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Adventures in the Victorian High Country
Covering a large section of the northeast of the state, Victoria's High Country is an experience like no other. It's a region that has something to offer no matter what time of year - skiing, camping, 4WDing, cycling and mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding… You name it!
As well as the endless array of outdoor adventures, high country Victoria has earned the tag of 'gourmet region' with its world class cafes, restaurants, wineries and award-winning primary producers offering mouthwatering and affordable dining options for when you've had enough of roughing it.
A Little Bit Of Background On Victoria's High Country
Victoria's High Country has a unique and storied history. Indigenous Australia's connection and use of the region dates back over hundreds of thousands of years. The Taungurong, Ngurraiillam and Waveroo and Duduora people are among the traditional custodians, with the Quat Quatta and Minjambutta clans also having links to High Country Victoria as a spiritual and ceremonial site. Explorers Hume and Hovell mapped the region in the early 1820s, but the High Country became a mecca for fortune hunters and prospectors alike almost overnight with the discovery of gold in Beechworth and Ovens in 1851.
As it did in Ballarat and Bendigo, gold led to a population explosion. Along with people from Melbourne and Sydney, the area experienced an influx of Asian and European migrants, with their influences on towns like Wangaratta, Chiltern, Bright and Harrietville still evident to this day, especially in the food and wine.
The region is also known as bushranger country, with names like Mad Dog Morgan and Harry Power synonymous with the area. But, without a doubt, the most notorious bushranger of them all was Ned Kelly. His escape from Beechworth Gaol, the Stringybark Creek police murders in Mansfield and his famous last stand in the town of Glenrowan have a significant place in the High Country's history and culture.
High Country Victoria forms the backdrop for many of Banjo Paterson's poetry, most notably 'The Man From Snowy River', which became a major motion picture in the early 1980s. In bringing the poem to life, filmmakers used Mansfield and surrounds as the location for the film of the same name, with Craig's Hut - built specifically for the film - now acting as a major camping and sightseeing destination for visitors to the area.
Mapping it Out - Victorian High Country Map
Photo Credit: travelvictoria.com.au
The Victoria High Country map is a great way to familiarise yourself with the area and understand the diversity that can be found here.
High Country Victoria is located in the state's central north and northeast. Driving time ranges from 90-minutes to two-and-a-bit hours from greater Melbourne to towns like Yea, Alexandra and Eildon in the central north, to between three-to-four hours' driving to places like Chiltern, Yackandandah, Harrietville and Mount Beauty in the northeast.
For the most part, the Hume Freeway and its 110km/h speed limit is the gateway to High Country Victoria (Lake Eildon and the greater Eildon region is best reached by using the Maroondah Highway in Melbourne's east), and many of the roads in the region have speed limits that top out at the 100km/h mark.
The ski fields of Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, Mount Buller and Mt Buffalo are around a four hour-driving distance, depending on the conditions and the time of year that you're visiting. When heading to Victoria's ski fields in winter, don't forget that chains MUST be carried in your car.
Mobile reception in the remote parts of high country can be sketchy at times, so it's always good to have an old-school printed and foldable map on hand for navigation when technology isn't available.
Victorian High Country 4WD tracks
High Country Victoria is unmatched for 4WDing and off-roading adventures and camping. Although many of the tracks require an experienced driver behind the wheel and vehicles with good height clearance, there are still plenty of options for people new to 4WDing and off-roading. Whatever your experience level, making sure you have the right gear in your off-roader when touring High Country Victoria is essential. Our handy guide to 4WD for beginners is vital reading for off-roading and camping novices.
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
One of Australia's most challenging tracks, the 222-kilometre Wonnangatta Icon Drive is a loop track that will take you through the Wonnangatta Valley, Grant Historic area and Dargo.
With its many lookouts, heritage huts, spectacular waterfalls and unforgettable views of the Alpine region from the Howitt and Dargo High Plains area, the Wonnangatta Icon Drive is nothing short of the ultimate 4WD camping experience. But it's one you shouldn't tackle if you're a beginner. Allow two-to-three days to complete the circuit, and you'll need to pack for self-sufficient camping.
Mount Terrible
An easy-to-medium 4WD adventure, the 59-kilometre Mount Terrible track starts at Jamieson near the Howqua Valley and takes around half a day to complete.
