DAY ONE

Pack up the kids, the camping gear, and grab some roadtrip snacks — you’re heading off the beaten track! Follow the road signs to make camp for the night. Coopers Creek campground is a great family-friendly spot on the Thomson River, or get a taste of country hospitality at Erica Caravan Park with barbeque, giant chess, table tennis, foosball, playground and licensed bar for the adults. Take a moment to enjoy the serenity in Erica, and if you’re feeling adventurous check out Horseshoe Bend Tunnel — a scenic river diversion with an intriguing history.

DAY TWO

No trip would be complete without a stopover in lovely Walhalla. Take your time to explore the picturesque village on foot, and embrace your childlike wonder. Book your family ticket on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, riding through the bushland alongside Stringers Creek to the idyllic Thomson Station — and back again. If you’re feeling spooky, book an evening Walhalla Ghost Tour for terrifying tales and bumps in the night.

DAY THREE

Fold up the tent, empty the esky, and put out the campfire — you’re heading home. If you’re not ready to leave just yet, a stop at nearby Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is in order. Depending on the season, either rug up and throw snowballs, or, if the grass is green, book a range of family- friendly activities on the iconic mountain. Think laser tag, trampolines and alpine dingo encounters.

DAY ONE

We’ll let you in on a secret, the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers region, does in fact have spectacular mountains, and rivers — surprise! Whether you’re into fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, dirt biking, mountain biking, river rafting, 4WDing, horseriding or simply being in nature — this is your playground. Fill your belly with a hearty pub meal at Stockyard Bar & Bistro and rest up at adjoining Rawson Caravan Park, ready for a full day of adventuring.

DAY TWO

Rise, shine, lace up your activity-appropriate footwear, and head for the mountains! The Aberfeldy Track is considered one of Victoria’s greatest 4WD experiences, taking you via Thomson Dam, Woods Point and beyond. Bruntons Bridge offers camping, river access and an Insta-worthy footbridge. Erica MTB Park boasts some of the best rides in Gippsland, and the epic 655km Australian Alps Walking Track kicks off from Walhalla.

Pick your poison, do your research, be prepared, and be sure to bring your camera! If your muscles are sore from your adventures, do yourself a favour and check into a spa chalet at Mountain Rivers Tourist Park in Rawson.

DAY THREE

Sunrise hike up Mt St Gwinear anyone? One last crossing over Thomson River? Or maybe fancy a quick swim? Chances are you’ve found another must-do thing that you’ll try and squeeze in here. But, if you’re exhausted, take the opportunity to kick back and relax before heading home, you’re earned it! Check if the Wally Pub is open for lunch and a cold beer, then hit the road — we’ll see you again soon.

DAY ONE

Resting in a deep green valley surrounded by plunging hills, picture-perfect Walhalla is the secluded oasis time forgot. Lovingly preserved from its once-upon-a-time gold mining era, there’s nowhere else quite like this curious village. 

Settle in and snuggle up with a good book in one of the charming accommodation options right in town — from a suite of quaint private cottages to bed and breakfasts to the iconic Walhalla’s Star Hotel overlooking the Mountaineers Band Rotunda. Be sure to step outside and gaze up at the starry night sky — with little competing light the galaxies are spectacular.

DAY TWO

Take the morning to explore this wonderful town on foot, taking time to absorb the history of the streetscape at your own pace. To dig deeper into the rich history of local gold-mining, book a guided tour through the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. Spend the afternoon defining your own leisure. Painting, photography or bird-watching are all perfectly suited to this pristine setting. If you’re feeling energetic the Walhalla Tramline Walk offers a fantastic outlook over the town, with the option of continuing onto Poverty Point Bridge. Further afield, near the summit of Mt Erica, is the Mushroom Rocks bushwalk — with monumental granite boulders hidden in thick montane forest.

DAY THREE

And just like that, all good things must come to an end. Soak up the atmosphere of beautifully peaceful Walhalla as much as you can before bidding farewell. For a final dose of history pay a visit to the Old Walhalla Post Office Museum and the Old Wahalla Fire Station Museum. Take a short stroll up the hill to the significant and unusual Walhalla Cemetery, and take a gander at the landmark Walhalla Cricket Ground.

Until next time...