Parmas And Potholes

Rollicking through rawson on a winter’s day.

- Miriam Blaker

If you miss the turnoff to the pub you’ll end up on a four-wheel-drive track. This is serious four-wheel-drive territory around here, with tracks converging in all areas. Plus, there’s another big drawcard: tucked

in among the rollicking tracks is a gem of an establishment, a barn-like bistro with a rustic interior that looks straight out of a ‘wild west’ movie. Add to that good country hospitality, honest, hearty pub grub and friendly bar banter and you know you’re in for a fun weekend. Whether you come with your family or a four-wheel drive club, or with your horse, motorbike or fourby, this is a place that epitomises adventure.

We’re in Rawson, about 2.5 hours’ drive east of Melbourne (taking the turnoff from the M1 towards Moe) in the heart of the Gippsland Mountain Rivers region. Originally built for the construction workers of the Thomson Reservoir, Rawson is nestled close to the timber town of Erica and the gold-mining town of Walhalla and offers something in every season.

In winter, it’s an excellent base for snow activities, with the South Face road offering easy access to Mt Baw Baw Ski Resort and Thomson Valley Road (TV Road) heading to Mount St Gwinear’s toboggan runs. It’s also a great base for brilliant four-wheel-drive adventures, with loads of challenging tracks at its doorstep.

Today, on a cool day in late May, the town is quiet and there’s hardly anyone around. We’ve just checked in to the Rawson Caravan Park, which is more like a reserve in the bush. We’re surrounded by towering grey box gums, the sites are spacious, and campfires and dogs are allowed. Every site has an ensuite, which is impressive for bush camping, and it’s just a hop, skip and jump to Rawson Stockyard … and a bit of a stagger back.