Victorian High Country – January 2015

Sunday 18th January.

Was up fairly early to finish off the last of the packing. We had spent the last three days in Bendigo staying with Jason’s sisters family, to break up the long trip to Victoria. We finished the packing then had breakfast, which was bacon and eggs, before having family photos, then finally heading off to the Victorian High Country by 10.30am.

We arrived in Mansfield at about 1.30pm after driving through Boonie Doon…ahhhhh the serenity!!! We filled up the tank which didn’t take that long as we had filled up after first arriving in Bendigo. Had our sandwiches in the truck while still on the road to make up some time. We decided to take Doherty’s Road to Sheepyard Flat as it was apparently a more scenic route.

The first photo taken of our big trip.
The first photo taken of our big trip.

We stopped not long after travelling along Doherty’s Road to let the air down in both the truck and trailer tyres. While we were doing this, some trail bike riders stopped to make sure we were alright, then saying that trailers don’t often take this road to Sheepyard Flat and we may find it hard going, saying that it would take about 2 hours.

We thought this was exciting.....will we make it?
We thought this was exciting…..will we make it?

It was fairly rough going, but we finally made it after just over an hour of travelling arriving just before 3.30pm. We set up the trailer, then went out to ‘hunt and gather’ some firewood, although a lesson learnt, we should have stopped on the way there, saving fuel and time by having to go back out.

Hunting and gathering firewood for the first time.
Hunting and gathering firewood for the first time.
Sheepyard Flat, our first fire.
Sheepyard Flat, our first fire.

We got the fire going and sat down to sausages, veg and potato for dinner, was fairly late though, the kids going to bed well after 9pm, us not long after that either.

Monday 19th January.

We were up early as we had a full day ahead of us. We had breakfast and a very poor, weak first coffee for the trip. We left just before 9am for Craigs Hut.

We did 30kms along Brocks Road and Bluff Link Road, I drove, which meant the track wasn’t that bad, was in 4WD high the whole time. We then came to a 4 way junction, deciding to take the 16 Mile Jeep Track. I started down the track then came to a stop at what was a rather steep decline, to which I promptly stopped the car to change drivers. This track was, what seemed, literally down the side of the mountain, it was very steep, probably the steepest and longest we have experienced so fair in our 4WD touring…..if only I could see in to the future of what was to come on this trip!!! It went down for about 15-20 mins, the brakes were on the burn by the time we hit the bottom, as Jason mentioned, glad we weren’t going up it with the trailer in tow….oh again to see into the future of this trip!

It finally flattened out and was just normal track, we turned left onto Bindaree Road, still heading for Craigs Hut. We stopped and had a look at Bindaree Hut, also finding camping gold, with two huge pieces of firewood.

The track on the way to Bindaree Hut.
The track on the way to Bindaree Hut.

Headed off, this time to Bindaree Falls. We all walked the short, 400m, path to the falls, which were quite remarkable. There was a small platform you could stand on which was under the falls, Zarah and I standing there, we only got slightly wet, not much at all, it was rather cool though. We walked back to the truck then headed off to Craigs Hut.

Bindaree Hut.
Bindaree Hut.
Such a beautiful day and sight.
Such a beautiful day and sight.
Bindaree Falls.
Bindaree Falls.
Zarah and I only getting slightly wet.
Zarah and I only getting slightly wet.
Bindaree Falls.....from behind the falls.
Bindaree Falls…..from behind the falls.

Set off again, finally coming to another junction, which included Clear Hill Track, Craigs Hut and The Monument Track, which seemed to be straight up and over, it was a fairly overgrown track, that had been used, so was still drivable. Up we went deciding on the Monument Track and using the lockers for an easier trip, there were a few switch backs, but nothing like the previous track, or really, what was yet to come. We finally came to Clear Hills Track, which seemed to be a circuit track, then headed right towards Craigs Hut.

Love the snow gums of the Victorian High Country.
Love the snow gums of the Victorian High Country.
We took the green track!!
We took the green track!!

And WOW, what a sight! Firstly, there was no-one else there, just us and secondly, Craigs Hut is a beautiful, spectacular sight to see, so peaceful and definitely worth the trip. Other people arrived not long after us, we managed to take all of our photos with no-one else in them though. It was a beautiful, yet slightly cool day, so we decided to stop for lunch here, albiet a little earlier than normal, but just a magical spot to stop. Had our normal camping staple lunch of biscuits, ham, tomato and other toppings, had a cup of tea then decided to head off as we still wanted to get to Mt. Buller before heading back to the campsite.

