Can i go to the Vic High country?

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

Was just wondering if ayone could tell me, is it possible to go through the high country over summer without a snorkel? Im assuming no, on the basis that if you could avoid the creek crossings thats what its about. Im looking to do a bit of an extended trip with some mates and summer is the next best time for us all.

[bitdist Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bitdist]

There would be very few crossings in Summer that wouls need a snorkel in the high country. In general they can flow deepish as the snow is melting, but then really drop fast to nothing to worry about. Maybe if you could give some idea of where generally you would like to go and we can give you a better idea.

[robn Member Find all posts View Profile Close robn]

Hi Slug
If you do travel to the high country make sure you go through Swifts Creek.There is a great very small (1000 case a year organic winery) and organic brewery that sells excellent wines and beers for not a lot of money.(my mouth is watering they do a fantastic port made out of elderberries.Its called Mt Markey)With a name like Slug im tipping you are a beer man :lol: :wink: which makes me think of the great selection of beers there aswell.

After you have got hammered at Swifts Creek (note to ones self change drivers preferably not to another hammered driver,move on to Omeo where you can soak it all up at the Omeo bakery(steak,bacon and onion pie if your a vego a cheese and riccota roll will sort you out)After a bit of a wander on a full belly around the town of Omeo move on to Benambra and up into the cobbras for some fantastic 4 wheel driving,bush walking and sight seeing.When up in the cobbras make sure you drive on the Lime stone track there are a few water crossings,some steep hills great low range work and an excellent river to swim in at the end of the track.Dont forget your togs.

Sorry got carried away

Regards Rob

[embi Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close embi]

We went up to the High Country Anzac day 2006. We had a snorkel fitted but never came close to using it and there wasn't much snow left. I think you'll be fine in Summer.

My Avatar is a pic of us at Pinnabar.

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Thats looking good!! I've never looked too much into the high country, although itd be a dream come true, its a bit far from here for a weekend trip! I wont bother you guys too much about different route, unless youve got favourites :wink: , there are numerous forums to search.
So if i can, ill ask the next series of questions. We are tent campers, probably like to stay at one spot a couple of days, be near some water for a dip/fish and maybe see some huts, oh yeah, but we dont want to be near hundreds of people, if thats not asking too much :lol: And, how long would be reasnoble? At this stage im hoping we can do a long long weekend up there, then plan for a longer trip.
Like i said, i dont expect exact directions but some places to start researching would be great.

Rob thanks heaps for the info on Mt Markey, yep you guessed right , i dont mind a bit of a drink and would love some tips for my homebrew! We will be arranging the trip involving a trip to swifts creek!!!

Thanks again guys, its been said before, but ill say it again, this forum is so helpful and obliging!

[Drew Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drew]

We are tent campers, probably like to stay at one spot a couple of days, be near some water for a dip/fish and maybe see some huts, oh yeah, but we dont want to be near hundreds of people, if thats not asking too much :lol:

Mount Beauty Holiday Centre is our favourite (so don't tell every one else! :lol: ). You can camp right on the banks of the Kiewa River, it's great for a swim and it popular among anglers. Here's a shot of our camp their this year.



See my post here.

And, how long would be reasnoble? At this stage im hoping we can do a long long weekend up there, then plan for a longer trip.
Like i said, i dont expect exact directions but some places to start researching would be great.

One thing about the High Country is there is just so much to see, Fiona and I have been there for our annual holidays two years in a row and I reckon we've seen less than 5% of what there is to see. One place that should be on your list is Blue Rag Range. It's great.



There are some very good books on the area with lots of suggested trips.

Oh and I can vouch for Omeo Bakery. Yummo. The Bakery was recently listed for sale, it was tempting. I trust the new owners have retained the quality.

Thanks again guys, its been said before, but ill say it again, this forum is so helpful and obliging!

Mate, that's what pradopoint is all about - helping others.

Cheers,

Drew.

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

Sorry to pester again, but im just wondering about the Wonnangatta area. Ive seen a few forums with pictures of the area, the river and flatter areas look awesome! Am i right in thinking this isnt too far from Mansfield? I cant find any decent maps with it on, dont worry i will be looking into proper maps if i make the trip!
Was considerigna trip on melbourne cup weekend but there may still be high waters due to snow im told, so i went and priced a snorkel, $600! Perhaps not this week!
Dont worry, i have a club meeting nect week so i can bother someone else with questions!

