Adventures Magazine 2 | Page 23

WORDS MICHAEL BORG PICS NATHAN JACOBS High Country, Vic Victoria’s High Country has some of the best camping and 4WD tracks going around. W hen it comes to spectacular scenery, the Victorian High Country would have to be one of the most highly regarded destinations in the country. A 4WD is without a doubt the best way to experience this area, but you’ll need knackers of steel to tackle some of the steeper tracks in the region – they really do range from mild to absolutely insane, and it’s not just the steepness that can bring you undone, it’s the weather. A good rain can turn these tracks into a near vertical slosh pit, and there’s plenty of wrecks lying down the bottom of those big gullies to testify to the need to keep your wits about you. Plus, every now and then the High Country is home to a big blanket of fluffy white snow, which can simply make some of these tracks too dangerous to drive. Check out the Crooked River Track (a little beauty that will have you tackling 24 river crossings in just 7km), the Billy Goat Bluff Track (which takes you scrambling up a seemingly near vertical track to a height of 1200m) and the Blue Rag Range Track (for epic views some 1700m up). If steep tracks aren’t your forte there’s a lot more to see and do. There are freshwater river streams like you’ve never seen before, a climate that can really turn it up a notch and more history and quirky facts than Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Make sure you pack your fishing rod and your camera too – you’re guaranteed to get a few cracking happy snaps! No trip to the High Country is complete without a stopover at the small town of Dargo. Surrounded by towering mountains, it's a great place to base yourself while exploring places like the mystery-riven Wonnangatta. You’ll also find old mountain cattleman's huts all over the High Country, and they’re filled with history from the last few hundred years of cattle musters. One of the most popular is Craigs Hut, once home to Jim Craig in the iconic film The Man from Snowy River. It offers some spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, especially Indian Head. Camp around here and you’ll be greeted with one of the most insane sunrises you’ve ever seen in your life, no bull! FASTFACTS GETTING THERE Dargo is 320km north-east of Melbourne. ACTIVITIES Epic 4WD tracks, clear mountain stream fishing, spectacular photo opportunities. STAY Numerous campgrounds are scattered throughout the High Country, around the old cattleman’s huts and in Dargo. MORE INFORMATION www.victoriashighcountry.com.au ADVENTURES 23