victorian high country 4wd itinerary victorian high country 4wd itinerary

The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. That being said there is a few pretty fun tracks in there. 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. But theres nothing quite like unfolding HEMAs High Country map to plan your trip. 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. Next stop-off was beside a man-made lake we saw off to the side of the road about a further 3.5km along. He used this place regularly as a camp due to its fantastic views over the King Valley, giving him time to escape the local police. Barwite Apartment>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. Balance: due and payable 30 days prior to departure. For this, I am assuming you have a weekend and are travelling up on a Friday night before returning late on a Sunday. It will generally take about 1 hour to reach the camping areas in the valley from the turnoff on the Dargo High Plains Road. 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. 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. 4WD only with high clearance and low range capability. While most of the crossings are small, there are a few deeper ones to watch out for. Billy Goat Bluff is considered one of the most challenging and scenic tracks in the Victorian High Country. 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. You're at 1,750 metres above sea level, completely surrounded by stark mountains and valleys, which slowly disappear into . Call Vic for an itinerary. Explore nature trails on foot or horseback, and frolic in the snow in winter. It includes towns such as Beechworth, Bright, Yachandandah, Mansfield and Wangaratta as well as natural attractions such as Mount Buller, Mount Beauty and Lake Eildon. 4WD Pack Hema HX-1 Navigator You must log in or register to reply here. The Victorian High Country covers a large part of South-Eastern Victoria, with much of the area only accessible via a 4WD. Rule 1: don't try to cram an entire . 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! 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. Theres information boards highlighting the surrounding areas and peaks, and your camera is sure to get a workout, especially on a good day. However littleremains today. 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. Recommended days: 2-3 days. Most of the time, these crossings are straight forward, however if its been raining recently, take caution and plot your course along firm footings. So if crowds dont bother you, then go for it. On the other side of the range is the Dargo Hotel, est 1898. With a baby in the car, we didnt quite make the whole loop to Omeo but managed to do an out-and-back journey to Dinner Plain that was more than sufficient as an Alpine fix. When you arrive, you will be rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views of the High Country. In the second half of the nineteenth century thousands of Europeans, Americans and Chinese headed into the High Country in search of gold. 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 Crooked River Track heads north through farmland and then into forested areas. 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. 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. May 31, 2019 - Explore Helen Henrich's board "Victorian High Country" on Pinterest. 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 4 Day High Country Tag-Along Tour Intermediate 4WDrive and Recovery Course at Narbethong Next is Tamboritha Saddle and some of the fabulous Victorian high plains. These tours run throughout the year and are fully catered. Around 11km further on is Grant Junction and the turn-off to Grant and Talbotville. What was great fun though was the number of animals that it was possible to get up close to and feed. Check with Parks Victoria to ensure the track is open before you leave home. 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. The proximity of the High Country to surrounding towns adds variety to a visit. 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. Continue following the Crooked River Track north, through farmland, then some forested areas for 9km, until you reach a large grassy opening. 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. Passing on coming traffic at these bottlenecks can be extremely challenging. Horse rides will be run by Spring Spur Horse Riding. These are our favourite places from the High Country in the order we visited them. Camping gear You need to supply your own camping gear, this is a camping tour there is no accommodation option. 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. Recommended for those with the proper 4WD training, experience and well prepared vehicle, you can take on this challenge with confidence. There are bypass tracks around the worst areas so generally these shouldnt cause any problems. Photography Beach. Victoria's High Country Brewery Trail. 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. The end point go our Alpine Road adventure was the town of Dinner Plain. 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. In the event of you canceling a booking the following refund policy applies. . 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. Though, the High Country experience doesnt have to be all white knuckle and hairy chested. 19,000Kms Later, 15 Electric Utes Australia Would Love to See in the roads, Budget Ute Showdown: Tata, Great Wall, Foton, Jmc And More. If you are travelling up into the High Country with kids, then a sturdy carrier for hikes is going to be needed. Bear in mind that this is a 3.5 hour journey each way to Central Melbourne. 