[dingo 01 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dingo 01]

You can access Wonnangata valley via Brocks rd from Mansfield or from Licola in the south . There are no rivers to cross getting into the valley unless you go out of your way looking for them . You`ll be fine without a snorkel .

[Damien Parker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Damien Parker]

$600 for a snorkle... :shock: :shock:

Is that fitted with a complementary case of beer...

Keep an eye on eBay. I recently got one off there for $250.

They generally retail for around $420 and installation shouldn't be any more than $160.

Mine gets fitted this week. The transformation has begun. I need to take a few before and after shots.

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

$250???!!!! Great, now i have something else to keep an eye out for on ebay!

This was just at the local ARb place, price straight out of the price list. Sorry, maybe i mislead you, that was fitting too.

Thanks for all the input guys.

[Timmay Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Timmay]

Hi Slug,
Wonnangata valley is an awesome spot but i am unsure of its conditions since the fires as i have not been in yet. We have regualry camped down there. Get in via the Zeka Spur track which can be tough at times, but you wont be bothered with snorkle.
That then leaves you not far from the Calodonia River track which has some outstanding spots on it. You could camp in that valley for a night and then come back out via Butchers Country track which has some magnificant views. (word of warning, some of these tracks can get extremly steep and tough so suggest you go in convoy and take recovery gear)

Calondonia River track crosses the river about 10 times but we have never needed a snorkle on any vehicle, but we do always do that trip in March so not sure how it would be in Nov.
Once again a lot of this area got hit by the fires and the tracks do only open on Cup weekend, but i am aware the DSE and Parks people have been putting a lot of work in on getting all the tracks up to scratch.
Would be extremly keen to hear from you or anyone on the condition of these tracks when people visit them.
We usually do a trip that such as that over three days and while the distance may not seem large, we dont like to rush and ensure we have plenty of time to tell some lies around the fire later on in the afternoon.

Hope this helps, let us know how you go.
Timmay

[bitdist Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bitdist]

Hi Slug,
Wonnangata valley is an awesome spot but i am unsure of its conditions since the fires as i have not been in yet. We have regualry camped down there. Get in via the Zeka Spur track which can be tough at times, but you wont be bothered with snorkle.
That then leaves you not far from the Calodonia River track which has some outstanding spots on it. You could camp in that valley for a night and then come back out via Butchers Country track which has some magnificant views. (word of warning, some of these tracks can get extremly steep and tough so suggest you go in convoy and take recovery gear)

Calondonia River track crosses the river about 10 times but we have never needed a snorkle on any vehicle, but we do always do that trip in March so not sure how it would be in Nov.
Once again a lot of this area got hit by the fires and the tracks do only open on Cup weekend, but i am aware the DSE and Parks people have been putting a lot of work in on getting all the tracks up to scratch.
Would be extremly keen to hear from you or anyone on the condition of these tracks when people visit them.
We usually do a trip that such as that over three days and while the distance may not seem large, we dont like to rush and ensure we have plenty of time to tell some lies around the fire later on in the afternoon.

Hope this helps, let us know how you go.
Timmay

Wonnangatta valley has been burnt out which has helped it, as if has killed the wasps, which made it almost impossible to eat during the day
Most of the rest of the areas you mention have been burnt out too.
I guess you mean the mitchell river track which joins Butchers country(joins the caladonia river down lower) as the caladonia river track is a dead end and while years ago you could get up 14 crossings, it is so overgrown and rought now you could only get up 3 or 4 crossings and I doubt if they will ever clear it too far up, but will no doubt leave it go back to nature

In November I have been over the bonnet in the Mitchel river track, but that is fairly unusual (2 vehicles were washed down the day before we went down it)

[dingo 01 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dingo 01]

Butcher country , caledonia river & Dingo hill are all fantastic & challenging tracks . The rivers can be a bit deep on cup weekend but have been ok the last few years as its been pretty dry . I still have no probs snorkel wise when there deep but I hate having to pull the carpet out to let it dry . As a rule I go late in summer to avoid this . Last time I went up Caledonia river track ( back in 01 ) you could get thru to the Howit rd ok & they were dozing a track across to Butcher country . I`m keen to have a another look at these tracks after the fires . Most of the tracks up there were due to open again on cup weekend but after the floods who knows . I was at Licola 2 weeks ago & the Arbuckle rd was closed at Licola , the top rd too Jameison was closed but you could still take to bottom road . The macallister river has changed a lot after the flood south of Licola . I wonder how much track damage there is north of Licola flood wise .