the starting point for the walking track down to Moroka Gorge and waterfall. Each one is unique and historic and they make fantastic refuges when the weather turns nasty, which it will in the Alpine areas. Keep an eye on future articles to explore more of the region. Relatively easy, but exposed. 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. Head for the hills, because the High Country is the place to be! The Moroka road offers great views at times to the north across the Avon Wilderness area with the mountain ranges in the distance. Wilderness Survival. 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. In fact, its around six hours of low range to get back out to Mansfield (which is just the way we like it!). 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. Take some time to absorb this view and appreciate what many believe is the best view in the whole Victorian High Country! It felt like walking onto a movie set an hour before the actors and crew arrived. Beaches, Koalas, waterfalls and much more! Although in a literal sense, you could actually miss it, as its perched just off the main road between Mansfield and Jamieson. The track itself is extremely narrow at places, with cliff faces on both sides. The 12mm I picked up was great, as it can focus to infinity and has an aperture of f2. Lots of hotels they were wild years. It is suitable for those with and without off road trailers. 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. The shady park nearby is an excellent place for a cuppa or lunch before tackling the tracks. Perched on the side of a hill, with only endless skies and green fields in front, the location is stunning. 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. 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 bamboo bridges are one of Luang Prabangs most iconic sights and appear on many famous photos of the town. . We can help with the Hire of a 4WD. 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. Explore the Victorian High Country and Australia's Great . Treat yourself to fine dining The fine dining experience at Provenance is a must-do for foodies. This is not a road for the travel sick! The photo above was taken with this lens, as were many of the wide-angle shots from on the Alpine Road. There are still plenty of relics to find in the bush. For a decent price tripod, try Neewer. We chose to stay a little outside Beechworth, partly due to cost and partly because we wanted to be out in the country. Four-wheel driving fans value Victoria's ruggedly diverse national and state parks for the extensive track network and spectacular scenery. 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. Beautiful mountain towns, Australian skiing, 4wD Tracks , and Camping are all great to see in the mountains of Victoria. 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. If your booking can be reallocated to another participant then the deposit can be transferred to another tour of your choice which must be taken within 18 months of the original booked tour. 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. If youre coming to the High Country Ive no doubt youve heard of Beechworth or had recommendations to visit here. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, its also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. The steep descent should pose few problems except in wet conditions when some of the clay based sections will become quite slippery. The proximity of the High Country to surrounding towns adds variety to a visit. Finding each campground is straight forward since all campgrounds are clearly sign posted and easily visible from Tamboritha Road. You are using an out of date browser. If you are towing a camper trailer, take extra precautions, and consider resting your brakes to let them cool down halfway down the descent. 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. The zoo aspect of it wasnt so impressive. 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. Keep going for another 15 kms and you will reach the Pinnacles Lookout and Fire tower. 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. 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. 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. Call Vic for an itinerary. Being an Alpine region, winters in the Victorian High Country are undoubtly cold. The most memorable experiences of the entire trip. 10 Tips For Travelling And Exploring Remote Destinations. It made the must-see list for being so damn unusual, I can honestly say Ive never come across anything like it. Such a trip is perfect for a long weekend and provides a real taste of what the High Country has to offer. I posted the below request for assistance in new members and received some positive feedback however it was suggested i post this request here for a better response. The Victorian High Country holds some of the world's best 4WD destinations; with breathtaking panoramic views and stunning alpine scenery. With a little girl in tow, we decided to head back up into the Alpine Road and drop back into Bright for the evening. 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. 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. 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. Blue Wren Stay, Eldorado>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. 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. Select Make Select Model Select Year One of the greatest Victorian road trip destinations, Gariwerd (commonly known by its anglicized name, The Grampians - but it was called Gariwerd by the indigenous population for thousands of years prior) is a spectacular national park. But of course, you are in the mountains, so expect the unexpected when it comes to weather. 