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. Definitely! We cruised through Harrietville, a small town with a clear love of gardening ornate shrubs and vibrant blooms made the roadside more entertaining. Survival Gear. Outside of peak periods such as summer long weekends or Easter, there should be plenty of availability to setup camp. The only thing I had to do was loosen the release points of the legs to make them faster to adjust. It's home to steep climbs and descents, plenty of water crossings and thousands of kilometres of tracks that are ever-changing. The track is steep in parts, and scrabbly in others, but is in generally pretty good condition. 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. Victoria's High Country lives up to its claims. Fuel Fuel requirements for this trip are:-Diesel = 120 litres 4 and V6 petrol = 125 litres Straight 6 and V8 . Keep your radio handy so you can stay in constant communication with your convoy and other vehicles on the track. this will no doubt cause some controversy, so let the hate mail begin! A good mate of mine Garry Doyle plays these films through a projector and onto a white sheet around his High Country campsite always to an ecstatic audience. From MacFarland Saddle Carpark, continue along Moroka Road for another 14kms and you will cross the Bridget that spans Moroka River. Was a Second Trayon Camper The Right Choice? If you want to test your vehicle and more importantly test yourself, the High Country is the place to go. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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! There are plenty shady parks with rest areas nearby for lunch or a quick stop over. 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. The Victorian High Country covers a large part of South-Eastern Victoria, with much of the area only accessible via a 4WD. We are the home of Ironman 44 and all things 4WD in East Gippsland and the Victorian High Country. JavaScript is disabled. The Victorian High Country is a magical place, one of the best off-roading destinations on the planet. The 4WD trails in the High Country are perfect for experienced drivers. Some of the tracks, rated double black diamond by Four Wheel Drive Victoria, are a test of tyres, suspension, engine torque and driver skill. Past the Treasures-Mt Even Hut which is just visible from the main road with the Downey Road heading off to the right. Stop in and explore famous High country huts like Craig's Hut, Bluff . 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. 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. 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. Today, Dargo is a very popular destination for 4WDers and is considered a hub of the Victorian High Country. Its quite impressive, but I wouldnt go too far out of your way to see it if you werent passing by El Dorado already. 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 in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. 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. Pulpit Rock & Cape Schanck Lighthouse: Definitely Worth a Visit. Duration: 5 Days (approx.) 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. 6 Things Ive Learned from 6 Weeks in Asia, SpringRiver Resort Laos: 5 Reasons You Must Stay Here [Review]. You can only vote once, but please add to the list if your favourite isn't there. Our Place are custom-built holiday homes on a large plot of land in Bright. Drive distance: 243 km. Its located off you guessed it Bluff Track. From Talbotville take the McMillan Road up to Grant which is approximately 11km. It would involve a fair but of driving (around 1,000km) and our first big adventure with our 11-month-old little girl. Today a sense of this history can be found in the old ruins, mine workings and the old cemetery. It's full of awesome tracks, picturesque camping, and the type of wilderness usually only available when places are hard to get to. Then head back to Melbourne, stopping at Wangaratta for some lunch on the way home. Those legs can stand on uneven surfaces Versatile 360 Ball Head Metal ball head comes with a quick release plate for instant camera mounting. You are using an out of date browser. Dargo is arguably the hub of the Victorian High Country. From Grant head 6km to the Dargo High Plains Road then turn right toward Dargo which is a further 17km away. For three days I would add a nights stay in Beechworth to the itinerary above, a historic rural Victorian town with lots to do. Our Place, Bright>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. Continuing along the high plains on Tamboritha Road and you will arrive at Arbuckle Junction. Best time of year to Visit the High Country? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Safely tackle some of Australia's toughest 4WD trails. For a decent price tripod, try Neewer. See more ideas about country, victorian, australia country. Photo: Maverick226, CC BY-SA 4.0. 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 For this reason, most of the 4WD tracks in the region are closed for from the start of June to November. The Victorian High Country provides the best 4Wdriving and most spectacular scenery in Australia. In winter I imagine this place is heaving, but in November it was a complete ghost town. Image: Michael Page-Sharp. The High Country weather can change so quick, particularly when your planning to go and your in there with a camper! Worth a listen and track it on google maps or something as he talks about it. Australia Itinerary. A narrow track that crests some of the highest parts of the High Country, you'll arrive at the Blue Rag trig point. Perched on the side of a hill, with only endless skies and green fields in front, the location is stunning. 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! 0. 