And there it is......
And there it is……
Such an iconic spot.
Such an iconic spot.
Craigs Hut.
Craigs Hut.
The area surrounding Craigs Hut.
The area surrounding Craigs Hut.
Speaks for itself.
Speaks for itself.
Can't help artistic shots.
Can’t help artistic shots.
We were lucky we were the only ones there for a while.
We were lucky we were the only ones there for a while.
A nice pic every now and then.
A nice pic every now and then.
The backyard view.
The backyard view.
Such a beautiful view.
Such a beautiful view.
Another backyard view.
Another backyard view.
I love this photo......
I love this photo……
Another favourite photo of mine.
Another favourite photo of mine.
Snow gums in summer, still stunning.
Snow gums in summer, still stunning.

We made our way back to the main road, however missing a turn off and heading in the wrong direction. We turned around and finally found the track we should have been on, Cornhill Road, which finally joined the main road into Mt. Buller. Arriving into Mt. Buller was rather spectacular, driving through the village, which was rather awesome, even more so in winter, I would assume. Drove to the car park at the far end, then walked up the last bit, quite steep, to the summit.

Mt. Buller, only no snow.
Mt. Buller, only no snow.

There was an amazing view from the top, well worth the walk. We had a chat to the minder of the Fire Watch Tower, then headed back down the hill for the drive back to Sheepyard Flat. The drive back was full of hairpin bends, which, although was a tarred road, still took a while. We took the main route back to Sheepyard Flat, travelling along Hawqua Hills Road, stopping once to ‘hunt and gather’ firewood.

View from the top after our short, steep walk.
View from the top after our short, steep walk.
The view looking directly out from the Fire Hut at the top.
The view looking directly out from the Fire Hut at the top.
Looking back over the village of Mt. Buller.
Looking back over the village of Mt. Buller.
Couldn't help taking this pic.....
Couldn’t help taking this pic…..

Arrive back to camp just on 5pm after a very full and amazing day of sightseeing. Got the fire going and had a chicken stew type thing for dinner in the camp oven over the fire, which although was a little bland, was warming on the insides. Zarah and I played Sequence while dinner was cooking. Zarah and Kye in bed by before 9pm, us not that much longer after and although it was a coolish night, it wasn’t any where near as cold as the night before.

A few games of Sequence before dinner....oh and a few beers too.
A few games of Sequence before dinner….oh and a few beers too.

Tuesday 20th January.

We were all up late, including a record set by Zarah and Kye of after 7am. Jason and I had both heard brumbies pass through the camp during the night, their hooves an unmistakable noise, also hearing the very unmistakable noise of a tree falling somewhere. We weren’t out of bed until a bit after 9am, after our big day the day before. We all had breakfast and surprise, rather a nice coffee. Finally did some washing as it looked like it was going to be a nice day and we were running low on essentials…..

We then all went for a swim in the creek at Sheepyard Flat, which although was cool, was rather refreshing and much needed for all!! Came back to camp and had lunch then headed off for a walk to Frys Hut, deciding it was going to take too long to walk, so Zarah, Kye and I kept walking while Jason went back to get the truck. He came along not long after, Zarah and Kye hopping in, I decided to walk the rest of the way, yet again hearing a tree crack, then seeing it fall…..a loud and I think, scary noise to hear and see.

Local birdlife.
Local birdlife.
More local birdlife.
More local birdlife.
The view looking back up the Howqua River.
The view looking back up the Howqua River.
Was tough paddling up stream.
Was tough paddling up stream.
Looked threatening, there were sounds coming from the clouds, but no rain came.
Looked threatening, there were sounds coming from the clouds, but no rain came.

Arrived at Frys Hut, was quite an incredible place, as it was an original hut that had been lived in from the 1940s to 1971. We all got back in the truck and went searching for a gold mine which we couldn’t find, so went back to the campsite to grab cosies and towels, before heading to Tunnel Bend, where there had been a tunnel hand built under the road to allow for the water to run underneath.

Frys Hut.
Frys Hut.
Impressive chimney at Frys Hut.
Impressive chimney at Frys Hut.
The front door at Frys Hut.
The front door at Frys Hut.
Decided it is hard to take a bad photo here.
Decided it is hard to take a bad photo here.

