Welcome to the ultimate off-road adventure: the Victoria High Country (or Vic High Country) nestled within the Australian Alps. A dream destination for 4×4 enthusiasts, this region calls for those who seek a deep connection with nature amidst the refreshing embrace of alpine weather. Prepare to be captivated by serene landscapes, charming country towns, cascading mountain rivers, and breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Join us on a journey that promises to be a curation of rugged beauty and tranquil exploration.
When is the best time to visit the Vic High Country?
Spring and Summer: September to February. If visiting for the snow season, visit in Winter: July to August.
Victoria High Country: The Australian Alps
Welcome to the Victoria High Country (Vic High Country), a part of the Australian Alps that makes up the southern section of the Great Dividing Range. This region is the central area of Alpine country in Australia that receives snow. The region comprises Australia’s highest peaks, including Mount Kosciuszko, and a list of National Parks protects this small and unique section of Australia. In spring, the region comes to life with the colours of wildflowers among the beautiful Snow Gums that are unique to the Australian Alps.
Experience Summer Walking Trails to Mount Kosciuszko in the Australian Alps…
Safety When Visiting Vic High Country
On this off-road journey, we explore some out-of-the-way places. The Vic High Country can be a remote area to visit, while the weather in Alpine regions can be unpredictable. Further, before taking off-road tracks, experience with off road driving on steep descents and ascents is preferable. The wrong tyre placement or your 4×4 in the wrong gear can end up in an unfavourable position. Ensuring these safety precautions before venturing into the Vic High Country is important.
- UHF Radio / Satellite phone / Satellite messaging devise / EPIRB
- Regularly check the weather conditions and fire warnings.
- Check seasonal track closures here.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical order with spare tyres and spare parts.
- Snow chains if snow is forecast or for Winter.
- Recovery gear: MaxTrax, Winch, Snatch Strap.
- Tyre deflator and air compressor.
- Vic High Country Hema Map: This map shows track difficulty.
- An offline navigation app. With multiple tracks, it could be easy to get lost, ensure you have an offline navigation app.
- First aid kit.
- Appropriate food and water.
- Appropriate warm clothing and footwear.
- Do not cross rivers that you cannot walk across.
- Firewood.
Explore the Vic High Country: An Off-Road 4×4 and Camping Adventure
On this journey through the Australian Alps, we wind our way from Jindabyne and Mount Kosciusko National Park in NSW to the southern section of Alpine National Park in Victoria. This region has much to explore; this journey is only a sneak peek of what the Vic High Country offers. The camps listed are in an excellent location for a base camp allowing access to explore parts of the Vic High Country and the Australian Alps.
TRAVEL TIP: This trip suits 4×4 vehicles, camper trailers, and Hybrid Caravans during summer. There are no facilities at the campgrounds, so being self-sufficient is imperative.
1 – Island Bend Campground, Kosciusko National Park
On this adventure, Island Bend Campground is the ideal place to camp in the Alps. Several reasonably secluded campsites offer rewarding camping, bordered by the picture-perfect Snowy River. Purchase your National Parks pass from Jindabyne Visitor Centre.
Points of interest: Day trip to Thredbo. In summer, you can take the chairlift to the Kosciusko summit walk. The Kosciusko peak is 2,228 meters in elevation and is reached on foot during summer on a well-formed track – 14 km return. The summit can also be reached via Charlotte’s Pass, accessed from Kosciuszko Road. During Winter, skiing is appropriate! Warm up with a wholesome meal or drink at “The Local Pub” in Thredbo or Mexican food at Bebita in Jindabyne.
2 – Tom Groggin Horse Camp, Kosciusko National Park
Next, camp alongside the upper Murray River – a lovely place to relax or explore.
Points of interest: An excellent spot for animal spotting: emu, brumbies, kangaroos, or try fishing for Trout. Explore the nearby 4×4 tracks from Tom Groggin, including access to Alpine National Park by crossing the Murray River. Visit Khancoban township and Khancoban Pondage for a lunch stop on the route to the next destination.
3 – Dart River Recreation Site
Settle into a lovely secluded spot by Dart River. We discovered this place by taking the ‘road less travelled’ via Benambra Corryong Road towards Omeo VIC.
Points of interest: From Dart River, there are great 4WD tracks through the steep country; explore the mining history of Glendart and the remaining relics. Visit Lake Dartmouth for lakeside tranquillity. On route, stop in Omeo township to top up supplies or perhaps a pub lunch at Hilltop Hotel.
4 – Ollies Jumpup
Pull into camp by the pristine Dargo River…
Points of interest: Follow the Dargo River valley via an easy 4WD track to Harrison’s Cut Day use area or there are plenty of other trails to explore. Note: The easy 4WD tracks still require an experienced off-road driver. Be sure to visit the Dargo Store, purchase local walnuts and other souvenirs or supplies, or enjoy a meal at the Dargo Hotel.
5 – Wonnangatta Camping Ground
From Dargo, follow the Wonnangatta River on Crooked River Road. Reach the Wonnangatta Camping Ground perched by the Wonnangatta River. Spot platypus and Kangaroos while relaxing in camp and picking your 4×4 trail…
Points of interest: Billy Goat Bluff track (Experienced off-road drivers) to Pinnacles Lookout. A stunning viewpoint from a fire watch house that makes you feel like you’re ‘on top of the world!’ Next, visit the old town site of Talbotville via multiple creek crossings of the Crooked River on the Crooked River Track. The area has many 4×4 tracks, huts and hiking trails to explore.
Explore the Gems of the Vic High Country in Alpine National Park from Manna Gum Campsite 7
6 – Manna Gum Campsite 7, Alpine National Park
Lastly, Alpine National Park. Manna Gum Campsite is a small riverside campground by the Wellington River via Tamboritha Road.
Points of Interest: From camp, continue up the range and experience the southern section of the High Country. Enjoy vistas from Bennison Lookout. Explore on foot via the walking trail to Bryces Gorge, view waterfalls and stunning gorge views from the cliff edge. Kelly Hut track: Visit the historic huts along this track; it’s a must-do. En route, visit Maffra and try the Maffra local cheese!
From Manna Gum Campsite, continue to the southern coast, Philip Island, Wilsons Promontory National Park, or Melbourne.
In conclusion, this guide to Vic High Country offers an invitation to explore this unique part of Australia. With its rugged charm and serene beauty, this region captivates the hearts of 4×4 enthusiasts and nature lovers. Remember to stay safe in the remote areas of Victoria High Country, and this journey promises an unforgettable experience.
Please remember to keep these places beautiful and accessible by taking your rubbish with you and ‘leaving no trace’.
