Victoria High Country trip Halloween/Cup weekend 2015
Submitted: Sunday, Oct 18, 2015 at 16:56
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Anthony F2
G'day all. I am thinking of taking my family up to the high country the last weekend in October. From what I can ascertain, the roads will be open on Thursday 29th October. I will be travelling in a 2" lift 200 series Landcruiser with front bar, winch, front and rear lockers,
snorkel etc etc.... towing a 15' Goldstream Sovereign caravan (high clearance 4x4). From what I can see, not alot of people take trailers or caravans from Merrijig across the ridges to
Dinner Plain. With limited 4x4 experience am I kidding myself to do this trip? I have no friends with 4x4's who are available to go at this time and was wondering if anyone else is interested in travelling in a convoy for 3 to 5 days? I will not attempt this on my own but really want to give it a go. My partner and I are around 40 and have a 7 and a 6 year old daughters. Does anyone know of any "organised" trips or anyone I can travel wit? As most of the journey is completed without mobile phone service I need at least one other vehicle to travel with to be safe. What are your thoughts???
Reply By: Rob K (VIC) - Sunday, Oct 18, 2015 at 19:56
Sunday, Oct 18, 2015 at 19:56
Hi Anthony, I assume you've had limited experience of the
Vic High Country? I also think you've already answered your own question by saying "not a lot of people take trailers or caravans from Merrijig to Dinner Plain". I certainly would not contemplate such a trip with a 15' poptop caravan (Merrijig to
Dinner Plain) and have travel throughout the
Vic High Country quite a bit.
If you want to go into the this area of Victoria then I suggest you leave the caravan at
home and pack a tent if you have limited 4x4 experience. If you need the convenience of the caravan then base
camp at Sheepyard Flat and explore the surrounding area to get a feel for what to expect in the High Country. Plenty to see around Mt Buller. Alternatively, head towards
Dargo and
camp along the
Dargo River just north of
Dargo or maybe head towards Black
Snake Creek. Again, you can
check out the area for future trip planning. Many of the roads and/or tracks in the High Country are not suited to trailers much less caravans. I do know quite a number of 4WDrivers have travelled the area with specialist off-road camper trailers though.
In regards to your query about others travelling in the area, I'm sure there will be and often 4WD clubs will organise such trips. Companies like Great Divide Tours also run trips through the
Vic High Country but not with trailers or caravans. Maybe someone from this site can help you out if headed into this area.
I suspect you already know you might be kidding yourself so I'd recommend rethinking your plans and maybe consider the options I've mentioned above.
Happy 4WDing with the family.
Cheers Rob K
AnswerID:
591712
Follow Up By: Kenell - Monday, Oct 19, 2015 at 08:24
Monday, Oct 19, 2015 at 08:24
My thoughts precisely. These tracks don't suit quasi off road trailers. They are a challenge to the real off roaders with steep switchbacks, ledges and the like without the added concern of taking the side out of the pop top.
Kenell
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859765
Follow Up By: Anthony F2 - Monday, Oct 19, 2015 at 19:06
Monday, Oct 19, 2015 at 19:06
Thanks Rob and others. I am now planning exactly what you suggested. Camping at or near Sheepyard flat and planning day trips. How busy does Sheepyard flat get on Cup Weekend, seeings it's the first weekend the higher tracks are open?
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Rob K (VIC) - Tuesday, Oct 20, 2015 at 08:36
Tuesday, Oct 20, 2015 at 08:36
Anthony, I've not been up there at this time of year so don't know.
What I would suggest to you, if you can manage it, is to arrive on Friday afternoon or evening before the weekend. Sheepyard Flat does have plenty of space and is a popular camping spot with facilities. You can also travel along Brocks Rd and follow the Howqua River and find a nice spot next to the river if you're looking for less of a crowd. Plenty of tracks down to the river as you head east and should be accessible with the poptop.
Main thing is to try and arrive early so you beat the crowds for a spot. Good luck.
Cheers Rob K
FollowupID:
859789
Reply By: Sigmund - Monday, Oct 19, 2015 at 12:23
Reply By: Gazza11 - Monday, Oct 19, 2015 at 13:51
Monday, Oct 19, 2015 at 13:51
Guys,
I do day trips out of
Tom Groggin every
easter and frequently do Davies Plain, Mcalisters, Mt Misery, Gibbo, Wheelers Creek, Mt Pinnibar and
Tom Groggin tracks and I would take my off road camper into the area on my own. For example the Mt Pinnibar Track was almost impassible for all but extreme 4WD's last year so any towed vehicle is out of the question.
So my advice is to find somewhere thats easily accessible (good logging trail) and
camp and do day trips.
Patrolster.
AnswerID:
591738