Updated on August 3, 2019
Dargo, one of the most remote towns in Victoria.
Despite being considered a fairly remote town, Dargo is just under 100km’s from the Princes Highway and around 320 km’s East of Melbourne. Driving on a sealed, winding road through the valleys, it is accessible to everyone and totally worth getting off the highway to experience.
Stop in at the historic Dargo Hotel, there could be no better introduction to a classic Aussie Hotel. Built in 1898, the pub oozes history as well as providing log cabin accommodation, delicious meals, and cold drinks.
Dargo’s population of 150 residents are often outnumbered during the summer season, but there is room for everyone as the region has so much to offer.
Camping, fishing, hiking and four-wheel driving are some of the most popular things to do. It’s the gateway to the legendary Dargo High Plains, the Alpine National Park, Avon Wilderness Area, and Mitchell River National Park.
First surveyed in 1864, Dargo was primarily a stopping off point for supplies to the nearby goldfields. Century-old Walnut trees can be seen in the valley, some farms still producing and selling walnuts.
Dargo Camping
We free-camped along the Upper Dargo Road at a fabulous spot named Italian Flats. One basic, long-drop loo, no showers or power, and no phone reception -Yeah!
It is just under 10 km’s to Dargo and gets super busy during the main holiday times. No bookings, just rock on up. A few other free campsites are to be found along the road too.
Our camp set up was super quick, using an Instant Pop Up Tent. The girls slept in the back of the Subaru with the seats down flat, so they were chuffed. With a fire going in the concrete-lined fire pit and the Dargo River a 20-second walk away, we had an ideal campsite.
Dargo Accommodation
The Dargo River Inn is the best choice for accommodation for travelers who are not camping in Dargo.
The Dargo River Inn has an onsite restaurant, spacious cabins, family units and backpacker dorms.
Find the best prices to stay at the River Inn.
Air BnB Accommodation in Dargo
A number of good Air BnB options are available near Dargo, browse accommodation in Dargo using Air BnB.
Have you joined the Air BnB community yet? If not, use this link to receive a credit of $45 AUD (approx) to use on your first booking.
A detour off-highway One if you are driving between Melbourne and Sydney to visit Dargo is a worthy sidetrip, another awesome drive is over the famous Snowy River and McKillops Bridge, along Victoria’s most dangerous road!
The photo you have with the caption “Walnut Trees along the Upper Dargo Road.” is of my parent’s property in Upper Dargo. The one with the stone house (that Dad built) and the log hut which has been there as long as I remember. I grew up there in the 1960’s in the teachers residence aas Dad was the teacher back then. The property on Dargo Road was purchased by Dad in 1976. Back then, there was no house on the property and the river flats were head high in blackberries. The log hut was there and in need of lots of work. Dad traveled up there (4 1/2 hours) Friday nights from Eltham, worked his rear end off over the weekend to repair the property, renovate the hut and build the house. Then he would drive home Sunday night to go to work on Monday.
To this day, the property is a postcard, with many people stopping to take photos. It’s my favourite place in the world to spend time at. I stay in the log hut which now boasts running water, a pot belly, an oven and stove top and five beds.The air is clean, the water crystal clear and as an added bonus, there is no mobile phone coverage. Perfevct.
Hi Shane, what fabulous memories you have of the area and what a drive your Dad did each weekend to renovate the hut. It is a special area and one of my favourite places. Thank you for sharing your story.
There’s something about Australia that always reminds us of South Africa. One thing for sure, you guys aren’t afraid to camp anywhere – I’d be afraid of a snake or one of those crazy sized spiders.
Looks like an exciting adventure!
Frank (bbqboy)
No lions or giant beasties that can take you in the night in Oz though! Get down for a visit after Japan!
Love the drive up through the mountains to Dargo
It is a great drive, next time I’m going to continue on over to Hotham and beyond!