Craigs Hut in the VIC High Country Near Mt Buller

Craigs Hut in the VIC High Country Near Mt Buller

Craigs Hut in the VIC High Country Near Mt Buller

We have been up to Craigs Hut. We were camping at Lake Eildon for the NYE weekend with a big bunch of friends and last time they had all camped there I noticed a Facebook post by Kev and Deb Smith where they went up to Craigs Hut for a day trip back in November and I thought it was something we’d like to do.

We went up with our friends Simon and Tracy Kelly and it was a magnificent day out. The views from not just the hut but everywhere else up there are incredible. You can see for miles, literally from one mountain top to another. The roads are very easy to get along if you stick to the main ones. Next time we visit up there I would like to have a crack at one or two of the more difficult tracks.

It was a really good experience and I highly recommend that if you have the chance to give it a go that you do.

View From the Back Verandah of Craigs Hut

View From the Back Verandah of Craigs Hut

About Craigs Hut

Craigs Hut is a replica of a high country cattlemen’s hut. It is located on Mt Stirling about 51 kilometres from Mansfield. Craigs’ Hut was originally built for The Man from Snowy River film made in 1981–82. Craig’s Hut was burnt down by major bushfires in 2006. It was rebuilt and opened back up in January 2008.

Inside Craigs Hut Mt Stirling

Inside Craigs Hut Mt Stirling

How to Get to Circuit Road

Head towards Mansfield along the Mt Buller Road towards Mt Buller. Take a left at the Mount Stirling Road which commences at the toll gate at Mirimbah and this takes you to Circuit Road. The toll gate at Mirimbah only operates during the snow season. There is no charge for access outside the snow season. Mansfield to Mirimbah is about 30ks. The Circuit Road complete round trip starting and finishing at Mirimbah is about 80 kilometres if you do the 10k return Bindaree Falls detour.

Circuit Road is ok for 2WDs however it does have some corrugated rough sections. Circuit Road and many of the tracks in this area are subject to seasonal road closures. Those in State Forest and National Park are closed to vehicles from about the Thursday after the Queens Birthday long weekend in June until the Thursday before the Melbourne Cup weekend in November. Contact Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board on 03 5777 6077 to check the status of closures within resort.

How to Get From Circuit Road to Craig’s Hut

Access to Craig’s Hut is 18 kilometres from TBJ along Circuit Road. A 4WD track accesses the hut from Circuit Road. The road up is very steep and you’ll need a 4wd with low range and good ground clearance to get up and down it. It’s easy if you just take your time. Also make sure to keep an eye out for others coming up and down the track as it’s very narrow with limited passing spots. If you can’t get up the track don’t worry you can walk up from the bottom. It’s only a couple of kilometres although quite steep.

Near Circuit Road Mt Buller

Near Circuit Road Mt Buller

Wingello State Forest Free Camping For The Weekend

Wingello State Forest Free Camping For The Weekend

Wingello State Forest Free Camping For The Weekend

Wingello State Forest is only about an hour from where we live in Southwest Sydney so we often spend the weekend in Wingello State Forest free camping. As with all NSW State Forests it is dog friendly. If you are in to mountain bike riding then this is a great place for you. There are many marked mountain bike trails throughout Wingello State Forest. Many mountain biking clubs use Wingello State Forest for events.

There’s a main campground area in Wingello State Forest with drop toilets and we have camped there before. You can fit about a dozen vans/tents in there. It gets jam packed on weekends near Christmas and also over any public holiday weekends. If you’re a bit more adventurous like us there are at least half a dozen really good sites out in the forest itself where we are this weekend. If you are really adventurous (like us) and don’t mind getting your vehicle in to low range there are even more great sites down some little tracks.

Dog Friendly Free Camping Wingello State Forest Two Hours From Sydney

Dog Friendly Free Camping Wingello State Forest Two Hours From Sydney

Wingello State Forest is only about an hour from where we live in Southwest Sydney. Distance wise it’s about 70 kilometres for us, plus whatever you need to add for getting to your camping spot out in the forest.

As with all NSW State Forests it is dog friendly. There is no drinking water available so you have to bring your own. Fires are allowed but with restrictions and only at certain times of the year. State Forest Rangers patrol the area.

Free Camping Wingello State Forest Sunset View

Free Camping Wingello State Forest Sunset View

If you are in to mountain bike riding then this is a great place for you. There are many marked mountain bike trails throughout Wingello State Forest. Many mountain biking clubs use Wingello State Forest for events.

One last thing to keep in mind. Wingello State Forest is an actively logged area. Logging operations take place almost all year round so pay attention to logging trucks in the area when driving through the forest.

Camp Site Location

Driving in Wingello State Forest Looking For Camp Sites

Driving in Wingello State Forest Looking For Camp Sites

Driving in Wingello State Forest Looking For Camp Sites

We went for a drive in Wingello State Forest today scoping out some camp sites for future camping trips. We have stayed here before in the main camp ground but we figured there must be more options available.

