Hey Tuner Channel,
Over the Christmas period I packed up the family, the boat and the dogs and took off up to Eildon for a Christmas in a Stayz house. Whilst visiting I was keen to do some 4WDing to pop the Fortuner's cherry and of course to see some of the spectacular High Country.
We were based in the Howqua Inlet about 20 minutes from Mansfield with Jameson a short 10 minute drive further south. We did two day trips, the longer of the two was a beautiful sunny bluebird day with my main to see Craig's Hut and if time permitted, up to the Mt Stirling lookout. We reconnected up to the Mansfield/Buller road and turned off at the Mt. Stirling road right before the gates leading up to Mt. Buller. From there we took the circuit road until I found a smaller track that lead us over a few river crossings to Pineapple flat (great campsite right on the river). After some lunch we followed the King River with many shallow (40cm) crossings until we got back onto circuit track. Then turned up Clear View Track to Craig's Hut. Just wow!! spectacular location and the perfect day for it. Very few people around too.
Then however through all the excitement of getting out 4wding for the first time... I didn't check the fuel situation. Less than a quarter left. Crap! We took a shortcut down Monument Track and back onto Circuit and Mt Stirling Road back to where we started and just made it to Mansfield for a much needed drink.
On another day we spent a bit of time around Sheep Yard Flat which was PACKED! accessible by 2WD vehicles so super busy. Although after taking a few 4WD only tracks up and out of the flat, there were heaps of clear quite camp sites.
For Christmas we spent some time by the Lake chilling and making use of the awning and camp kitchen.
Awesome area, I urge everyone to spend some time up there at some point. There are great caravan parks to make a HQ and then day trips everywhere, loads of rivers, hiking, swimming, and amazing 4WD tracks ranging from super easy to crazy hard. Weather plays a huge part in how accessible the areas are and track conditions vary massively.
If anyone wants any more info just let me know
I'm not an expect but happy to help anyone looking for some nice spots.
- Paul
Over the Christmas period I packed up the family, the boat and the dogs and took off up to Eildon for a Christmas in a Stayz house. Whilst visiting I was keen to do some 4WDing to pop the Fortuner's cherry and of course to see some of the spectacular High Country.
We were based in the Howqua Inlet about 20 minutes from Mansfield with Jameson a short 10 minute drive further south. We did two day trips, the longer of the two was a beautiful sunny bluebird day with my main to see Craig's Hut and if time permitted, up to the Mt Stirling lookout. We reconnected up to the Mansfield/Buller road and turned off at the Mt. Stirling road right before the gates leading up to Mt. Buller. From there we took the circuit road until I found a smaller track that lead us over a few river crossings to Pineapple flat (great campsite right on the river). After some lunch we followed the King River with many shallow (40cm) crossings until we got back onto circuit track. Then turned up Clear View Track to Craig's Hut. Just wow!! spectacular location and the perfect day for it. Very few people around too.
Then however through all the excitement of getting out 4wding for the first time... I didn't check the fuel situation. Less than a quarter left. Crap! We took a shortcut down Monument Track and back onto Circuit and Mt Stirling Road back to where we started and just made it to Mansfield for a much needed drink.
On another day we spent a bit of time around Sheep Yard Flat which was PACKED! accessible by 2WD vehicles so super busy. Although after taking a few 4WD only tracks up and out of the flat, there were heaps of clear quite camp sites.
For Christmas we spent some time by the Lake chilling and making use of the awning and camp kitchen.
Awesome area, I urge everyone to spend some time up there at some point. There are great caravan parks to make a HQ and then day trips everywhere, loads of rivers, hiking, swimming, and amazing 4WD tracks ranging from super easy to crazy hard. Weather plays a huge part in how accessible the areas are and track conditions vary massively.
If anyone wants any more info just let me know

- Paul
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