Victorian High Country

Josef S
The task is massive, what can I say.

I would be looking at Heading to Mansfield, Craigs Hut (rebuilt), Grant, Dargo, Omeo, Tom Groggin, Thredbo, Cooma & on to Sydney. The liks below give you most of the route.

This will give you a taste of that part of the world that will have you coming back for more.

High Country
High Country 1
High Country 2



Colin.

Give us a starting point Josef.
What tyres do you have?
Suspension lift?
Offroad experience?
Travelling alone?
Chainsaw?
Camper trailer?
Winch?
Serious offroading in the High Country?..... Do you have 35" swampers and a 4" lift or are you really after some intermediate driving?
Cheers Craig............

G'day Josef.

Congratulations on wanting to come and visit the best part of Australia.Well I think so anyway, but I'm a bit biased. This forum is probably the best place to get general 4wd advice in Australia. It can also be the worst. You haven't indicated your level of experience, and that's ok, but the high country is a place where you can easily get into serious trouble without too much effort. The other aspect is, that, even if you are having a great time, doing some deep river crossings and climbing the steepest mountain, you can scare the living daylights out of the rest of your family, who aren't into camping as you've said. Many of the tracks mentioned in previous replies are definitely not suitable for your camp trailer (as pictured in your rig profile). General rule for a camp trailer in the high country is to base you c/t somewhere and then do day trips into the more remote spots. Even without your c/t the tracks can be slow going, often averaging 20km/h or less. Could I suggest perhaps the Circuit Road around Mt. Buller, for a general look around, which also takes in Craigs Hut, and camping at Pineapple Flat, which has a river crossing that is not too difficult. And c/t friendly. A good scenic route across the top of the alps is the Jamieson-Licola Road, which can be done in a day (other forumites may be able to provide up to date road conditions after the fires, as l haven't been there for a few years now). This route takes you over the top and down to the east coast, and is quite spectacular. Grab yourself a set of Rooftop Maps, they are excellent and very easy to read. Pick out a route and put it to a vote here on the forum. Why am l urging caution? I've bent a few cars over the years (must be a slow learner) and had to coordinate a rescue chopper, for an unfortunate 4wder. Only take the more remote tracks if you are well prepared in terms of experience, vehicle, and equipment. Something as simple as engaging your clutch at the wrong time, can be very costly in terms of injuries and vehicle recovery/repairs.
Good luck and have a great time out there.

Keep the shiny side up.

Ferris

Forgot to add. You can never have all the camping gear with you. There is always another toy to be had!

Josef

In addition to what the others have said, pay close attention to the weather and get local advice whenever possible. I have lived in the Snowy and I can assure you that you can easily get all four seasons in the same day and that includes snow even in January.

I will be down there myself in a few weeks and I have been watching the weather on the radar for the last couple of months. There has been no shortage of rain during that period and there is even some moving into the area right now.

Try and avoid going anywhere were rain is falling if possible. You won't be able to see a thing for mist and even some of the easy tracks can be a nightmare in mud and rain, particularly when you are inexperienced.

Brian

Thank you all for your advise.

We wont be towing a trailer.

I have been told that the high country can be very challenging.
My teenage daughter would never forgive me if we should get stuck some where out there.

I must say that I do like a bit of a challenge without being irresponsible.

I shall get some maps now and consider all the options.
Let you know in the next few days

Thanks again

Thanks again
(check my pictures out, added some new ones)
Josef