Zarah and Kye both went swimming, jumping off rocks into the deepest part of the river, before I decided to walk the short 4km back to the campsite, Jason following with the truck and kids not long after I had left. My friend Lisa would have been proud of me, as I ran 3km of it…..and she knows I can’t run!!!

Tunnel Bend, Howqua River.
Tunnel Bend, Howqua River.
Jason in the actual tunnel under the road.
Jason in the actual tunnel under the road.
Hope they checked for sharks.
Hope they checked for sharks.
Lets hope he doesn't want to stop half way.
Lets hope he doesn’t want to stop half way.

We all then settled in back at camp, I went for another quick dip, after my walk and short run, before starting dinner, which tonight was spagetti carbonara……all enjoyed!!! We had a few games of Sequence before both kids were off to bed, us maybe an hour later.

I love warm feet!!!
I love warm feet!!!

Wednesday 21st January.

We were up just after 7.30am, having breakfast and coffees, before starting to pack up the camper trailer, finally leaving at 9.45am with 224kms on the clock.

After talking to some campers with trailers that were also at Sheepyard Flat we decided on taking the same route they took, although only backwards, heading to Talbotville. We went from Sheepyard Flat via Brocks Road to Bluff Link Road, the road then turned onto Bluff Track which was steep and in which I was driving.

Bluff LInk Road, heading towards Talbotville.
Bluff LInk Road, heading towards Talbotville.

We arrived at Bluff Hut at about 11am, adding only 30kms. We were going to hop out and have a look, Jason had already been to the hut and getting a surprise when 3 young guys were inside having overnighted in the hut, having trekked there with their hunting bows in tow as well. The kids and I didn’t go in, I cut up an orange for us all, but crickey the flies, we ate that in the truck!!!

Bluff Hut, where Jason got a surprise to see three guys inside.
Bluff Hut, where Jason got a surprise to see three guys inside.
Had to eat our food in the car, the flies were gross.
Had to eat our food in the car, the flies were gross.
Bluff Link Road, leading to Bluff Hut.
Bluff Link Road, leading to Bluff Hut.

We then took King Billy Track towards Zeka Spur, this track was extremely rough and rocky which necessitated slow speed. Following the map, we had a few creek crossings, then passed huge hills full of rock slides. We kept following this track, which also included 4 or 5 switch backs, which were unexpected…we did make it through though. We saw some amazing views from this track, looking back on to Mt. Buller.

Some of the amazing views from King Billy Track.
Some of the amazing views from King Billy Track.
King Billy Track with a canopy of trees.
King Billy Track with a canopy of trees.
The view from the right of the track....still love the gums....
The view from the right of the track….still love the gums….
On the way to Zeka Spur, doesn't look that bad, but it was very rough.
On the way to Zeka Spur, doesn’t look that bad, but it was very rough.

We finally arrived at the start of Zeka Spur, at 1.20pm and added another 27km. We stopped for lunch at the junction of King Billy Track, Howitt Road and Zeka Spur, which would have been pleasant other than the flies…..which were gross.

Having lunch with the flies at the start of Zeka Spur.
Having lunch with the flies at the start of Zeka Spur.
Just heading down the start of Zeka Spur.
Just heading down the start of Zeka Spur.

We started the descent of Zeka Spur just after 2pm. Was a very long way down, the total trip taking just under 2 hours adding only 20kms on. There were a total of 14 switch backs, one so severe we had to reverse the camper trailer back and forth a number of times before we could get around. Reaching the bottom, we discovered we had lost a stabiliser leg, the other one, only just hanging on too.

Arriving at the bottom of Zeka Spur, noticing for the first time the damage we had done to the trailer stabiliser legs.
Arriving at the bottom of Zeka Spur, noticing for the first time the damage we had done to the trailer stabiliser legs.
Yep gone.
Yep gone.

We finally made it to Wonnangatta Track, following it for quite a while before coming across the original Homestead, at roughly 3.40pm having only done 76km since leaving Sheepyard Flat. We had a look around, at the cemetery and the original homestead which was just stones on the ground. A fair bit of history was had there, death of a mother from child birth and then her twin girls just 12 days later, the husband so upset, he up and left the homestead. There were also double murder mystery that til this day, still haven’t been solved.

