Huts, Ruts and Pubs of The High Country

This trip is exactly what it sounds like — a proper High Country wander built around huts, hard tracks, long days, and a few well-earned cold beers along the way. We kick things off at the Gerogery Hotel, famous for its food challenges, where Trev steps up to tackle a 2kg rump steak before we point the cars toward the Victorian High Country. From there it’s into Mansfield to visit the Buller Road Brewery, catching up with owner Adam Craze, knocking back a cold one, grabbing a few takeaways for camp — and loading a keg to deliver to the Wood Point Commercial Hotel, ticking off three pubs in a single day. As daylight fades, we push on through a series of water crossings, navigating the High Country in the dark while trying to find a camp spot for the night. Day two is all about the tracks. We visit three High Country huts, soak up the history of the area, and then tackle the infamous Billy Goat Bluff Track, where things don’t go entirely to plan and a couple of challenges test both drivers and vehicles. We then drop into Licola, sitting down with Leanne O’Donnell, the long-time proprietor of the Licola General Store and Caravan Park, to talk about the future of the town and the circumstances that have led to her being forced out of a place that holds deep meaning for so many people. The trip wraps up at the Dargo River Inn, closing out a journey that mixes adventure, mateship, and some important conversations about the places that make the High Country what it is. Update on Licola Since filming, the situation in Licola has changed. Leanne has had to vacate the General Store due to a vacant possession requirement tied to the sale of the town. While the store is expected to reopen under new management, Licola itself remains for sale, and the future of the town is still uncertain. This isn’t just about a business changing hands — it’s about preserving the history, character, and soul of a place that means a great deal to many Australians. Leanne continues to advocate for the right kind of future for Licola, and we wanted to include this update to keep viewers informed. If Licola has been part of your travels or memories, your voice matters.