Here's a yarn that’ll have you chuck a sickie and hit the bush. I loaded up, grabbed Jeremy Cooke, Dex Fulton, and Nugget (my dog, not a frothy), and tore into the Victorian High Country for a YouTube episode that’s as raw as a fresh as the trainee's first day. Steep ascents on Scrubby Creek Track, snow-dusted peaks at Mount Sassafras, and rivers feeding Lake Dartmouth so clear they’d make an inner west hipster cry — while that's not hard, this trip was a proper soul-stirrer. No latte-sipping influencers here, just three blokes, a loyal dog, and some mystery beers getting amongst it. Strap in for the tale, and start planning your own Vic High Country 4WD camping escape.
Kicking Off at Colac Colac
We rolled into Colac Colac Caravan Park at midnight after a 5pm departure from Sydney, absolutely knackered. Jeremy, the absolute legend, sorted us a cabin for the first night - no swags on the ground just yet. My Gen 1 VW Amarok, complete with rooftop tent, was parked up, Jeremy’s Gen 2 Amarok (basically a Ford Ranger with a glow-up) shone nearby, and Dex’s borrowed Triton, sporting oversized tyres because the old highway tyres simply won't cut it this trip, rounded out the convoy. Nugget, the enthusiastic camper she is was raring to jump in. After a solid kip, we woke to air so crisp it’d have you like a frightened turtle and set off to explore from Colac Colac to Lake Dartmouth, chasing epic views, gnarly tracks, and a bit of snow for Nugget to roll in. Spoiler: it was a bloody ripper.
The Victorian High Country’s a beast. Think ascents so steep you feel like you're about to tilt back, snow-capped mountains flexing like they’re in a tourism ad, and waters clearer than a politicians lies. Jeremy, our track-whisperer and camp chef, showed us a little more than just the tip of this epic terrain.
Airing Down and hitting the Scrubby Creek Track
We aired down at Stacey's Bridge Campground near the Scrubby Creek Track turn-off, prepping the rigs for some proper 4WD action.
My Gen 1 Amarok, rooftop tent and all, was ready to rumble. Jeremy’s Gen 2 Amarok, all shiny and Ranger-esque, copped endless jabs. Dex’s Triton, with those oversized tyres was scrubbing on every tight turn. The track was shaley, narrow, and slipperier than a dodgy car salesman’s handshake. Snow hit at 1500 metres, a little later than Jeremy’s call. Dex, with his dry-as-a-bone wit, reckoned he prefers his “white powder” in strip clubs. Classic Dex—half deadpan, half menace.
We aired down at a cracking campground by a river so clear it’d shame a bottled water ad. Dog-friendly, no permits, just us, the rigs, and Nugget free to swim. After the turn off, The drone shots? Mint. But they don’t capture how bloody steep this place is—hills that’d make a billy goat rethink its career. We pulled up for lunch, chucked some of Jeremy's sausage rolls in the oven, and let it work it's magic. Spoiler: his food choice is better than his “shortcuts.”
Mount Sassafras and Pulled Pork Perfection
Night two was the real deal—camping on Mount Sassafras at 1600 metres. Stars brighter than a welder’s arc, no wind, no rain—just pure, soul-soothing perfection. I was cozy in my rooftop tent, Jeremy was rugged in his swag, and Dex was sprawled in his Oztent RV4, probably cursing those oversized tyres and his lack of a winter sleeping bag. Camping with mates, a fire, and no one else for miles while on the tip of a snow capped mountain? That’s the stuff that makes you forget city life exists. No signal, no dramas—just the High Country whispering, “Mate, you’re living.”
Lake Dartmouth and Mystery Beers
Day three took us to Lake Dartmouth, a view so stunning it’d make a grumpy bushie stop and stare. We checked out Green’s Creek Battery, an 1888 steam-powered relic that never made a buck—history buffs, hit up the link for more. Some tracks were overgrown, and Jeremy’s “shortcut” had us questioning his sanity, but we made it. Big note: Lake Dartmouth’s a no-dog zone, so Nugget stayed back at a safe spot, guarding the entry like the loyal legend she is. Dog-friendly tip: always check for closures and dog bans before you roll in.
That night, we camped by the water as the sun set, painting the sky like a bloody masterpiece. Jeremy whipped up tomahawk steaks that’d make a vegan cry, and we cracked open the mystery beers. Each of us brought a four-pack of random brews, no peeking.