Arriving at Wonnangatta Valley finally....after a very long, slow, steep descent.
Arriving at Wonnangatta Valley finally….after a very long, slow, steep descent.
Looking back up the valley from the Old Homestead.
Looking back up the valley from the Old Homestead.
The Old Homestead ruins.
The Old Homestead ruins.

We were reading the large map when a fellow 4WDriver, Matt, came past asking us if we were alright and where we were heading. We discussed pushing on towards Talbotville, he said it would be tough but do-able. We went over what he thought would be the best route to take, going up Wombat Range Track, along Cynthia Range, then straight into Talbotville.

Off we went leaving at 4.30pm, with 308km on the clock. We had 3 or 4 river crossings, which were nothing major. We found Wombat Range Track and up we went…..and up….and up…..With diffs on and in low 4WD we struggled up this very, very steep hill, until we couldn’t struggle anymore. We stopped. We discussed. We thought. We didn’t panic. We then decided, as it was going to start to get dark and cold, we would somehow head back down Wombat Track. Jason reversed the camper trailer into the mountain (facing up hill, so it wouldn’t roll down the mountain), we unhitched the trailer, then slowly reversed the truck around, now facing down the mountain. We then very slowly, with not much panic, turned the camper trailer so it was facing down the mountain, enough so we could re-hitch it to the truck.

At one point, as both Zarah and Kye were fixated on their TV screens, Kye did look out the window, see the camper trailer in the side of the mountain (to stop it rolling down the mountain) and yelled out to Zarah, ‘they have crashed the camper trailer’….then without anything else, back to the TV screens…..

It took us an hour and a half to re-hitch the trailer to the truck and head back down the mountain, it wasn’t at all fun and was rather stressful…..sorry no photos of this, had other things on my mind!!!

We finally headed back down the mountain towards Wonnangatta to spend the night there. We passed Matt at his camp and he was very surprised to see us back and as it turns out, he is part of the group called The Friends of Wonnangatta who regularly camp there to restore the ruins, and look after the area in general. He said that he would show us some sights the next day and personally escort us up the mountain. We found a campsite, near the river and set the tent of the trailer up only, then getting a fire going, which took a while as it had rained and everything was wet, had toasted sandwiches for dinner. Although it wasn’t terribly cold, the fire was nice, Zarah and Kye in bed by 9.30pm, we didn’t get there until 11.30pm after a long and quite stressful afternoon.

The unexpected camping spot for the evening.
The unexpected camping spot for the evening.
The damage caused by the erosion mounds coming down Zeka Spur.
The damage caused by the erosion mounds coming down Zeka Spur.
Our poor jockey wheel didn't survive either.
Our poor jockey wheel didn’t survive either.

Thursday 22nd January.

Didn’t rush to get up after our long day the day before, finally rising at about 9am, to what was a foggy morning which made the valley very pretty. Started coffees and breakfast, the flies were horrendous. Zarah and Kye went for a swim in the river while we started to pack up.

Didn't even unhook the trailer....
Didn’t even unhook the trailer….
Wonnangatta Valley.
Wonnangatta Valley.
The River by our campsite.
The River by our campsite.
The valley after the fog started to clear up.
The valley after the fog started to clear up.

Matt arrived not long after to see how we got on during the night and said when we finished packing up to go and find him at the old sawmill and he would show us around the area, then take us up Hart Spur Track to make sure we got out.

We finished packing and had a quick swim ourselves as it was getting warm at this point, then headed off to the old sawmill to find Matt there with two other friends. We then stopped at the Old Homestead again and had a look, where he discussed with us the history he knew of the place. We then went on and he showed us an old swing bridge which to this day is still used by deer hunters. Kye and I didn’t cross, as Kye was too little to hang on, Jason and Zarah made their way across though.

The swing bridge across the river that deer hunters use to this day.
The swing bridge across the river that deer hunters use to this day.
Not sure if it's a weed, but couldn't help a photo of scottish thistle.
Not sure if it’s a weed, but couldn’t help a photo of scottish thistle.
Looks a bit rocky.
Looks a bit rocky.
The green valley on the track towards Hart Spur Track.
The green valley on the track towards Hart Spur Track.

