There's no shortage of interesting places to visit in the area from natural features through to attractions provided by tourism operators. Some are free some have a small charge attached. There's a brief summary of ways to spend some time exploring the district depending where your interests are and what you feel like doing.
(Generally accessible from November to May)
The drive to Craig's Hut from Merrijig will take about one and a quarter hours. For those driving a conventional two wheel drive vehicle you will need to park 1.2 kms from the hut on the Circuit Rd and walk in the rest of the way.* Craig's Hut is located in State Forest next to the Mt Stirling Alpine Resort and is managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
(Note: No fuel supplies are located east of Mansfield on the Mt Buller Rd.)
From Merrijig (where much of the filming of the two Man From Snowy River movies was located) take the Mt Buller Rd and continue until you reach the base of the mountains at Mirimbah, sited on the popular trout fishing river, the Delatite. Mirimbah was once a sawmilling town.
At Mirimbah turn left across the Delatite River, following the sign to Mt Stirling. The road is gravel from this point. Continue for 9kms until you arrive at Telephone Box Junction (TBJ). There is no telephone box! TBJ is obvious by the large parking area, used in winter and a building which houses the Mt Stirling Ski Patrol Base and Mt Stirling Ski Hire and Bistro (open in winter). Take care driving to TBJ (and the following 3.5 kms where the Mnt No. 3 Rd intersects with the Circuit Rd) as log trucks use this road in summer and autumn.
TBJ is the start and finish of the Circuit Rd which runs around the base of Mt Stirling. At TBJ take the left hand fork – or lower road (which can be rough and dusty) and continue for 18kms. Watch that you DO NOT take the Mt No. 3 Rd to the left. Stay on the Circuit Rd. After 18 kms the road widens a little. Two wheel drive vehicles should park here. Visitors can walk in the rest of the way – about 1200 metres following the walking track.* At the start of the walking track there are toilets and picnic tables. Toilets are also located near Craig's Hut.
Four wheel drive vehicles should continue for another kilometre to the start of the four wheel drive track to the right. You should engage 4WD before turning into the Clear Hills Track. Be aware that mountain soil can be very slippery after rain. Continue up the track to the hut which will eventually appear on your right. The large humps in the track are to minimise erosion from water runoff. You may need to approach these on an angle depending on the length of your vehicle. Please do not park on the button grass.
Clear Hills is a lovely spot for a picnic lunch, a chance to soak up the beauty of the Great Divide. Return the way you came.**
Remember Craig's Hut is in an alpine environment where sudden changes in weather conditions are common. You are also advised to carry water for your trip and please take your rubbish home with you.
Remember drive with care, fill out a Trip Intentions Form,
don't forget your camera and have a great day...
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Distances and Time Guidelines
Merrijig to Mirimbah | 15 kms | 15 mins |
Mirimbah to TBJ | 9 kms | 15 mins |
TBJ to Craig's Hut Walking Trail & 4WD | 18 kms + 1 km | 45-60 mins |
Circuit Rd to Craig's Hut | Via walking Trail - 1.2 kms Via 4WD Track - 2 kms | 45 mins 10-15 mins |
2WD and Walking | 45 kms | 2 hrs 10 mins |
4WD | 45 kms | 1 hrs 40 mins |
Clear Hills Track to Bindaree Rd via Circuit Rd | 17 kms | 30 mins |
Bindaree Rd to Howqua Gap via Circuit Rd | 12 kms | 20 mins |
TBJ to Howqua Gap (turn right via Circuit Rd) | 7 kms | 10 mins |
Bindaree Rd to Bindaree Falls | 15 kms | 15 mins |
Howqua Gap to Mt Buller Alpine Village | 10 kms | 40 mins |
Detailed maps are usually available for purchase 7 days a week from the Mansfield Visitors' Information Centre.
Delatite Winery
Only 10 minutes drive from Buttercup, Delatite Winery produces world class wines. Cellar door sales are available nearly daily from 10 am till 4 pm.
Kinloch Winery
Also only 10 minutes from Buttercup, this winery which was established in 1996, offers, apart from very good tastings, light meals. Open 10 am till 4 pm on weekends and public holidays (not Christmas Day or Good Friday), and Thursday to Sunday during School Holidays. http://www.kinlochwines.com.au
Kelly Tree
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Kelly Tree
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The Kelly Tree is where the shootout between Ned Kelly and the Police from Mansfield is said to have taken place. A magnificent old gum tree marks the spot. The troopers, Lonigan, Kennedy and Scanlon, were shot on October 25, 1878. It was this act which led to the hanging of Ned Kelly. The graves of the three policemen are located in the Mansfield Cemetery and a monument to them is located in the centre roundabout in Mansfield.
To locate the Kelly Tree take the Tolmie Rd out of Mansfield. Follow it to Tolmie about 22 kms away, then turn left just past the store, into the Tatong Rd. Continue for 11 kms until you reach Stringybark Creek Rd. Turn left and continue to the Picnic area. The tree is located a short walk from the picnic area.
If you return to the Tatong Rd you can continue on to Tatong for lunch around to Swanpool and back to Mansfield.
Powers Lookout
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Powers Lookout
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Powers Lookout provides a great vantage point to see along the King River valley and across to the mountains. Bushranger Harry Power in fact used this lookout as his hideout. Harry, known as the Gentleman Bushranger, watched for any troopers who may have been pursuing him. His peacock was said to have kept an eye out for him and would cry out if there were any unusual movements in the valley below.
If you take the walk out from the interpretive centre and scale the rocks and ladders the views make the walk well worth the trip.
King Valley Wineries
If you're exploring the Kelly story and find yourselves at Powers Lookout, you could extend your excursion into the King Valley.
The King Valley Virgin Wine, Food and Arts Festival is held annually in November. It's a showcase of local produce as well as the talent of local artists and the community.
The King Valley is the largest producer of classic wine varieties in Victoria. Not only does the region produce quality grapes, many small family based wineries are open for cellar door tastings.
Six wineries are concentrated in a small area making a quick winery tour quite easy. Like Delatite Winery the grapes grown at high altitude have slow maturing which produce fine cool climate wines.
Other attractions in the King Valley include a trout farm, prickle berry farm, apple orchard, a rose farm and country hotel at Whitfield where you can stop for an excellent lunch.
Art & Craft
If art and craft appeals to you this area is fortunate to have a number of places to visit.
- Alcheringa Black Sheep Stud on the Melbourne side of Mansfield offers a large variety of interesting craft ideas including sheepskins, fleece, woven rugs, saddle blankets, wall hangings, handspun garments and knitting yarns. As well as craft owner Betty Gerrish has healing crystals, gemstones and jewellery. Betty can also usually be found at the Mansfield Bush Markets four times a year. Open most days, 10 am till 4 pm. It's best to phone first on 03 5778 7610.
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Art and Craft
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- Mansfield Terracotta & Giftware offers a unique collection of giftware including a large variety of pots, statues, fountains and birdbaths. Located just out of Mansfield in Withers Lane Mansfield Terracotta has lovely views across to the mountains. Mansfield Terracotta is open daily from 9 am till 5 pm except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
For more information about Victoria, Tourism Victoria has additional information about the larger area.
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