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all you need to know to experience an outback adventure holiday - four wheel
driving, camping, accommodation, facilities, services, and much more.
TRAVELLERS UPDATE - TOURING AUSTRALIA - VICTORIA
Keep a check on road and track closures and conditions by looking at the following websites:
Victoria Online: www.vic.gov.au/emergencies-safety/alerts-warnings-hotlines/traffic-road-alerts.html
Parks Victoria: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Four Wheel Drive Victoria: www.fwdvictoria.org.au
Driving Courses - Four Wheel Drive Victoria
A range of four wheel driving courses including Advanced Winter Driving, a Women’s 4x4 Course, a Sand Driving Course, along with an On Road Towing Course, First Aid Course, a Chainsaw Course and more, are planned for the next few months by 4WD Victoria. They are open to anyone. For cost and dates visit www.fwdvictoria.org.au.
Beyond Hotham (Vic)
Experience the beauty and history of Mt Hotham and the surrounding areas with some of the local historians and identities.
Dates are Thursday 22 March to Sunday April 1, 2012
For an entry form go to: www.fwdvictoria.org.au and follow the links.
Iconic Grampians Drive
Travel among the spectacular peaks and dramatic rock formations of Grampians National Park and enjoy great views, picturesque waterfalls, spectacular wildflower displays and interesting Aboriginal rock art sites. There’s some great camping as well. For more details go to: www.iconic4wd.com.au.
Lake Victoria Station
Located in the west of NSW just north of the Victorian border the Lake Victoria Lodge has accommodation available for groups up to 14 people consisting of a four bedroom homestead and a three bedroom cottage. Go bird watching, bushwalking, fishing, yabbying or take the fully equipped BBQ/party boat and explore the creeks and waterways of the mighty Murray River. For more info, ph: 0427 502 664; www.murraydarlingriverholidays.com/v5/.
Lock 9 Camping and Accommodation
While there’s some enjoyable camping along the Murray River in the vicinity of Lock 9 (just 10km north of Cullulleraine on the Sturt Highway) there’s also the Lock 9 Lodge for those looking for a bit more comfort. There’s great fishing, bird watching, canoeing or boating to enjoy. For more details, ph: 0427 502 664, or visit: www.murraydarlingriverholidays.com.
The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival
The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival is held annually in Corryong, Victoria in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains halfway between Melbourne and Sydney.
The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival recreates the fun and excitement of a bush gathering where both new and old friends come together to have a yarn and a beer, to enjoy traditional bush tucker and, of course, kick up their heels.
The Festival offers contestant and visitor alike a unique opportunity to be part of the celebration of traditional Australian Bush skills that remain an essential part of Australia's heritage.
The Man from Snowy River Challenge, Art and Photography Exhibition, Bush Poetry and Music The Re Enactment of Banjo's famous poem, Aussie Bush Idol and Ute Muster have grown to be events listed on calendars all over Australia. For more details check out:
www.bushfestival.com.au/index.php.
Stay at Stockyard - Stockyard Creek
Stay at Stockyard Stockyard Creek, the Stoney’s family pioneer homestead is located on 420 picturesque acres right beside the Alpine National Park close to Mansfield, just three hours from Melbourne. The original selectors’ Pioneer Homestead is basic and rustic, yet very comfortable with all the amenities you need, including a big stove, basic 24 volt lighting, a 240 Volt generator if required, toilets, showers and a gas barbeque for open-air cooking.Accommodation (for up to 32 people) includes bunkrooms, some separate double rooms and plenty of places for swags. Guests may self-cater and bring their own linen and towels, or arrangements can be made for linen and/or meals to be provided. All in all it is a great spot for a 4WD club, family re-unions or other groups having a weekend get-together and you can explore the surrounding area. The famous Bluff Hut, built by the Stoney’s back in the 1940s is easily reached from here, as are dozen of other great spots in the mountains.
If you are not into 4wdriving, but prefer something on four legs, than you can even bring your own horses. You have exclusive use of the property for your stay. For more information contact Graeme or Wendy Stoney, ph: (03) 5777 5766, or visit their web site: www.stoney.com.au.
Murray River 4WD Fun
Specs lake is an 3600ha private property with 14km of Murray River frontage, just two hours drive from Adelaide. It comprises red gum studded river flats to stoney hills and sandy mallee scrub with low dunes. The property has a number of self drive trips, an extreme 4WD tour, some great riverside camping, the Loveday Tavern and a 4WD adventure park will challenge most people's idea of four wheel driving and fun. For more details visit: www.loveday4x4adventures.com.
In Honour of Dogs
The annual Working Dog Australian Kelpie Muster is held each year in the western Victorian town of Casterton and this year it was on over the longweek in June. Visitors can expect another fun-filled event for the whole family.
Incorporating the Casterton Kelpie Festival and the Casterton Working Dog Auction. Festival events include the Poets Breakfast, Iron Kelpie Hill Climb, Stockman’s Challenge, Kelpie Triathlon and the Novelty Events such as the hilarious Mutton Mayhem - audiences are kept entertained and amused all weekend. For more details go to www.kelpies-casterton.org or ph: (03) 5579 1374 - it looks like a lot of fun!