We then headed off to Hart Spur Track at roughly 12.15pm (341km on the clock), for what Mat said was going to be a very long steep climb out. He lead and off we went, and he wasn’t wrong, it seemed very long and very steep. We were in low 4WD with the diffs on to aid us and surprise we made it to the top, WRONG…..it was only less than half way up. The motor on the truck was warming up as it was working very hard, we had a long way to go still. We both found comfort knowing that Matt and his friends were there if we needed them, which we might well have done.

And up we go.....following Matt and his friends.
And up we go…..following Matt and his friends.

We had to stop at one point, really struggling to get anywhere, but after a short break we managed to get going and start climbing again, this part was rather steep. We got over that hurdle, thinking again that we were at the top, but then Matt radioed through that we had one more steep section then we were at the top.

We seriously struggled up that last section, finally making it to the top, but not so much the truck, it had over heated something chronic, with coolant boiling out of the engine. And as luck would have it, Matt was also an ex diesel mechanic, so up with the bonnet. We waited at the top for the truck to cool down for well over an hour, they waited with us to make sure everything was all good before we headed off. We were very grateful indeed for their hospitality in taking time out of their day to show us some sights, which we wouldn’t have seen, and to also assist us up the mountain then wait while the truck cooled down and we were fine to continue our journey.

We soon realised we hadn’t read enough on Wonnangatta and were disappointed we had to leave the area, next time we will be staying a few extra days to really look around and enjoy it.

We headed off towards Talbotville, at roughly 2.30pm (356km on the clock), following Tea Tree Range Track. This track took us along the very top of the mountain we had just climbed, giving you a spectacular view across other mountains, so much so, you could see other tracks going up and down the side of the mountains, as they would have been able to see our track too.

Along the top of Tea Tree Range Track.
Along the top of Tea Tree Range Track.

As we had gone up the side of the mountain, guess what, one has to go down too…..and down we went, a very steep descent that actually frightened the crap out of me, the kids oblivious to it all in the back, just happy to watch their DVD’s.

Up we went....but down we had to go....the start of the long steep descent onto Racecourse Track.
Up we went….but down we had to go….the start of the long steep descent onto Racecourse Track.

We actually had to stop at one point as Jason said the brakes were feeling a bit sluggish, he faced the truck in towards the mountain, then we got out for a bit….and yep, the brakes were smoking, really smoking. It was also a 30 deg day, which I don’t think helped the situation either. We waited for about half an hour then headed off again…still going down, with diffs on and in low 4WD. It wasn’t long though before we came to another hurdle, this being in the shape of a large tree that had fallen across the track. We stopped, which was good, letting the brakes cool again for a bit, while Jason, the lumberjack, removed the tree.

Not sure why Jason is smiling, the brakes were smoking here....can't really tell how steep it actually is.
Not sure why Jason is smiling, the brakes were smoking here….can’t really tell how steep it actually is.
Before......
Before……
During......lucky for the chainsaw!
During……lucky for the chainsaw!
After....and off we go again.
After….and off we go again.

We finally reached the bottom, which then turned into Racecourse Track, after a very long, very steep descent. I have come to the conclusion that although going up is harder on the truck, I much prefer it than going down!!!

We journeyed along the river, crossing it numerous times, also driving through farms, all very different terrain and country side to what we had previously travelled through. We only saw one other truck on the track, both stopping for a short chat to see where each of us were travelling too. We decided to continue on a bit further past Talbotville and ended up at Black Snake Creek camping spot, arriving about 5.45pm, having only done 60km. Just goes to show, how slow you have to travel up and down these mountains for such a short distance.

That's me driving....a bit fast Jason said! Got across in one piece though!
That’s me driving….a bit fast Jason said! Got across in one piece though!

We set the trailer up, with the new stabiliser legs, and with the annex as we were going to stay here for 3 nights, changing our plans ever so slightly. We had spagetti for dinner, Jason cooking. The kids went to bed a fair bit earlier than normal, we stayed up a bit longer before retiring after yet again another long, stressful day of driving.

Our new home for the next three nights. Black Snake Creek.
Our new home for the next three nights. Black Snake Creek.
Our new stabiliser legs.
Our new stabiliser legs.

Friday 23rd January.

Didn’t sleep at all well, was awake well before 7am and decided to have a slow day after the last two we had had. Had breakfast and coffees then just pottered for a bit, was a beautiful day, although slightly windy. We had lunch before all heading to the river for a swim, which turned out to be more of a paddle as the water wasn’t terribly deep. We had showers, then headed off to Dargo.

