Thread: high country 09

decided today that my bi-annual extended tour will be to the high country in 08

it was a toss up between the cape and the high country

so some questions to kick start my planning

1. autuumn or spring or best month of the year

early autumn is milder, spring has more water in the creeks

1. would the boiling billy high country books be a good starting place, i had a quick flick through the books at the land rover 60th...should have brought them then
2. non 4wd camper trailer yes or no (my sister has a road type camper trailer) it will be more than likely be me and the boys so swags will probably be the order of the day

no, but then again, most tracks are pretty graded now a days, though it will still scrape and limit you.

1. suggested route to get good coverage of the high country, high on the list are the huts that aulro are restoring
2. how busy is it during school holidays, considering pulling the boys out of school so there is less people

take the kids out of school

1. are we able to roll swags out in the huts

some huts (like Bluff Hut) yes, but you'd enjoy the stars more than the spiders & dust

will more than likely drive straight to geelong, drop megs off, tour the high country and pick megs up in canberra than drop over to sydney

Originally Posted by Bushwanderer

Hi Weeds,
Be aware of the closing dates for a lot of gates (1 May?????).

Best Wishes,

the usual lock down is the thursday after queens b'day weekend in june (till Novemeber), assuiming nothing has changed this year



Weeds, my preference is for spring. lots of water in the rivers, everything is green and its not to hot or to cold.

Mid week is the best - a lot less people (if you like that)!

Personally, I wouldn't be taking a camper trailor up there, but that really depends on the tracks you plan on doing.

Eitherway what ever you do, its difficult NOT to have an enjoyable trip in the high country...

Originally Posted by discowhite

you sure you wanna do hi country trip??
im planning a cape trip end of 09?


cheers phil

good on ya......nope decision has been made it will have to wait till 2011

if you want some bush camping on the way up near brissy i know the perfect spot

Originally Posted by RichardK

That trip was February. I've done two trips, the first in November, at that time of year the thaw is still on and a lot of rivers were too deep to cross, we were unable to get into the Wonnangatta area. On the plus side there was still some snow and we slid down the snow packs on large plastic rubbish bags!
When we do it again it will be around end of February, seems to me thats a good time to see as much as you want.

I have a trip itinerary covering the 12 days includes each day trip and GPS points if you are interested.

yes please kemejopa@tpg.com.au

I've led club trips through VicHigh for the past 18 years and have travelled most (but not all) of the tracks. It is one of my favourite areas where you can experience some great 4WDing together with awsome scenery and camp sites.

Having travelled during spring, summer and autumn, I can say without a doubt that Autumn is the pick of the seasons for the high country. The weather is fairly stable and dry during Autumn with pleasant days and crisp nights. Be aware though that some of the tracks close as early as 1st May - eg the Davies High Plain track.

If you'd like to let me know how long you're planning on and what interests you and your boys (fishing, walking, visiting old gold mine sites, limestone caves etc.) I could suggest a route to include some of the interesting spots and good campsites.

I'm leaving next weekend with a group of 24 club members (12 Landys) so will have some up to date info in a few weeks time.

G'day Weeds,

Good to meet you at Cooma

Having lived in this area for 26 years I reckon there is no better place in Australia during the months of April/May. Usually sunny, warm days and cool/cold nights - which make for great campfires. The weather is fantastic.

However.... during spring... you will come across snow and the streams are full... and I really do enjoy the off-road activities during this time. But the preference is autumn.

Regarding the huts etc., mate you had best get hold of Disco300TDi, Hiline and AJSLRD - even join the Huts Group - Waynep also knows whatever there is to know about the huts.

Give us enough warning and I reckon the blokes will be jumping at the chance to meet you in the mountains just to show you the huts.

Weekdays? I would always say yes - stay away from long weekends - especially Easter - which of course will have repercussions regarding next Autumn. Easter next year is early April.

Never slept in a hut - most huts have a well-grassed area outside and I usually roll the swag out there - you will need at least a good tarp in the event of rain.

Remember, it does and WILL get cold down here at night - chuck in thermals for the young blokes. If it rains - combining this with the wind-chill factor - the situation can become quite dramatic to say the least.

Beware of that.

Lastly, mate, bring a camera - and a good set of binoculars. The scenery is something else.

Oh yeah, a good clutch is probably a necessity.

thanks Xtreme and Barra1

where is that thanks button

Xtreme i will lean on you for some info, sounds like you are well travelled in the area

does your club allow member from other clubs to tag along on organised trips. its not my plan, but if you intend on runing a trip next year i could time it around the same time and catch up for a day or two

i will have a nine and four year with me, so all the interesting exploring type stuff

Originally Posted by weeds

yes please kemejopa@tpg.com.au

Will try and run a PDF on Monday at the office, otherwise I will send it when I return from my trip.......2nd week of April
Cheers