Mansfield Shire Top Short Drives
Pack a picnic lunch, some local beverages, hop in the car and be prepared for a fabulous scenic tour of the Mansfield environs.
Jamieson riverside
A 40 minute drive along the Mansfield-Woods Point Road brings you to charming Jamieson, a historic gold mining era township on the banks of the Jamieson and Goulburn rivers - great for fishing or frolicking in the water, or its colourful significant trees in autumn. Take a leisurely stroll around the township, or sample refreshments at the hotel, general store or cafe. Visit the Island (your pooch can run here in this off-leash park)or brewery. Kayak hire available at the Caravan Park in summer.
Craig's Hut
If you are looking for a bit of adventure and panoramic views you can't go past a trip to Craig's Hut on the back of Mt Stirling. Roads are largely unsealed and rated AWD, or 2WD in good dry conditions, with the last bit by 4WD or by foot via the Craig's Hut walk from the Circuit Road Picnic Area (1.7km each way). Approximately 1.5hours from Mansfield, this site from "The Man from Snowy River" movie showcases endless views across Victoria's rugged mountain ranges. Mt Stirling Road, left on Circuit Road, to Clear Hills Track (4WD). Pick up a High Country Adventure Guide from the Mansfield Visitor Centre for more detail. Not accessible June to November.
Mt Buller
For panoramic vistas across surrounding mountains a trip to Mt Buller is in order. Outside of snow season you can drive into the village and up to the base of the summit to see forever! View the Bluff, Mt Cobbler, Mt Stirling and back across the Delatite Valley towards Mansfield. Get a glimpse of our alpine village and imagine yourself skiing! From Mansfield take the Mt Buller Road for 48 kms of good sealed road. (Entry fees and wheelchains required during the snow season June - October).
Howqua Hills Historic Area
With a history of aboriginal meeting place, gold mining and pioneer settlement Howqua Hills Historic Area in the Alpine National Park offers loads of heritage aspects along with its natural beauty along the Howqua River. A popular bush camping location, from Sheepyard Flat walk the Howqua Hills Heritage Trail (1.9km each way) to discover Fry's Flat where our best preserved heritage bush but awaits or drive on to Tunnel Bend to see remnants of the old tunnel and water race from the gold mining era. 45 mins from Mansfield via Mt Buller Road to Merrijig, then Howqua Track. Picnic tables and pit toilets available. Unsealed 2WD
Goughs Bay
The pretty township of Goughs Bay overlooks the waters of Lake Eildon. Just 20 mins from Mansfield take head along the Mansfield- Woods Point Road, past the Zoo, then on to the Piries-Goughs Bay Road. Follow Bayside Boulevard to Picnic Point, where you have BBQs, tables, toilets, playground and fabulous views. On return, for a different route, take Howes Creek Road to the Maroondah Highway near the start of Mansfield. Some unsealed 2WD road on this section.
Power's Lookout
56km from Mansfield along the Whitfield Road you will find this bushranger haunt well known for its wonderful views over the King Valley and the Great Dividing Range. For a taste of Kelly history, stop along the way at Stringybark Creek, just out of Tolmie.
Circumnavigate the lake!
For a slightly longer drive take a trip around majestic Lake Eildon. With a long shoreline, this will take about 4-5 hours but will take you through lush farmland , tall forests and to scenic lookouts. Take Maroondah Highway to Bonnie Doan, just over the bridge, left to Maintongoon Road to Sonnberg Drive for an expansive outlook, then continue on to Skyline and Eildon. Cross the dam wall then take the Eildon-Jamieson Road to Mansfield- Woods Point Road for a cruise back to Mansfield. Some unsealed sections.