We arrived and drove through the town before stopping at the Dargo Inn for a beer, before heading back into town, visiting the supermarket for some cereal and a bit of fruit, which were mainly plums. We were told the owner of the supermarket owned an orchid and had too many plums, so they just gave them away….unheard of to us city folk not to pay for fruit. We then headed across the road to the Dargo Hotel for that all important 4WD photo in front of the pub and lucky us, there wasn’t another truck, car in the parking lot……so just our truck! Brought some merchandise which will be well used.

Some of the locals visiting the campsite.
Some of the locals visiting the campsite.
Looking back over Black Snack Creek on the way to Dargo.
Looking back over Black Snack Creek on the way to Dargo.
That Iconic 4WD pic that everyone has to have!!!!
That Iconic 4WD pic that everyone has to have!!!!

We stayed and had a beer sitting out the front then, headed inside for dinner, which was very nice. We then had another beer outside the pub chatting to some locals about which was the best route to take us to Tom Groggin before heading back to the campsite.

Well deserved beer.
Well deserved beer.
One of the highlights of the trip.
One of the highlights of the trip.
Just before dinner, which was most enjoyable.
Just before dinner, which was most enjoyable.

Wasn’t a very cold evening and because it was late, we didn’t have a fire, the kids going to bed not long after we arrived back. It wasn’t long before we were in bed either, after a very enjoyable, lazy day, which was well deserved.

Saturday 24th January.

Was up early as we were going on a sight seeing trip in to Talbotville and surrounding area. We had breakfast and coffees then headed off for the day, lunch in tow.

We arrived in Talbotville and were quite glad we didn’t actually decide to stay there as it just seemed to be a massive field, with a few pit toilets around the area, we had a quick look around then headed on to Bulltown, which to get there, we had to cross the Crooked River a total of 24 times, some hairy crossings, some not so hairy. We didn’t actually find Bulltown itself, ruins or anything, so continued on, this time towards the Grant Historic Township. It was another great steep low range drive up Bulltown spur to get to Grant, we passed a few motorbikes heading down the spur and they were flying, there were a lot of erosion mounds so they were getting big air, it was amazing to see.

Crooked River....an aerial view would be incredible.
Crooked River….an aerial view would be incredible.
And that's about all there is at Talbotville!
And that’s about all there is at Talbotville!
The first of the 24 river crossings, we didn't take a pic of the last one.
The first of the 24 river crossings, we didn’t take a pic of the last one.
Bulltown Spur.
Bulltown Spur.
A stop here after going up for a fair bit.
A stop here after going up for a fair bit.
You can see the tracks across the valley, to the left of the photo....going up the side of the mountain....Looks steep!!!
You can see the tracks across the valley, to the left of the photo….going up the side of the mountain….Looks steep!!!
A guy here came past on his trail bike, quite fast, with a jump as well....Jason was in awe.
A guy here came past on his trail bike, quite fast, with a jump as well….Jason was in awe.

We arrived and had a look around, there were a few plaques and old photos around the area to state what and where parts of the town were. There wasn’t much else there to see. We had lunch there and yet again, we were the only ones, was turning out to be a beautiful day. After lunch we went in search of the Grant Cemetary, which we found and had a walk and look around, there were a few headstones with not much else to see.

Grant Historic Township. Lunch stop and surprisingly not many flies.
Grant Historic Township. Lunch stop and surprisingly not many flies.
We stopped for a quick look around.
We stopped for a quick look around.
One of the only remaining headstones.
One of the only remaining headstones.

Was getting warm, so we decided to head back to Black Snake Creek where we all had a paddle in the shallow creek, before having a well earned beer, with a few games of Sequence to wittle way the afternoon. We were having roast lamb for dinner so we got a good fire going to get some good coals to cook the lamb over. After 2 hours, the lamb and veg were ready and it was cooked beautifully…..very nice indeed.

The weather looked threatening, but it didn't eventuate to anything.
The weather looked threatening, but it didn’t eventuate to anything.
Black Snake Creek.
Black Snake Creek.
How good does that look? Cooked over the campfire! I was impressed.
How good does that look? Cooked over the campfire! I was impressed.

Was still a lovely evening, the kids went to bed after having marshmallows, with us staying up enjoying the evening, while counting shooting stars and satellites.

