Caravan & Bush Camping Park
Venture into the High Country
Licola
This hidden gem of a town is located about 50 kilometres form Wallaby Rise, straight up the Licola Rd. Head out for a drive and stop in at the Licola shop, buy some lunch or an icecream, and spend some time at the river. Or if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, head up the Tamboritha Rd into the Alpine National Park. There's also petrol and a bottleshop available at the Licola shop.
High Country Huts
High Country huts are historical huts - some dating back to the 1860s - and remain as a testament to the pioneers who lived, explored and worked on this land. While a few huts were used as homes for workers, others were built to shelter cattlemen, and more recently, skiers and hikers. There are huts all throughout the Alpine National Park. The huts located within an easy day trip from Wallaby Rise are Guys Hut and Howitt Hut. Both can be accessed by heading past Licola, on the Tamboritha Rd, then turning left at Arbuckle Junction, on to Howitt Rd, which takes you to Bryce's Gorge Car Park (where Guys Hut is located). Or continue on all the way up to Howitt Hut. It's about a 2.5 hour drive (125kms) all the way to Howitt Hut. Other huts worthy of a mention in our area (and all within a day drive) include Gantner's Hut and the famous loo with a view! Gantner's Hut can also be accessed via Howitt Rd and then a walking track of about five kilometres from the Howitt Plains Carpark). Moroka Hut can be accessed via Moroka Range Track. Take a picnic lunch and go for a drive to explore these fantastic huts, along with some scenic stops along the way such as Bennison's Lookout. You won't be disappointed! For more info you can check out: www.hutsvictoria.org.au
Waterfalls
Bryce's Gorge can be accessed via the Tamboritha and Howitt Rds, from the Bryce's Gorge Carpark - just like Guy's Hut. Bryce's Gorge in the Alpine National Park includes Victoria's most impressive ravine and the stunning Pieman and Conglomerate waterfalls. Walks begin from Bryce's Gorge carpark and are around eight kilometres return (2 hours 30 minutes) depending on what you choose. It is a level 3 track suitable for most ages and fitness levels, however tracks may have short, steep sections, rough surface and steps. Walks are signposted and you can go directly to Conglomerate falls, or do the whole Bryce's Gorge circuit walk, with Pieman falls also nearby. Both Pieman and Conglomerate falls plunge into Bryce's Gorge and are stunning natural wonders set in our magnificent Australian bush. Bryce's Gorge Carpark has pit toilets and fire pits available, but remember to take note of current fire restrictions and rules before using them.
Pinnacles Lookout
It's a full day trip to the Pinnacles Walk & Lookout, but the view is well worth it. Take a picnic, climb up to the fire lookout tower and view our stunning region from above for as far as the eye can see! You can either go via Licola, on the Tamboritha and Moroka roads (approx 2 hours 48 minutes or 136 kms), or via Briagolong on the Briag/Stockdale and Bairnsdale/Dargo roads (approx 2 hours 42 minutes or 127kms). Located on Pinnacles Rd, Miowera
Huggetts Crossing for 4WDs
A fantastic and very popular 4WD touring route, graded easy to medium. It has river crossings and beautiful swimming holes, picnic grounds to stop and have lunch and scenic lookouts along the way. Points of interest on the way include Nicholson Rocks, Green Hill Lookout and Huggetts Lookout. Located on Kentucky Rd, Monomak, the crossing is about 45 minutes (or 30.4 kms) from Wallaby Rise. For more info check out:
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Morning Star Water Wheel
This is a 4WD trip and then a walk in. The Morning Star Water Wheel and Crinoline Boiler - located on Donnelly's Creek - are fascinating relics from mining years gone by. The Morning Star water wheel is a remnant of an ore crushing battery which was installed between 1904 and 1910, and was one of a number of mills put in to serve mines working along Morning Star Creek.
This impressive 6m x 1.8m waterwheel built by Thompson & Co. Castlemaine is the only recorded one of its type surviving in Victoria, and the Cornish boiler and stamper ruins at the Crinoline mine site are also worth viewing. Please note this is a 4WD and walk-in trip of some difficulty and should be researched and planned before going.
For more info check out:
www.ffm.vic.gov.au/Aberfeldy-Backroads-Tour-Guide.pdf
www.ffm.vic.gov.au/Aberfeldy-Backroads-Tour-Map.pdf
www.club4x4.com.au/history-4wding-and-camping-at-donnellys-creek
Walhalla
Walhalla was founded as a goldmining community in late 1862. An easy 2WD trip to a beautiful township to explore with many attractions such as the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, Old Walhalla Post Office Museum, Walhalla Ghost Tour and more. Head straight through Cowwarr and up onto the Cowwarr-Walhalla Rd, then turn right onto Tyers-Walhalla Rd. It's about 1 hour 15 minutes (60kms) from Wallaby Rise. For more info check out: www.visitwalhalla.com.au
When venturing into the high country, it's important to always note where you're going, what equipment you'll need, if you need a 4wd and what the weather will be like. Seasonal road closures can be in place and extreme weather changes can happen at any time of year. It's best to check in with Parks Victoria in Heyfield for the most up-to-date information before you go. You can also keep updated on road closures and seasonal access at www.parks.vic.gov.au