Driving in the state forest can be a bit rough. We had the ute in 4wd most of the way and down along the back fence we had it in low range for a climb up a very steep and sandy hill. As usual you know the drill when going out 4wding in places like State Forests. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect you’ll be back. Take basic recovery gear such a shovel and recovery boards and know how to use them. A tyre deflator sometimes comes in handy to reduce tyre pressure if the tracks are sandy and a 12v compressor is a great idea for when you need re-inflate.

We probably spent a few hours driving around and we did find some really great camp sites. You’ll need a capable 4wd to get in to most of them, particularly if like us you are towing a small offroad van. Offroad camper trailers would have no trouble at all. You need to be fully self contained as there are no facilities outside of the main campground. The main campground has a couple of drop toilets. There’s no water available either. There are lots of great camping spots in Wingello State Forest once you get in there and have a bit of a look around.

View From One Of The Camp Sites

View From One Of The Camp Sites

At one site we came across some rubbish left behind by some inconsiderate campers so we cleaned it up and took it out with us. Really people, these state forests are free for us to camp in so how about doing the right thing and cleaning up after yourselves so that they remain open. It’s not that hard to take your rubbish with you when you leave and put it in a bin.

Next Time Take Your Rubbish With You And Don't Leave It Lying Around For Someone Else To Clean Up You Grubs

Next Time Take Your Rubbish With You And Don’t Leave It Lying Around For Someone Else To Clean Up You Grubs

Trilby Station To Bourke On The Darling River Run

Trilby Station To Bourke On The Darling River Run

Trilby Station To Bourke On The Darling River Run

It was beginning to rain in the morning as we packed up and kept on getting heavier while we got the job of preparing to leave done. We were meant to stay at Trilby Station for a few nights but only stayed the one. We loved it and were really looking forward to exploring the tracks around the property as we have heard that they are absolutely fantastic.

The BOM Weather app Save Us

We had very little mobile reception however we had enough to use the BOM weather app and it was saying that it would begin raining in the morning and up to 50mm was predicted by the evening. 10mm of rain is enough out here to close the roads for two or three days. We bit the bullet and decided to move on to Bourke. You seriously can not begrudge them a bit of rain out this way. Everything is so incredibly dry and they need every drop they can get.

Bourke Left Tilpa Cobar Right Raining At Louth

Bourke Left Tilpa Cobar Right Raining At Louth

Rain began to fall in the morning as we packed up and kept on getting heavier while we got the job of preparing to leave done. The road in to Louth from Trilby Station was already getting soft as we headed off. Luckily we only had about a hundred kilometres to get to Bourke and we got there without too much trouble. Another couple of hours later and I think it would have been a very different story. Later that afternoon we heard that the road we had used in the morning had been closed off. We had made the right decision. We’ll be back to Trilby Station some time in the future so we can have that look around.

Mud Covered Supreme Getaway

Mud Covered Supreme Getaway

Kidman Camp Bourke

We set up in a caravan park in Bourke. We don’t like caravan parks. We really don’t but this seemed to be the sensible option with the predicted rain. We stayed at Kidman Camp. We’ve been there before a few years ago in an earlier part of the year. It was a lot quieter last time. This time it was your typical caravan park abomination. Packed in like sardines with kids making a hell of a racket. we love kids and think it’s great that their parents are travelling around with them showing them our great country. As we get older we realise that we like the peace and quiet a lot more than we used to.

Kidman Camp Bourke

Kidman Camp Bourke

In the afternoon we went for a trip up the Darling River on a paddleboat. That was great and if you are in Bourke you should give it a go. The captain of the boat was awesome, he filled us in on heaps of things about the history of Bourke, this section of river in particular as well as environmental stuff. He also pointed out many different species of birds and knew a lot about each of them.

Aboard The PV Jandra On The Darling River At Bourke

Aboard The PV Jandra On The Darling River At Bourke

 

Darling River Run Wilcannia To Louth & Trilby Station

Darling River Run Wilcannia To Louth & Trilby Station

Darling River Run Wilcannia To Louth & Trilby Station

We travel the Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Louth with a stop off at the Tilpa Hotel and camp at Trilby Station. It is one of Australias most iconic touring routes and it’s a nice easy drive.

We got up nice and early and headed back in to Wilcannia for fuel and some basic supplies. Ice, some tomatoes, a loaf of bread and a few other bits and pieces. Then it was off along the Darling River towards Tilpa along the road on the Eastern side.

Heading Off On The W Tilpa Road

Heading Off On The W Tilpa Road

The W Tilpa Road – The Darling River Run

There’s not a whole lot to see along the road. You drive past a lot of stations and you don’t actually see the Darling River at all except for the treeline off in the distance. I sort of thought that the road would follow along the edge of the river but I guess having a bit of distance between the two helps with the road being open in times of flooding. Overall road conditions were pretty reasonable. Sections were corrugated, sections were rutted and there were of course the obligatory bulldust holes but overall it wasn’t too bad.

