Dargo first timers xmas '09...advice?

[MSkinner]

Myself and my crew (4 vehicles, 15 people, 2 dirtbikes, 2 dogs) are planning a trip to Dargo over the '09 Christmas break until New Years day. None of us have been there before so we're looking for some advice on where to stay, what tracks to hit up, etc. With such a big group (including 2 dogs) we'd be looking for something fairly open, hopefully close to swimmable/fishable water.

I've been told about a few tracks that are must-do's, including Bulltown Spur tk, Zeka Spur tk, Crooked River rd/tk, Haunted Stream tk, Billy Goat Bluff tk, and Blue Rag tk.

Can anyone suggest any camping spots that would put us close to the trailhead for these tracks that would also be near water for swimming/fishing that would accommodate a group of our size? What are our chances of finding vacant sites around this time of year near Dargo?

Any response greatly appreciated.

[Sleepy]

Zeka is over the western side of Wonangatta valley - a lovely spot with lots of room.

Mayford is a great spot - you track north from dargo and turn to the east off the dargo road. Plenty of camping areas.

I would be thinking.

Dargo - stay at the caravan park nice open area and lovely river.
Refuel and head north.
See Mayford. - perhaps an overnight.
Next day - Blue Rag - only takes an hour or so + sight seeing.
Then head east on the Twins Jeep track - a very narrow:eek:,spectactular drive taking you back to Wonangatta Valley, Night or two there with exploring.

Track out of wonangatta on the Zeka Trk turn right then left onto Caledonia River Valley road - absolutley beautiful valley. - Few more nights in there.

Link track east then south towards Licola - plenty of great spots along the Macalister. Skenes..... Jameson ..........ummmmm how much time you got?:)

Orrrrrrrrrrrr

From Wonanagatta head south and do the Billy GOat and then do the Caledonia South to North.

Lotttts of options.

Check the rules on Dogs as I think much of that is national park. :(

[MSkinner]

We're planning on setting up camp and leaving it there for the duration of our trip. We'll leave from there and return after each day's outings. Are there any campsites in Crooked River? Looks like a nice place to set up.

[rovercare]

We're planning on setting up camp and leaving it there for the duration of our trip. We'll leave from there and return after each day's outings. Are there any campsites in Crooked River? Looks like a nice place to set up.

Talbotville, is the place for you;)

[Grumbles]

Your dogs are going to limit you. Much of that area is National Park - No dogs at all. Check DSE/Parks Vic websites.

[weeds]

don't want to put a dampener on the trip, consider a bushfire plan.......other than that have a great trip

[MSkinner]

Your dogs are going to limit you. Much of that area is National Park - No dogs at all. Check DSE/Parks Vic websites.

We've already considered that and plan on leaving the dogs back at the campsite with those that don't want to be 4wding all day (wives, girlfriends, kids). Most of the campsites I've seen are outside of the National Park boundaries.


don't want to put a dampener on the trip, consider a bushfire plan.......other than that have a great trip

We've considered this too, which is why we're not actually camping up IN the hills. Getting a fire report from the DSE before setting out for the days trip is also on our to do list.

Can anyone confirm the round trip time from Talbotville to the Pinnacles via Billy Goat Bluff track?

[waynep]

Can anyone confirm the round trip time from Talbotville to the Pinnacles via Billy Goat Bluff track?

Did you want a take it easy, go both up and down BG track, plus lunch, chat and muck around time maybe go Conways and Randalls Tks, collect firewood on way back, be back at camp by 4 in time for beers and put down the camp ovens type of day ?

Second question do you have the Rooftop Dargo - Wonnanngatta Map ? It's probably the best one for tracks and camping areas.
Also shows you exaclty where the NP boundaries are.

[MSkinner]

Did you want a take it easy, go both up and down BG track, plus lunch, chat and muck around time maybe go Conways and Randalls Tks, collect firewood on way back, be back at camp by 4 in time for beers and put down the camp ovens type of day ?

Second question do you have the Rooftop Dargo - Wonnanngatta Map ? It's probably the best one for tracks and camping areas.
Also shows you exaclty where the NP boundaries are.

Yup, that's the kind of day we want! Already have Rooftops and Hema maps for the areas. I'm already studying them planning out day trips!

[BJP98V8]

Jealous I am!!! haha, its been 4 years since I have a had a decent holiday in that area, a good friend of my dads owns the Wonangatta Caravan Park, Dave and Dianne Guy, they are lovely people and have great facilities, not sure on thier rules on dogs though as its been so long since I have been there. It is though, a great base for families.

If you do drop by there for fuel at any stage ask Dave about pumpy.... hahaha see what he says...

Cheers,

Brenton

[Jezzaol]

Those tracks have it covered well, and I'll put another vote in for Talbotville ! very central to all those !! Crooked River track is reaaly nice with its 20 odd river crossings and old mine shafts everywhere ! Make sure when you finish the billy Goats Bluff track that you duck up to the fire look out !

Cheers and have a great time !....... One of the best spots in Aus !

Jeremy


[QUOTE=I've been told about a few tracks that are must-do's, including Bulltown Spur tk, Zeka Spur tk, Crooked River rd/tk, Haunted Stream tk, Billy Goat Bluff tk, and Blue Rag tk.

Can anyone suggest any camping spots that would put us close to the trailhead for these tracks that would also be near water for swimming/fishing that would accommodate a group of our size? What are our chances of finding vacant sites around this time of year near Dargo?

Any response greatly appreciated.[/QUOTE]