High Country camp sites

Submitted: Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 11:32

ThreadID: 27082 Views:2656 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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ian

I would appreciate help and ideas for a camping site for Cup day weekend in the area around Buckland valley or Abbeyards area. We will have 3 vehicles and trailers, and a tribe of kids. I am sure it will be busy if we get good weather, and most sites will be taken, especially as we won't arrive until Saturday arvo. We are looking for a place to do a couple of day trips into the ranges from.
Ideas of a day's drive also appreciated.
thanks
Ian

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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 11:34

Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 11:34

Purely trial and error since its a long weekend, expect 1/2 the country to be there

AnswerID: 133622

Follow Up By: Member - Chrispy (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 12:01

Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 12:01

We were up iun the NSW/Vic high country from the 1st to the 5th of October and didn't see ANY other campers - anywhere....!! Talk about lucky..... :)

FollowupID: 387801

Reply By: Crackles - Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 15:51

Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 15:51

Ian, suggest you get a copy of the Bright to Mansfield "Rooptop" map which shows in detail all the main campsites and available tracks in the area. 3 or 4 KMs either side of Beveridges Station will have sites big enough for your group although as you say, coming in so late all the good spots will be taken if the weather is good.
Before recomending any tracks what type of vehicles do you drive & how experienced are the whole group?
Cheers Craig..............

AnswerID: 133643

Follow Up By: ian - Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 16:13

Saturday, Oct 08, 2005 at 16:13

Thanks Craig,
I have just purchased the map, but I do not yet know how much I can rely on it.
We have 80 series Landcruisers and done a lot of miles in them. Two of us had a lot of 4x4 experience in the high country years ago, but it has been a long time since we have been into these mountains, and reading this site, I take it that a lot has changed. Running A/T tyres, 2" suspension lift, I have a locked diff on rear and a hand winch (both to get me out of trouble, not into it).
Last year I visited Mt Terrible near Jamison and drove down (only down) Moonlight track. I thought that the drive up looked rough in places and could knock vehicle about, but manageable. I would probably prefer to keep just under this difficulty. I am assuming reasonably dry tracks.
thanks
ian

FollowupID: 387820

Follow Up By: Crackles - Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 00:01

Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 00:01

Most of the tracks out of the Buckland valley are of an intermediate standard in the dry & with your vehicles should have no problems. Day trips could include a run up to Mt Murray & Mt Selwn or Mt Sarah then around the Humphery river track. Buffalo Range track offers a few challenging climbs with great views also. After rain dodge the Camp creek track crossing of the Buffalo river as it often runs pretty deep.
A full days drive can get you through Wonnagatta or right out to the Blue Rag Range although they both include a few steeper climbs on those runs.
Much of the area was burnt a couple of years ago in the big fire so a chainaw to clear fallen trees is pretty important.
As far as the map, it is very accurate with excellent detail.
Have a great trip, you may bump into my local club (Wangarratta) camped in there but I'll be down south in the Otways for the weekend.
Cheers Craig..............

FollowupID: 387878