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. The Rooftop series of maps give you a nice, detailed view of the Victorian High Country. El Dorado is a quirky little gold-rush town, with not a busting lot going on in it. 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. Oodnadatta Track: The iconic Aussie Adventure. In the evening shed knock to see if we wanted to go down with her to sort the animals out for th night. 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. What was great fun though was the number of animals that it was possible to get up close to and feed. Steep climbs, over 40 river crossings and the incredible scenery are features of this trip. 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. I have driven through snow in late January! Its quite impressive, but I wouldnt go too far out of your way to see it if you werent passing by El Dorado already. Horseyard flat is a series of grassy flats beside the Upper Moroka River and is a great spot to camp. 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. We cruised through Harrietville, a small town with a clear love of gardening ornate shrubs and vibrant blooms made the roadside more entertaining. I had my first ever go whilst staying in Mansfield (and documented my efforts in Adventures in Astrophotography). This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. Sep 14, 2018 - Essential Victorian High Country 4WD Camping Guide. 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. 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. When people talk about the Dargo Hotel, they do so with a glint in their eye, and a grin on their gob. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for South Africa in 7 days. The 4WD Suitable to 4WDrives with high and low range. 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. and Kayes wonderful home-baked goodies (left for us in the fridge) were a lovely surprise. Our Place are custom-built holiday homes on a large plot of land in Bright. About 6km from Dargo take the Upper Dargo Road which heads off on the right. Continuing along the high plains on Tamboritha Road, head pass the Lost Plain picnic area and you eventually arrive at Arbuckle Junction. The track eventually comes to a large open grassy area called Talbotville, a very picturesque and terrific place to camp. Within the thousands of kilometres of two-wheel drive roads and four-wheel drive tracks there are dozens of destinations that are part of the history of Eastern Victoria. Theres information boards highlighting the surrounding areas and peaks, and your camera is sure to get a workout, especially on a good day. Walking Tour Itinerary A guide will accompany you as you walk between 7 and 22 km each day. personly i wouldnt go down zeka spur , but go up to mount wellington and then the pinnacles. Jawbone Marine Sanctuary: The Best Place to Visit in Williamstown? 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. Turning left will take you through to Eaglevale and onto the iconic Wonnanngatta Station, but on this outing were turning right towards Dargo. This is a popular walk across the high plains with a steep descent to the picturesque Lake Tali Karng, one of Victorias deepest natural lakes. 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. Best time of year to Visit the High Country? . 202316 - 22 April 202312 - 18 November 20233 - 9 January 202411 - 17 January 2024, Great Divide Tours 4WD Training Centre Castle View, Victorian High Country Accommodated (7 days/8 nights), Along the Murray Accommodated Tour (8 days/nights), Cruise the Kimberley Coast with Vic Widman (13 days), Exploring Len Beadell's Tracks Tour (18 days). Mansfield Zoo want quite what we expecting, but was a great morning out for any of you travelling with kids. If you are travelling up into the High Country with kids, then a sturdy carrier for hikes is going to be needed. Was a Second Trayon Camper The Right Choice? There's an open plateau at around 1,600m elevation covered in low flowering bushes with 360 degree views just nearby the camp site. 4WD Day Trips 4WD Day Trips are very enjoyable where you will find good company, practise some skills and get into. The Victorian High Country is a premier camping and 4WD destination that combines breath taking scenery with some of the most spectacular 4WD tracks. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Then head back to Melbourne, stopping at Wangaratta for some lunch on the way home. 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 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. Continue to follow the road along the river for another 6km then take a left onto Crooked River Track. 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. For me, I really love autumn in the High Country. A fantastic option when passing through is to enjoy a meal at the legendary Dargo Pub. 0. In this article, we focus on some of the southern areas of the Victorian High Country. Heres how to prepare. Towns & Villages LIMITLESS HORIZONS Licola has an excellent general storefor any of those last minute supplies or fuel for the trip. 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. 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. Now that we have the people who love a bit of exercise sorted let's get onto the good stuff; food and drink! Which is Australias most difficult 4WD track? From Dargo Melbourne is around a 4 hour drive. We also found this oversized chair at the top, which I imagine looks very different in winter surrounded by snow. 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. Biggleswade To Paris 240 Miles Non Stop! Be cautioustravelling at the beginning of the plain as there are several bog holes that can trap the unwary.