GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #58 | Page 21

RV FEATURE
SHEEPYARD FLAT Victorian High Country
Getting away in Victoria during the summer usually means finding a caravan park site at one of the many popular beachside destinations . Places like the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas , as well as the Gippsland coast , are all popular this time of year . Even without the effects of covid restrictions , you need to book a caravan park site in these areas months in advance . This year , it will be almost impossible to secure a site at the last minute .
But who says you have to go to the beach to escape the summer heat ? Victoria is blessed with some of the most spectacular alpine country in the world , much of it accessible to caravanners . Sheepyard Flat , in the Howqua Hills Historic Area near Mansfield , is one of the best places you can take your caravan free-camping .
The entrance into Sheepyard Flat is well signposted
You can easily get a large caravan into Sheepyard Flat campground
To get to Sheepyard Flat , you need to drive to Merrijig , which can take about three hours to get to from the city . Soon , you ’ ll come to the turn-off to Howqua Track , which is also conveniently signposted to Sheepyard Flat . From there it is a 17km drive along a winding dirt road that is usually in good condition . Be very careful driving along this section as some of the corners are sharp and there can be a lot of traffic heading in both directions .
Sheepyard Flat is in a natural valley , with very easy access to the Howqua River . The area has numerous places to set-up camp . There are lots of trees to provide cover ; however , be extremely careful as some of these trees are notorious for dropping their limbs .
There are plenty of things to do , including bushwalking , troutfishing and lots of great 4WDing , including the drive up to the famous Craig ’ s Hut on top of Mount Sterling . That said , Sheepyard Flat is a great place to just set up camp , light a fire and relax in a beautiful and safe Victorian bushland environment .
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