VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY
WE ARE spoilt with the expansive area available to explore in the Victorian High Country, and there are a plethora of camping spots where you can enjoy pure isolation. Some areas have been affected by the recent devastating bushfires, and while many communities are crying out for visitors and emptyesky.com.au is all the rage, please don’t buy all the toilet paper, hand sanitiser, rice or pasta.
The Wonnangatta Valley is a superb place to ride out the pandemic and there is plenty to explore while you’re there, especially the 4WD tracks. Tackle the challenging Zeka Spur Track that leads you up to Howitt Hut, or the Wombat Range Track, one of the steepest climbs in the High Country. If you’re towing an off-road camper trailer, the Abbeyard/lake Buffalo option is the easiest way in.
There’s a fair bit of history in the Valley itself, including a murder mystery that has never been solved. The old Wonnangatta Station site explains the story of James Barclay and John Bamford, and here you’ll also find the old cemetery and old homestead ruins. With plenty of distance between the riverside campsites, you’ll certainly be safe from contamination.
The township of Omeo is a great jump-off point to find a special campsite. Whilst the free camping behind the Hilltop Hotel is tempting, I reckon Davies Plain Hut would be a safer option. Limestone Track is not to be taken lightly and a better option is the Buckwong Track. Keep a sharp eye out for wild brumbies, and the hut has some resident gang-gang cockatoos that are extremely photogenic; with the nearby creek offering crystal-clear High Country water. Take out what you bring in and ensure your fire is out before you leave.
Another great spot to refresh is in the Dargo district, where you can grab some fantastic grub and top up your beverage supply at the Dargo Hotel. There are plenty of sites along the Dargo River to choose from, or you could head out to Talbotville and set up beside the Crooked River.
There is plenty of history to discover, especially from the early gold mining days; and the old Grant townsite has a great walking trail that highlights the challenges these people endured. Another great day trip is via the Dargo High Plains Road up to Blue Rag Track, one of the High Country’s most iconic 4WD tracks, where you can enjoy the most superb views across the ranges.