Things to do
From skiing to rodeos, from bush walking to hot air ballooning, from mountain biking to fishing, Play Shack® is the perfect base to experience all the magnificent Victorian High Country has to offer.
Here are some of our favourites.
Mt Buller
Just 20 minutes from Play Shack®, Mt Buller in the summertime is a place of beauty, fun and relaxation. Take a bushwalk, hire a bike, pack a picnic or eat out at one of the cafes. The Horsehill Chairlift is open 10am - 4pm during school holidays & each weekend up to & including Easter. Toilets, ATM, picnic tables and BBQ facilities available.
Craig's Hut
Built for the filming of The Man from Snowy River, then burnt in the 2006 bushfires and recently rebuilt, Craig's Hut is a popular destination for a picnic to enjoy the outstanding views. Craig's Hut is accessible via the Circuit Road on Mt. Stirling by both 2WD (you will need to walk last 250m) and 4WD vehicles and only 45mins from Play Shack®
Jamieson
Just a 40 minutes drive from Play Shack®. Take a leisurely walk around this small township. In the 1850s its population was around 4,000. The town is at the junction of the Goulburn and Jamieson River. Shaded picnic ground located at Brewery Bridge, great for younger children to splash around in. Visit the famous Jamieson Brewery as well.
Sheepyard Flat
Howqua track via Merrijig. A 30-45 minute drive from Play Shack®, turn onto the Howqua Track for a winding descent into Sheepyard Flat. You will find a great picnic area with fireplaces, toilets, picnic tables and good fishing on the Howqua River. When you arrive find the marked scenic track from Sheepyard Flat to Fry's Hut (60 mins return), gaining insights into the gold mining history of this area. Further along the road from Sheepyard Flat is Tunnel Bend, a 100m long tunnel dug through rock by Chinese miners in the gold mining days. 30 minutes from Play Shack®
Merrijig Rodeo
The Merrijig Rodeo is a fantastic family orientated annual event. Held every Saturday of the Labour Day Weekend. Complete with terrific kid friendly sideshow entertainments, a variety of food stalls & a licensed bar (BYO Alcohol is PROHIBITED & Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an Adult.), there is literally something for every member of the family to enjoy. A real taste of country. 10 minutes from Play Shack®.
Targa High Country Rally
Targa High Country was first run in 2010 and attracts an average field of 200 entries due to its challenging yet scenic roads, as well as being such an easily accessible region. Targa High Country is based on top of Victoria's most popular Ski Resort, Mt Buller, some 1,800 meters above sea level offering a unique experience to competitors. In summer the road to the summit masquerades as one of the most exciting hill climbs in the country, and, provides the gateway to all stages over the three days of competition. Serious cars. Serious hill climbing. 5 minutes from Play Shack® literally at your front door step.
Mansfield Melbourne Cup Picnic Races
Mansfield is recognised for its iconic mountain horse men and women and is one of Australia's largest recreational horse riding regions. It is no surprise that the township also has a love affair with horse racing, dating back 160 years. Mansfield District Racing Club hosts the Mansfield Melbourne Cup meeting on the Melbourne Cup Day holiday. Its an unbelievably fun day at a country race meeting. 20 minutes from Play Shack®
Mansfield Zoo
Mansfield Zoo is one of North East Victoria's hidden secrets, with a large collection of exotic and native animals on 30 acres of picturesque parkland featuring lovely views across the Delatite Valley to Mt Buller. Hand feed many of the animals as you wander! Meet Sophia and Miss Greedy, our friendly fallow deer, and Joey the Grey Kangaroo, just some of the animals who will interact with you as you stroll around. Bring along family, friends and a picnic lunch, or sample local wine and fare in our licensed cafe. For those who are more adventurous, stay overnight in a swag and fall asleep to the roar of the lions! 20 minutes from Play Shack®
Helicopter Tours
Alpine Helicopter Charter Scenic Tours Join us as we reveal the hidden beauty of Victoria's magnificent High Country. Fly over some of Australia's highest mountain tops, follow along rugged mountain ranges and descend into wild river valleys. We'll show you historic cattlemen's huts and land at the famous Craig's Hut as used in the "Man From Snowy River" films. Flying lower and slower, the helicopter's unique flight capabilities provide exceptional visibility from the comfort of your seat. 20 minutes from Play Shack®