Dex, the lazy prick, barely read the group chat, but we let it slide. From a hoppy Rucker’s Hill Pale Ale to a Squinters draft that tasted like a spice rack shagged a brewery (after the Ruckers anyway), it was a wild ride. That Squinters from Penrith? Bloody oath, it’s a banger. Pro tip: if you’re squinting into the sun driving out of western Sydney, crack a Squinters. It’s practically a High Country initiation.
The views at Dartmouth? Filthy in the best way—like, “whisper sweet nothings to the horizon” filthy. Pro tip: pack a flannel and a good bedding, but don’t skimp on the electric blanket. August was mint, but nights here can nip like a poorly trained blue heeler.
Why You Gotta Hit the High Country
I could bang on about how the Victorian High Country is God’s gift to 4WD camping, but it’s more than that. It’s the crunch of snow under your boots, the silence of a valley with no one else around, and the smell of campfire mixing with sizzling steaks. It’s not just a trip—it’s a a hard reset & calibration. Unlike those “welcome to country” shenanigans we have to put up with in the city, the High Country wraps you in a rugged hug and says, “Live a little”
Practical tips:
- Gear: Good quality tyres are a must. The rocks are sharp and the terrain slippery. Air down for tracks like Scrubby Creek Track, maintain the track by using your locker up steep hills.
- Dog-Friendly: Most tracks are pup-friendly, but Lake Dartmouth’s a no-dog zone. Plan ahead for Nugget.
- Camp Bedding: Bush camps are gold. Rooftop tent, swag, or Oztent RV4—pack what works, keep warm and maintain a sense of adventure.
- Mystery Beers: Bring a four-pack of something weird. It’s a laugh, and you might strike gold.
- Weather: August can be perfect, but pack for snow and sudden storms. The High Country’s moodier than your missus after you had 'just one or two beers' at the pub.
Wrapping It Up
As Dex said, This trip was all highlights, no lowlights. No breakages, no bogged rigs—just me, Jeremy, Dex, and Nugget cruising through the Victorian High Country. Camping on Mount Sassafras with my pulled pork, sipping mystery beers by Lake Dartmouth as the sun set, and working our way up shaley tracks? That’s the good life. If you’re watching it on your phone at work (hopefully on the dunny getting paid), stop scrolling and start planning. The High Country’s calling, and it’s got more heart than a city skyline ever will.
Off-Roading 4WD Essentials for The Victorian High Country
Off-roading here isn't for the inexperienced. Here’s what you need to Tackle the steep and vast terrain:
- Vehicle: A 4x4 vehicle is non-negotiable. I have a heavily modified Volkswagen Amarok. Lift is strongly recommended. I wouldn't recommend this trip for anything that's not lifted unless you're prepared to cop some damage.
- Tyres: Good quality off-road tires are non negotiable. I run Yokohama Mud Terrain Geolander G003 M/T tyres. An aggressive or extreme all terrain tyre is essential. You will need to drop some pressure as the hill climbs are shaley and can become extremely slippery when wet. Dex put on the temporary X-AT's for a very good reason.
- Snorkel/Breathers: The river crossings can get deep, we were lucky.
- Winch & Straps: Don't attempt this track without a Winch, recovery points and straps. As soon as the rain hits some of the hill climbs are impossible without a winch. BE SAFE!!!!
- Navigation: Offline maps. There's sweet F.A. reception along this track. If you get stuck it may be a few days before someone comes to help. The climate is unforgiving and the area, hard to navigate
- Communications: It goes without saying, however you should ALWAYS be carrying a 5w UHF. Again, if you're stuck you may find yourself hunting for help. A Sat phone or some kind of backup communication is strongly advised.
- Bedding/Clothing: It gets cold - freezing cold! I ran my electric blanket all night, temperatures plummet as soon as you step away from the camp fire. You'll want more bedding than you might in the outback - beware of high winds. Think Thermal jeans, boots, weatherproof jackets, it can get cold and wet. God blessed us with perfect weather on this trip, but as every experienced camper knows - the weather can be fickle
Chuck us a like or subscribe on YouTube if you loved the episode. Got thoughts on mystery beers? Hit me up—I’m keen to hear. And if you spot me, Nugget, or the Amarok out there, bring a cold Squinters. Cheers, you absolute legends.