Virtual Fireplace

We all love to sit around the fireplace and swap stories about places we've been or things we've seen.  We can let you know about the fantastic places we have been to and please feel free to email your stories and reviews in so we can all share them around the Virtual Fireplace.

Craigs, Bluff & Razorback Huts, camping at Sheepyard Flats and Pineapple Flats

A family long weekend away saw us pack our 4WDs to the brim with tents and sleeping gear (and precious little else), leave the dogs behind (no dogs allowed in the National Parks) and head off for a high country trip around Mt Stirling.

We set up a 30 second tent, a Black Wolf quick up tent and our trusty rooftop tent at Sheepyard Flats on the first day, along with about 1000 others and enjoyed cooking over the fire, with the aim of the weekend to leave all the creature comforts behind.  The next day we headed off on our 4WD adventure, taking in Bluffs track up to the hut, before taking on 16 Mile Jeep Track, The Monument Track, and Clear Hills Track before arriving at Craigs Hut (again with about 1000 others!).  The views are spectacular and the day was clear and crisp - perfect high country weather.  We then headed on to Pineapple Flats for the second night, getting there via Black Landing Track and finishing off with a fun little river crossing into Pineapple Flats.

This is the first time we have camped there and it was fantastic - very few in there considering it was a long weekend, with ample firewood, a drop toilet and the beautiful little King River running around the camp site.

The trip home was pretty comfortable, via Razorback Hut and onto the Circuit Road.

You can get to Craigs Hut in pretty much any vehicle, although we would recommend at least a high lift vehicle even if it is 2wd.  We chose some of the tougher tracks without any real issues and only spent about 30% of the time in low range 4WD.  Of the tracks we tried, The Monument Track was most challenging, on the back of 20ml of rain a day or so prior.  I think if it had been seriously wet it would have been extremely challenging.  The views are spectacular, the national parks pristine, the sense of being in the high country truly invigorating. We can't wait to go back.

A great weekend away had by all.

Paradise Valley - Glenmaggie, East Gippsland, Victoria

And what a location for a fireplace.  This is our favourite weekend getaway with the families - it has it all.  Situated on a private property, the camp grounds stretch along the Macalister River.  You can free camp (our preference) along the river, or you can set up on one of the powered sites near the toilet and shower block.  If that's still too rough, there are a few cabins available too.

The river is great for swimming, we love to float down the river on our air mattresses, stopping at the rope swing for splash, before bumping our way down the shallow rapids.

There is plenty of river to fish.... but fish seem on the shy side.

The park is fantastic thick grass, great for getting around in your bare feet.  Dogs are welcome, there is water and gas available and fees are pretty good value at around $25 for a couple per night and only a few extra dollars for a powered site.  Kids are about $9 a head per night.

Fires are permitted and there are lots of fireplaces along the river - take your own firewood if you can, otherwise it's a trip along the road to Licola to find some wood.

There is plenty of 4WDing to do - the famed Burgoyne Staircase is just up the road.  Depending on conditions, this can be relatively easy or impossible, so check before you start.

We love sitting around the fire at night, counting shooting stars, satellites and planes - never a night passes without a few of each passing through the milky way.

Call in advance - the park is open October through to Autumn / Winter depending on the weather.