Just 180km northeast of Melbourne’s dense hustle is the picturesque, if ominously named, Mount Terrible.

Like a great many other High Country hot spots, Mount Terrible is close enough to the big smoke for a weekend escape, yet far enough away to feel like a proper getaway.

There’s a popular 4WD track leading up the mountainside to an elevation of 1300m that’ll have you reaching for low range more than once.

The nearby Jamieson River offers visitors the opportunity to fossick for gold, fish for trout or just chill out and enjoy the scenery.

Mount Terrible is a great option year round for a bush getaway out of Melbourne with some proper 4WDing ensuring things stay interesting.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING is available on the track leading to the summit of Mount Terrible. The track starts gently enough but gets rapidly steeper as you begin gaining altitude.

This is a moderately difficult track that’s best suited to high clearance 4WDs and will require low range.

GOLD FOSSICKING is popular in the area in the nearby Goulburn and Jamieson rivers.

FISHING for introduced brown and rainbow trout is possible in both the Goulburn and Jamiesons rivers.

Casual anglers can try targeting these introduced sport fish on fresh worm baits or soft plastic lures, while traditionalists may prefer to cast dry flies in the more remote stretches of water.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: 180km northeast of Melbourne, access is via the Maroondah and Goulburn Valley highways.

CAMPING is available at the Skipworth Reserve Campground, a large grassy site with plenty of room for camper trailers and caravans. The campground features well maintained drop toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. Camping is free and pets are allowed.

FUEL is available at Sellicks Hill and Eildon.

MORE INFO is available at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au