Don't be put off by the name! This track takes in some great fishing and swimming spots and offers amazing views of the region and the Great Dividing Range once you get to the summit. While this track does have a few tricky spots to negotiate, it's an ideal experience for those new to off-roading and 4WDing.
Benambra to Tom Groggin
Ninety-seven kilometres long, the Benambra to Tom Groggin track offers sensational opportunities for off-roaders of all skill levels to get a real taste of the High Country and the mountain cattleman life.
Recommended as a one-day drive, the tip from those in-the-know is to take advantage of one the many camping spots and huts along the way and make it an overnighter. This will give you time to enjoy some top-notch bushwalking and hiking in this natural wonderland. Although it's a good beginner-to-medium-graded track, make sure your 4WD has low-range gears and good height clearance, and only set out to tackle the terrain in dry weather.
Blue Rag Range
One-hundred-and-forty-kilometres long, the famous Blue Rag Range track is another one for the experienced 4WD campaigner.
Kicking off in the popular town of Bright (or Dargo for the shorter but no less challenging 113-kilometre-long version), Blue Rag Range is a fantastic way to enjoy obscure fishing and swimming spots and the Mount Hotham resort, as well as jaw-dropping, 360-degree vistas when you get to the 1,700-metre above sea level summit at Blue Rag Trig Point. It's rough and it's steep, and it requires nothing less than total concentration and patience. Allow a day to complete the trail, and make sure your 4WD has the high clearance required to handle the rugged and rocky terrain.
Victorian High Country Campsites
High Country Victoria camping is one of life's great pleasures. From camping grounds to caravan and camping parks, to farm stays and luxury accommodation, there's no shortage of options when you want to spend time in this stunning part of the world.
Lake Catani
Lake Catani in Mt Buffalo National Park is the ultimate High Country Victoria camping experience with 49 campsites set among gorgeous snow gums. Suitable for everything from small caravans and campervans to car camping and tents only, walk-in campsites within the park are also available if you crave some extra peace and quiet. And there are sites designed for visitors with limited mobility, incorporating wheelchair access to toilets and hot showers.
Lake Catani is fantastic for kayaking and paddle boarding, and offers outstanding freshwater fishing. The park is the perfect base for bushwalking, mountain biking and cycling along the ever popular Rail Trail, and it's handy for commuting to the nearby ski fields of Mount Buffalo, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek during the ski season.
Make good use of communal dining, fireplaces, basic laundry services and dishwashing facilities. Bringing your own potable water is a must, as is sampling the local produce and dining in nearby Bright, Porepunkah, Myrtleford, Beechworth, Harrietville or Wandiligong.
Granny's Flat Camping Area
Granny's Flat is among the most popular High Country Victoria camping spots. It's ideal for lovers of fishing, 4X4 off-roading and trail bike riding all year 'round, and the ski-fields of Mt Buller are only a little over an hour's drive away.
Furthermore, it's the starting point for the 21-kilometre Mitchell's Bridle Trail walk, which follows the course of the picturesque Jamieson River. This alone means, if you're a hiking or bushwalking enthusiast, Granny's Flat should be added to your list of places to explore.
Granny's Flat is a great free camping spot, with fire pits, non-flush toilets and picnic tables. You'll need to bring your camp cooking gear and potable water from home and, maybe best of all, pets are welcome. Access to the campgrounds is recommended for 4X4 or all-wheel drive vehicles with good ground clearance only, and is subject to seasonal closures when the weather gets too rough between the King's Birthday weekend, and the Melbourne Cup Day long weekend (so check when enquiring).
Howqua River
A former gold mining area, the Howqua River region features nine different areas (flats) for you and the family to experience an unforgettable High Country Victoria camping break.
The nine flats include Blackbird, Fry's, Sheepyard North and South, Davon's - Pickerings, Noonan's and Tunnel Bend Flat - each with their own unique and rich history like Fry's Hut (named after Fred Fry from Nevil Shute's literary classic, A Far Country. Fred Fry also built many huts in the area including Noonan's and Pickering's Huts, Upper Jamieson Hut and Ritchie's Hut.