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. Beautiful mountain towns, Australian skiing, 4wD Tracks , and Camping are all great to see in the mountains of Victoria. 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. 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. Located near Lake Cobbler and down a few hundred metres of bush track, Dandongadale Falls is quite impressive. Extending from the river to the mountains, this drive takes in many . At the very top youll find The Horn where its possible to walk the final steep kilometre or so to the very top. 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. Turning left will take you through to Eaglevale and onto the iconic Wonnanngatta Station, but on this outing were turning right towards Dargo. A superb tin hut built to withstand the fire season (with a really unique gutter design), and a great view out the front. Call Vic for an itinerary. Camping in the Victorian High Country is fantastic. 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. At this point, park your 4WD and head out on foot. With our girl propped on our hip we helped brush the goat, collect eggs and put the ducks away from the foxes. The Ingeegoodbee Track is one of the High Countries 4WD test-pieces. 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. 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. 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. Almost immediately after starting down Crooked River Track, you will come to the first of 20+ river crossings along this track. This gave us a good mix of experiences in different parts of the High Country. 4. Heres how to prepare. If I had to choose one place to stay for a length of time in the High Country it would be Bright. Generally this first river crossing is fairly easy but there are several large rocks to avoid. The cattlemen brought their own culture to the High Country and it has become part of our heritage celebrated in song, poetry and film. To support the community, stores, churches, banks, hotels and even a police station was present. Victoria's High Country - The Official Website - plan and book your next getaway WALKS WITH ENDLESS VIEWS Step outside the everyday. There will be some places that you may have heard of before, and maybe a few spots that are new. Make a left turn immediately after the Bridge onto Talbotville Road heading east. 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. About 6km from Dargo take the Upper Dargo Road which heads off on the right. 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. 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. 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. Lake Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. 2-In-1 Tripod/Monopod Featuring a detachable leg and a removable center column, Neewer Carbon Fiber Tripod allows transformation from a tripod to a monopod (Height can reach 68.9 (175cm)) for Adjustable Tripod Legs The 4-section legs with twist locks can extend from 22.6 to 66.1 (57.5cm to 168cm) in seconds and provide reliable stability. Cattlemens huts are a feature of the High Country. 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. From an adult point of view, Mansfield Zoo is a so-so experience, but for a kid this place is amazing. This trip well explore east, so right it is along the Moroka Road. Move aside and let on coming convoys pass in safety. 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). 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. 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. This is one of my favorite views in all ofthe Victorian High Country. . Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. They are sturdy, fairly light without being ridiculously expensive. Keep following the Dargo High Plains Road to the Treasure Plain. In my opinion, a high priority is to visit the legendary Dargo Pub. Alpine National Park. The most popular (read: crowded) times to go are over the Christmas holidays and the Easter Holidays. 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 track itself is extremely narrow at places, with cliff faces on both sides. Saturday: We can head up to Blue Rag,and other tracks time depending. it costs more - as expected, however the itinerary will be altered to suit your interests; eg, the stop at the winery can . Towns & Villages LIMITLESS HORIZONS Around 6km onwards is Kingswell Bridge and immediately over the bridge turn to the left onto the Crooked River Track. - Do you require Driver Training? 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). The itinerary includes two base camps beside beautiful mountain streams and a camp high amongst the snow gums. Yes the apartment is fairly basic and there is no WiFi, but frankly, who cares. Horseyard flat is also the starting point for the walking track down to Moroka Gorge and waterfall. It was the central point of our adventure to the High Country and had been well worth the visit. The bamboo bridges are one of Luang Prabangs most iconic sights and appear on many famous photos of the town. Dandongadale Falls isnt the sort of place that most people talk about around the campfire and thats possibly because they drive straight past. Carry warm clothing at all times. 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. Wander FAR AWAY FROM THE EVERYDAY Vibrant, unique and marked with history, these alluring destinations offer endless possibilities. Find your own secluded campsite by a fresh mountain stream. Horseyard flat is a series of grassy flats beside the Upper Moroka River and is a great spot to camp. there is a couple of good books on 4wd tracks in the high country with heaps of info. Tracks, Towns, Maps and Campgrounds, Photography everything you need to know. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for South Africa in 7 days.