Sunday 25th January.

Had the alarm set so we could get up and get going early as we had a fairly big day in the truck ahead of us, but it was still too dark, so we stayed in bed another half an hour. We finally got up, had breakfast and coffees, then started, what was hopefully going to be a fairly quick pack down…..which it was, as we were on the road by 8.45am. (Quick for us anyhow, sometimes it takes us well over an hour!!!)

We headed off towards Tom Groggin, which was part of our two day trip home, after stopping at Dargo for 30 litres of fuel. We followed the Dargo High Plains Road all the way through to The Blue Rag Range Track. We drove up the track for over two kms before deciding that it would be better and quicker if we unhitched the trailer, this we did, chaining it to a tree just off to the side of the track.

And up we go again....this time Blue Rag Range Track, without the trailer!
And up we go again….this time Blue Rag Range Track, without the trailer!
The view from the top, looking back across the range and track leading up.
The view from the top, looking back across the range and track leading up.

The track is iconic, but after some of the tracks we had previously done, we didn’t think it was overly difficult. It had one or two steep sections, that without the trailer attached, the truck did without any issues. We were lucky it was before 10am as we didn’t encounter many other trucks on the track at all, only getting caught behind two other trucks near the top.

The Trig Point.
The Trig Point.
Looking back towards the track.
Looking back towards the track.
Another Iconic 4WD pic....
Another Iconic 4WD pic….

Was a spectactular sight from the top, 360deg view of where we had come from and we were headed, including looking over towards Mt. Hotham. There were only a few trucks at the top and it was very cold, we stayed for a while, taking photo after photo, and having a family pic ourselves.

Only part of the view.
Only part of the view.
Summer and snow gums.
Summer and snow gums.
Doesn't look it, but it was very, very cold.
Doesn’t look it, but it was very, very cold.
One of my favourite photos, looking back to the top of the track, this was on our descent.
One of my favourite photos, looking back to the top of the track, this was on our descent.
Had to wait at this intersection for a bit, as there was a long line of trucks making there way up the track to the left of the tuck.
Had to wait at this intersection for a bit, as there was a long line of trucks making there way up the track to the left of the tuck.

We finally decided to head back, but looking down towards the track from the top, you could see a rather long procession of vehicles making the slow climb towards us. We set off, having to stop on more than one occassion for other trucks in convoy to pass, finally reaching the trailer and rehitching to continue our trip home. It was funny actually making the last 2kms with the trailer hitched, as the looks we received from trucks making their way up were looks of astonishment, as we think they thought we did the whole track with the trailer attached!!!!

Our next stop was Omeo, via Mt. Hotham, which was a very long, steep and windy road to the summit, with very tall snow deepth safety poles along the side of the road. We drove through the large underpass into Mt. Hotham, which was a very pretty village and yet again a stunning place to visit during winter.

Driving into Mt. Hotham.
Driving into Mt. Hotham.

We headed down the other side after making our way through Mt. Hotham towards Omeo, which turned out to be a very pretty, clean town, with beautiful flowers alining the roads and lovely old buildings. We filled up with fuel then had a pie and coffee at the local bakery, also getting some advice on the best route to take to Tom Groggin, although she also suggested we have a chat to the owner of the local store at Benambra as well.

Looking over into Omeo, with Mt. Kosciuszko in the background.
Looking over into Omeo, with Mt. Kosciuszko in the background.

We arrived at Benambra and had a chat like she suggested and he actually told us to take a different route, as he thought one of the roads we thinking of taking may have been shut due to track work. We were off again, via the Tom Groggin Track. As we have said to each other, it is nice when you are on a track and you come across a truck coming the other way, makes you feel a wee bit relieved, well it does for us anyhow. We discussed the conditions of the track they had just come down and they said it was do-able, with one or two tight switch backs we would have to negotiate.

It was a very pretty track, as it was like driving through forests, passing lazy cows, refusing to get off the track as well. It was a fairly steep descent, although not just straight down, but down a bit, then traverse a bit, then down again, traverse again. We came across three trucks coming up at one point, right on one of the switch backs, which was quite tight, they had to pull right off, as out large truck and trailer tried to get around, we managed then everyone was on their way.

Yet again, we decided to take the high road.
Yet again, we decided to take the high road.
Stopping for a break, lunch and view.
Stopping for a break, lunch and view.
Just some locals on the track.
Just some locals on the track.