Selfie Out The Front Of The Tilpa Hotel

Selfie Out The Front Of The Tilpa Hotel

Tilpa Hotel

We stopped in at the Tilpa Hotel for a beer. It is a fantastic old pub with a lot of history. We sat out the back in the “beer garden” (was more like a backyard) and it would have been a great place to have spent the whole day if we’d had more time. We paid a $5 donation to the RFDS and the barmaid lent us a pen so we could add our signatures to the wall of the pub. Amanda put ours outside on the doorframe.

 

Signing The Wall Outside Of Tilpa Hotel

Signing The Wall Outside Of Tilpa Hotel

Louth

After leaving the pub we travelled another 100ks or so to Louth. Again the road was in reasonably good condition although there were a few beautiful, red sandy sections. We had a quick stop in at the hotel at Louth to get a bag of ice (which they were out of) and then it was across a bridge over the Darling River and off towards Trilby Station heading back down the western side of the river.

Crossing The Bridge At Louth On The Darling River Run

Crossing The Bridge At Louth On The Darling River Run

The western side road was very different to the east. The road on the western side was horribly corrugated and very badly rutted. We ended up driving most of the time in the spoon drains in an attempt to make things a bit smoother. It was a bit better, but still as rough as guts.

Corrugated Road To Trilby Station

Corrugated Road To Trilby Station

Trilby Station

Eventually we made it to Trilby Station. It’s a great old place with many camp sites available along the river. I think it was only about $25 a night. There’s plenty of firewood around for you to cut and most of the camp sites have ready made fire pits.

We set up and then Amanda sorted out a load of washing by hand and hung it up to dry on a length of clothesline I strung up between trees. Then we cooked up a beautiful massaman curry in the camp oven over an open fire.

Massaman Curry In The Camp Oven At Trilby Station On The Banks Of The Darling River

Massaman Curry In The Camp Oven At Trilby Station On The Banks Of The Darling River

All up it was a truly magnificent day. It was the kind of day I would love to replicate again at some time in the future.

Camping At Trilby Station On The Darling River

Camping At Trilby Station On The Darling River

Best Time To Do The Darling River Run

Best Time To Do The Darling River Run By Seasons

Spring (September to November) Best Time To Do The Darling River Run

  • Weather: Mild temperatures and minimal rainfall make spring an ideal time for the Darling River Run. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, providing comfortable driving and camping conditions.
  • Flora and Fauna: Spring is a vibrant season when wildflowers bloom and wildlife is active, offering excellent opportunities for photography and nature observation.
  • Accessibility: Roads and tracks are generally in good condition, with fewer closures compared to other seasons.

Autumn (March to May) Best Time To Do The Darling River Run

  • Weather: Similar to spring, autumn offers mild temperatures and low rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C.
  • Scenery: The autumn foliage adds a touch of colour to the landscape, enhancing the scenic beauty of the route.
  • Crowds: This season is less crowded compared to spring, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter experience.

Weather Considerations

Summer (December to February)

  • Extreme Heat: Temperatures can soar above 40°C, making travel uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.
  • Road Conditions: Heat can cause road surfaces to deteriorate, leading to challenging driving conditions. Additionally, summer thunderstorms can result in flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
  • Recommendation: It is advisable to avoid the Darling River Run during the peak summer months due to the extreme heat and potential for severe weather.

Winter (June to August)

  • Cold Nights: While daytime temperatures are generally mild (10°C to 20°C), night time temperatures can drop significantly, often falling below 0°C in some areas.
  • Road Conditions: Winter rains can lead to muddy and impassable roads, especially in remote sections of the route.
  • Recommendation: Winter travel is possible but requires thorough preparation. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for cold weather, and check road conditions frequently.

Key Tips For Planning Your Trip

  • Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on your journey. This information is crucial for ensuring a safe trip.
  • Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped for off-road conditions. Carry extra fuel, water, and spare tires.
  • Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place. Carry a satellite phone or UHF radio for communication in remote areas where mobile coverage is limited.
  • Accommodation: Plan your stops and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

The best time to do the Darling River Run is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the roads are in good condition. Avoid the extreme heat of summer and the cold, wet conditions of winter for a safer and more enjoyable adventure. Proper planning and preparation are essential to make the most of this iconic Australian outback experience.

How To Get There

We started this leg of the Darling River Run at Wilcannia but you could just as easily start at the other end from Bourke. Road Conditions on the Darling river Run vary greatly depending upon weather conditions and when they last received maintenance or where graded. One thing to keep in mind when travelling on these roads is to SLOW DOWN for cattle grids. A lot of the cattle grids are very narrow and have steep drop offs on both sides. Hit one of them at 80km/h and you will be calling for a very expensive tow. I have listed the travel distance and times to Wilcannia and points along this leg of the Darling River Run below.

Travel FromDistanceTime
Adelaide to Wilcannia714km07:53
Brisbane to Wilcannia1318km14:19
Canberra to Wilcannia804km08:58
Melbourne to Wilcannia814km08:49
Menindee to Wilcannia via Teryawynia-Ashmont Rd172km02:05
Sydney to Wilcannia via Dubbo946km10:50
Sydney to Wilcannia via Griffith1012km10:57
Wilcannia to Louth224km02:02
Wilcannia to Tilpa128km01:31
Bourke to Louth150km01:47