OFF the beaten track of the High Country is just one of the benefits of using Bush Experiences with Brian Westerly who imparts his expertise in navigating the ‘not so used’ bush tracks.

“It’s (Bush Experiences 4x4 drives) the only way to navigate the High Country and see the beauty of the bush,” Brian says of his tours through the picturesque landscape.

“Mansfield is a very attractive destination for many visitors whether they be international, national or regional.

“With Mansfield’s 1.2 million visitors each year there is a need for someone with experience in navigating the bush to take them around."

Brian believes that many of these visitors arrive and want to see more but don’t have the vehicles enabling them to navigate bush tracks, but also require someone to navigate for them.

“People are not only interested in seeing the High Country but also learning the history of the bush, the bushfires, the fauna and flora.

“If it’s what people want to do then I will do it with them,” he said.

Brian’s job is not only his passion but his lifestyle.

“The outdoors is my great office and meeting people from all over is what I love about my job," he said.

“I will take visitors on tours to Craig’s Hut, Razorback and other notable places in the mountains but I will also organise winery tours, go to places that are not usually visited by visitors and four wheel driving is often the only way to navigate the High Country and see the beauty of the bush.”

Bush Experiences also offers affordable group accommodation – Home Station Lodge 25km south east of Mansfield provides an unsurpassable base from which you can explore the High Country.

With a hot shower, good food, campfires and a comfortable bed at day's end, Home Station Lodge gives you private property access to the best tracks in the High Country and an unsurpassable base from which to explore and enjoy the High Country.

From its base visitors can taste local wines, take a horse ride, go bushwalking, soar in a balloon, take a joy flight, fish the lake, rivers or mountain streams, view close up Australia's unique wildlife, flora and fauna, enjoy the panoramic views and sunsets from the verandah, be replenished with home cooked meals and for the artistic take a photograph or paint a picture.

Bush Experiences offers you a range of services that will make your High Country trek a reality, and an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Drop off, pick up (from your township accommodation) and support for extended hikes along the Great Alpine Walking Track and other remote routes.

A comprehensive walk planning service is also offered with local knowledge, maps and emergency equipment.

For further information contact Brian Westerly email: wessa@bushexperiences.com.au. Or visit www.bushexperiences.com.au.