Bright to Dargo

The High Plains Road is unsealed. It is undulating and twisty but generally speaking it is in relatively good condition normally. There are signs as you head up the other side ie from Harrietville suggesting the road is unsuitable for caravans. Can't remember if there are any on the Dargo side though - the gradient is much less steep. Fair bit of low gear work from Hotham heading down the hill.

I guess it depends on what you are towing with and just how big your van is. There are some narrow bits and a few steep pinches but I have towed my hybrid that is around 2t up there. Just keep your eyes peeled for drongos who think the speed limit is a minimum requirement.

Keep your eye out for cattle also,they roam freely.
Just take your time, seen a few cars smashed due to driving to fast (could see where they lost it in the gravel)).

Double check a fire app before you go.

Goodluck

Hi Duncan,

It's unsealed until about the turn-off to Grant IIRC. You may need low range for the descents - if you have a Scangauge or similar I'd be interested in your Transmission temps on the descent - a Ranger/BT50 characteristic we've discussed.

I've taken my Karavan in both directions a number of times with absolutely no issue. There are a couple of narrow parts that could be a bit tight for you with on-coming traffic, but negotiable if I recall your van correctly. Is your van full width? - I can't remember.

Are you thinking of Talbotville via Grant? Again, I've taken my Karavan down there, but IIRC it would be marginal for you, I think.

Regards to Prue and Merry Christmas to you both.

Take it easy and you shouldn't have any problems, we travelled from Dargo to Harrietville with a friend in her Hilux and Avan 499 poptop van a couple of years ago, being single she is very cautious but slow and steady is the go. Look out for the wallies going too fast, mostly 4wd's, often with camper trailers.

You should be fine width wise. Trucks get through ok.

I don't know your plans obviously but have you considered Omeo as an alternative? Access to Dargo from Omeo is an easy run for a day trip without towing and you can then visit the likes of Talbotville etc and make your own determinations of suitability for your set up. There is a good caravan park at Omeo and lots to see and do. Wherever you go up there is going to be steep and a bit narrow.

The area is 4wd Heaven hence the warnings re speed. The older 4wds with P plates can be a bit scary!!

As others have indicated you should have no issues getting through provided there is no decent rain prior to your trip. Take your time and use your gears to slow down. Cattle will start heading up from Dargo around Boxing Day. If you can manage to see them being moved it is an experience to see. Plenty of good free camping along the Dargo River. Would avoid camping behind the Pub over New Year unless you don't need a lot of sleep.

As Kennell said there are signs at the Hotham end (I think they mention unsuitable for vans and anything over 12m) but not at the Dargo end. We went to come down from Hotham but there was heavy fog (50m visibility) and as we had not travelled the road before we went the long way via Omeo & Bairnsdale and approached Dargo from the South. Once in Dargo we mentioned to the General Store owner what we had done and they said no signs at their end and at times cattle trucks and fuel semi's use the road (different Shire's control each end)
I think coming from the north you just have to be careful the last 20kms into Dargo as it is quite steep.