High Country Summer – Buckland Valley – Bright – Porepunkah

Buckland Valley – Bright – Porepunkah Vic High Country
Revisited 2012

Bright – here we come

Christmas is one of our few chances to escape the deluge of tourists heading to the coast in search of sun & surf. We prefer the dry heat of the inland.
The Vic High Country around Bright is always a favorite destination at any time of year.

Getting an early start on Boxing Day morning we met the others at Goulburn Macca’s for a quick breakfast and chance for the dogs to have a drink & wee break. With the Polaris set for the Buckland Valley, we were headed down the Hume by 6.30am.

Doesn’t this road just keep getting better, the Hume is always undergoing major improvements. Newly opened Woomargama by-pass fully operational, and the Holbrook by-pass well under way, it wasn’t long before we were refueling at the Lavo truck stop.

Our small convoy was soon headed along the Yackandandah – Myrtleford Rd with aspirations of lunch at our Buckland River camp.






Buckland Valley

Alpine Way – Buckland Valley

Following the Alpine Way from Myrtleford towards Bright we turn off at the Porepunkah roundabout, and we were soon on the dirt heading up the valley road. Buckland Valley’s rich alluvial river flats are close to town, and predominately are used for diary and fruit growing. 

Buckland Valley



Buckland Valley camp

The river road sweeps and snakes it’s way along as it climbs up towards it’s source high up in the mountains.
Many old gold diggings and mine shafts can be explored along this road. Some have survived as camping reserves. So many campers had already arrived and filled up the first few camps along the valley road. Much busier than last Christmas.




Undeterred we were able to secure a great spot; well off the road and hidden along a little track winding down to a large flat area by the river. A quiet spot with good grass cover and shade, and big enough for all our rigs. Wal & Les soon had the beer garden organised in one of the shady spots; whilst the kids & the dogs were already down checking out the river for swimming holes.



exploring upstream


Although the Buckland River had plenty
of flow, the depth wasn’t as good for
swimming as last Christmas.
Upstream the kids found a set of rapids and a couple of really deep holes.
They had a great time riding the rapids, constructing rock walls and dams.






Cold feet



Overhanging trees and depth of the valley provided great shade and at times you had to seek some sunshine to stay warm in the rather icy water.

The rocky bottom was also a bit slippery, but the water was crystal clear.







Camp life


Our new Supreme Getaway was living up to it’s name and everyone utilised the large corner lounge and table. I just loved the big fridge in the new van as we were short the extra Engel in the Troopy on this trip.
With Bright just 25mins away, it’s easy to restock essential supplies of fresh bread, meat and milk.






heading out



Buckland Valley Road takes you up to the Mt Selwyn track, and from here the high country is yours for the picking. A 4wdrivers heaven, tracks leading off in all directions to another valley or river somewhere …..