All of the Howqua River camping sites are an ideal base for hikers, bushwalkers, off-roading enthusiasts, mountain bikers and cyclists, and fishos. Tranquil, green and quiet, they also tick all the boxes if your idea of the perfect camping holiday is pitching a tent, setting up your favourite camp chair and enjoying the serenity.
The camping grounds have basic facilities including pit toilets, and can be accessed by regular passenger vehicles, as well as your heavy-duty campervan and trailer or 4WD. Dogs are welcome on the condition they're leashed, and you'll need to bring your own firewood, showering equipment, potable water, food and drink supplies from home. Fry's and Tunnel Bend Flats allow camping with horses for those seeking out a really authentic High Country Victoria camping experience.
Candlebark Campground Lake Eildon
Lake Eildon is a mecca for fishos and watersports enthusiasts. Like the Howqua Hills region, Lake Eildon National Park has a plethora of camping sites to choose from - but, for family-friendly camping, Candlebark campground is the standout choice for High Country Victoria camping in Eildon.
Along with the excellent fishing opportunities around the lake, Candlebark campground is superb for non-motorised, water-based activities, making it the place for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. Hiking and bushwalking are also popular pursuits within the Lake Eildon National Park.
Candlebark has toilet and shower facilities, and can be accessed by regular passenger vehicles. Campfires can't be lit on Total Fire Ban days, but gas cookers are okay for meal preparation.
Other High Country Victoria attractions
When it comes to things to do in high country Victoria, camping and 4WD touring are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many great activities to take part in, something for the whole family including:
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Pedal to your heart's content at the Bright Autumn Festival where cycling is one of the feature activities. This festival draws visitors to the town from all over Australia to celebrate the Alpine traditional harvest time and the region's amazing colour display for the season.
High Country Victoria's rail trails are a must-see and do for lovers of cycling. The 134-kilometre long Great Victorian Rail Trail ride takes you from Tallarook to Yea and Mansfield, while the Murray to Mountains Trail Ride from Wangaratta to Beechworth, Yackandandah, Myrtleford, Bright and Harrietville shows off the unique landscapes of the area.
For the cyclist looking for a Tour-de-France-type of day on the bike, the High Country Rail Trail ride is an 80-kilometre route that begins in Wodonga and stretches to Shelley Station, 779 metres above sea level. As well as the testing ascent component of the trail's final 20 kilometres, your ride takes in spectacular Lake Hume and historic trestle bridges en-route to 'the finish line'. A short ride to nearby Corryong and its camping grounds and tourist parks will provide a great night's rest before heading back to Wodonga for the return trip or to one of the other spectacular rides in the region.
Horse Riding and Camping
High Country Victoria and parts of southern NSW are the inspiration for Banjo Paterson's legendary 'Man From Snowy River' poem, so it seems fitting that there are plenty of ways to explore the region on horseback.
Accordingly, a number of High Country Victoria camping sites accommodate horses and, no matter what kind of experience you have when it comes to these animals, there are a number of guided rides to enjoy, many hosted by genuine mountain cattlemen and women who maintain the stock riding traditions exalted in many of Paterson and Henry Lawson's poetry.
Delicious Local Food and Wine
It's an understatement to say that High Country Victoria is foodie heaven. The region is dotted with world famous cafes and paddock-to-plate restaurants serving the freshest and tastiest local produce.
Along with gourmet cuisine, the Ovens and King Valley regions of High Country Victoria have a seemingly endless choice of award-winning wineries in and around Oxley, Milawa, Myrtleford and Rutherglen. Enjoy cellar door tastings all year 'round, with exclusive drops you may not find anywhere else.
Embark on Your Next Camping or 4WD Adventure in the Majestic Victorian High Country
Put simply, High Country Victoria has it all. Not only does it boast some of the most sought-after camping and 4WD touring experiences in the world, you can indulge in skiing in winter and water skiing in summer, cycling and mountain biking, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, and hiking and bushwalking treks that are distinctly Australian. Your choices will seem endless. Once experienced, it's hard to look past the Victorian High Country whenever your mind turns to The Great Outdoors.
Ensure you have all the essential camping gear and 4WD essentials for your trip, as the terrain and weather conditions can be harsh. Discover the range at Anaconda to ensure a comfortable smooth trip and upgrade your set up with great auto-electrical accessories, tents and camping furniture. You might also like the buying guides and articles on the Adventure Centre for more inspiration:
