Discover
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.
Stay at Stockyard - Stockyard Creek
Stay @ 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.
Track Closures in Victoria Parks
Many of the areas burnt by the devestating fires earlier this year remain closed as fallen trees have closed tracks and threaten people’s safety. As well there are seasonal winter closures. For the latest info check out, www.parkweb.vic.gov.au, and go to ‘Before You Go’ for all the details and planned opening dates, or ph: 13 19 63.
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!