Victorian High Country

Morning: 
We packed up camp and jumped onto King Basin Road which follows the King River up to King Hut. This is a short trip but a beautiful one, and you’ll find a few creek crossings along the way.

King Hut also hosts a campground, and is situated on the Western edge of the Alpine National Park. Like Pineapple Flat, it’s also on the banks of the King River.

Afternoon: 
After stopping for some lunch at King Hut, we started making our way to the Southern end of the Monument Track, via Speculation Drive and the Circuit Rd, with our ultimate goal for the day being a visit to Craig’s Hut. The drive to the start of the Monument Track is easy, but the track itself is moderately difficult due to its steep climbs and loose rocky surface. We found it to be in good condition overall though, and it appears it is maintained.

If you’re not up for the steep climbs, an alternative route to Craig’s Hut is via the Clear Hills Tracks. This would be the simpler path to take.

Upon completing the Monument Track, we turned right to head up to Craig’s Hut. A few kilometres from the turn we arrived at the iconic hut perched high on Mt. Stirling. Craig’s Hut is likely the most famous hut in the High Country, having been originally constructed for the Man from Snowy River film. The views from the hut are spectacular, and this would have to be one of the region’s most photographed landmarks. You’ll find toilet facilities here, firepits and tables to sit down and take in the views of the ranges.

Evening:
We made our way over to the camp area less than a kilometre from Craig’s Hut and settled in for the night with a campfire and some dinner (you can’t camp up at the Hut itself, but this spot isn’t far).

Morning: 
After a morning campfire and some breakfast (it was getting cold here at this altitude, even in March), we made our way to Bindaree Falls via the Clear Hills Track. You can go back down the Monument Track if you choose, but we wanted to see as much as we could.
Bindaree Falls is a gem, and something you would expect to find in a place like the Otways or Grampians. Located only a medium grade 400m walk away from the carpark, you’ll find a stunning waterfall surrounded by ferns. There is even a viewing platform BEHIND the base of the waterfall – quite unique!

Afternoon:
Time to get back on the tracks! We continued past more huts and creek crossings, before hitting the 16 Mile Jeep Track. This is another steep one, but generally well maintained and nothing super technical. Best done in dry weather though, as it would certainly become much more challenging in the wet. After completing the 16 Mile Jeep Track, we made our way to Pickerings Flat Campground via Bluff Link Road and Brocks Road. There are heaps of camping areas on the Howqua RIver within arms reach of Pickerings Flat – so there are plenty to choose from when you arrive.

Evening:
Another campfire on the river, and some dinner!  We scored a premium riverfront site and absolutely loved it here. If you’re keen on trout fishing, the Howqua River typically holds good numbers of Rainbow and Brown Trout and it could be worth a crack!

Morning: 
Time to head South through the Sheepyard Flat and Howqua Hills Historic Areas (more great campsites here), and down to the Mitchell’s Track Slate Mine via the Howqua Hills Track. The old Slate Mine is now disused, and the views here are incredible. A great spot to stop for some lunch and to take a few pictures.

Afternoon:
From the old mine, we made our way onto the Mitchell’s Track. This track is very steep in some sections, and we encountered some serious washouts on the climbs and descents, forcing us to put some real thought into the lines we took. Overall, the Mitchell’s track is mostly just steep ups and downs, and more moderate than difficult. However, when we did run into the occasional washout or wombat holes, they were enough to bump up the difficulty. Dry weather recommended for this track.

Toward the end of the Mitchells Track, the road will fork and you can choose to finish the Mitchell’s Track and continue to Granny’s Flat Campground, or you can take the Symes Track over toward Running Creek Reserve (being the easier option, we chose the Symes Track as we ran out of daylight. The last 1km of the Mitchell’s track was not suitable to negotiate in the dark).

Evening:
We set up camp for another peaceful night on the Howqua River at Running Creek Reserve Campground and slept like logs after a big day on the tracks!