Clancy is a Man From Snowy River tragic. Don’t tell him I said so, but I think he thinks he could be the man from Snowy River except for the fact that he doesn’t ride. Oooops. That doesn’t stop him making us all watch the movie over and over whenever we’re down in Eucumbene. He also bears more than a passing resemblance to Russell Coight from All Aussie Adventures (it’s time to hit the road)…but the least said about that the better.
The high country is Clancy country, so where else to go for a Clancy Crew get together than Craig’s Hut – the hut created for the Man From Snowy River for Jim Craig. It’s on Mt Stirling and to get up there you need a 4WD – or be prepared to walk 1.7km uphill …yeah, that wasn’t going to happen.
Craig’s Hut
Although Craig’s Hut was originally built as a set for the 1982 movie The Man From Snowy River it has become a landmark in its own right – so much so that it’s difficult to believe that it hasn’t sheltered someone like Jim Craig over the years.
The original Craig’s Hut burnt down in a bushfire. This replica – with a tin rather than bark roof – was completed in 2008.
Apparently, it’s a pretty good replica of the high country settler’s huts. Regardless of whether or not it’s real, it’s extremely photogenic.
Sitting on top of Mt Stirling, the views are spectacular. Up here, on a clear day, it really does feel as though you can see forever.
Bindaree Falls…
We called in afterwards at Bindaree Falls. A short but steep walk takes you to behind the falls themselves. Well worth a detour.
Where we barbecued…
Bindaree Flat. Clancy isn’t short of bright ideas, so had thought ahead and brought along a single burner stove, frypan, sausages and bread rolls. Sadly he isn’t enough of an ideas man to have anticipated what the constant jolting would do to the beers in the esky in the back of the truck. Luckily we were able to salvage four.
Where we stayed…
Mansfield is in the foothills of the Victorian alps, an easy 40kms drive to Mt Stirling or Mt Buller, and about 180kms north east of Melbourne. With stops, I suppose it was around an 8-hour drive from Sydney. We stayed Friday and Saturday night at Mansfield Holiday Park. We booked 2 cabins and they couldn’t have been more perfect – or cost-effective. The cabins are neat, functional, comfortable and have all you need with none of the frills you don’t.
What else…
While there are plenty of places up around Mt Stirling to camp and picnic, you need to bring everything in with you – and take everything back out – and that includes your rubbish. There are toilets up there, but they’re long drops and you’ll need to have your own toilet paper.
Craig’s Hut is subject to seasonal road closures, so before heading up here check in with the Mansfield Visitor Centre.
Clancy's Campfire 