We got lost finding Tom Groggin campsite, ending up at Dogmans Hut, after missing a turn to cross the Murray River. We finally got there though, after a large crossing of the Murray. Was interesting as we had seen only two kangaroos the whole time we were in Victoria, only rabbits, but as soon as we were back onto New South Wales territory, there were kangaroos everywhere.

Kangaroos....incredible we only saw two in Victoria.
Kangaroos….incredible we only saw two in Victoria.
Such a pretty place, Tom Groggin.
Such a pretty place, Tom Groggin.
Hunting and gathering firewood for the last fire of our trip, was warm here, but got very cold when the sun went down.
Hunting and gathering firewood for the last fire of our trip, was warm here, but got very cold when the sun went down.

We drove around, finally deciding on a camping spot on the high plain of Tom Groggin. We set up the trailer, without the annex, as we were only staying the one night, it was a beautiful afternoon, albiet a little cool, so we all headed down to the Murray where we all had a quick dip, mainly to rid ourselves of some of the dust which covers one body…..

Didn't look busy, but there were a lot of other campers around and kangaroos.
Didn’t look busy, but there were a lot of other campers around and kangaroos.
Our site for the night.
Our site for the night.
Quick, cool dip in the Murray.
Quick, cool dip in the Murray.

We headed back to the campsite, where we got the fire going for dinner and as the sun was setting the temperature was slowing dropping, so it was getting rather cool. We were having steaks for dinner with veg, so we got those going. They were beautifully cooked, I have decided that I love steak cooked over a campfire, whether it be the conditions, the scenery, the company, the fire, they just taste better then the steak cooked on your BBQ in the backyard.

And down goes the sun...our last sunset of the trip.
And down goes the sun…our last sunset of the trip.
By now it was getting cold...the fire was well needed.
By now it was getting cold…the fire was well needed.

Zarah and Kye had some marshmallows for dessert, then headed off to bed, we stayed up for a little longer around the fire, it was getting rather cool, actually one of the only two really cold nights we did have throughout the trip, and windy, so it wasn’t long before we went to bed ourselves, putting the fire out completely because of the wind that had picked up.

Australia Day.

We were up around 7am, to have breakfast and have coffees before packing the trailer up for the last time on this trip. Was a beautiful morning, although there had been a bit of dew over night, so the canvas was damp. We got everything organised and tried to pack everything as neatly as we could, knowing that the large task was when we arrived home, for the great unpack and great wash to begin……not looking forward to that part!!!!!

Our last sunrise of the trip.
Our last sunrise of the trip.
A beautiful day, not looking forward to going home though.
A beautiful day, not looking forward to going home though.
Needs a big wash!
Needs a big wash!
All ready for the trip home.
All ready for the trip home.
Slightly damaged, but it handled beautifully the whole trip, now the clean up begins.....not just trailer and truck either....clothes and bodies too!!!
Slightly damaged, but it handled beautifully the whole trip, now the clean up begins…..not just trailer and truck either….clothes and bodies too!!!

Was on the road by roughly 9.30am and there were kangaroos everywhere, was sad to say goodbye to what was such a great trip. We were heading home via Jindabyne, passing Thredbo as well….we travelled through three ski resorts in two states…..

We re-fuelled at Jindabyne, then travelled through Canberra, stopping at Masters to search for a new jockey wheel, but found nothing. We then continued on our way home, with the weather slowly deteriorating the closer we came to Sydney. We stopped in to Belrose Bunnings, to hopefully find a jockey wheel there, but they didn’t have one either, just small trolleys we thought we might be able to use to manoeuvre the trailer in our garage at home.

We finally arrived home about 6.30pm, with the fun (NOT) about to begin………

This was our first major 4WDriving trip where we headed into terrain that was as tough as it gets. We hadn’t experienced any high mountain ascents, descents and the steepness that comes with them, and to top it it off towing a trailer as well!

It really paid to have good maps and a proper itinerary and to chat to fellow campers and locals to get some detailed information on where we were headed whenever we had to opportunity too.

While writing this post we have realised we didn’t document the kilometers and times it took to travel from A to B, this is something we will concentrate on recording for future trips.

Finally the High country is all what you read about, spectacular and full of history. We have already drawn up another itinerary as we will definitely be back sooner rather than later.

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