Donger Weekend 2026

Notice of Event for VFFA Donger Weekend 2026

The Event: A weekend in the magnificent high country of East Gippsland for the annual Victorian fly fishing heavy weight clash between the VFFA and the BFFC.

Dates: Arrive Friday April 17 & depart after weigh in & presentation of ‘The Donger’ at 1:00 pm Sunday, April 19

Address: ‘Mitta Lodge’, Omeo Valley Road, Omeo Valley, VIC.

Travel: You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to and from the event. Omeo is about a 5 hour drive from Melbourne via Bairnsdale and then North along the Great Alpine Road. The lodge is about 15 minutes from Omeo with access through a locked gate (those who register will be advised of access details closer to the event).

Catering / food and drink requirements: Friday evening dinner will be at a hotel in Omeo or Benambra (those who register will be provided with details closer to the event) or self-cater. Self-catering for Saturday & Sunday breakfasts and Saturday lunch. BFFC will supply Saturday evening BBQ dinner & Sunday BBQ lunch. BYO drinks.

Cost: Accommodation is free but any members who wish to stay Sunday & beyond may be required to make payment at BFFC rates of $20pp/ night (to be confirmed).

Fishing locations: Rivers & creeks in the Omeo region (Mitta Mitta, Livingstone, Cobungra, Gibbo, etc)

Fishing licence: A current Victorian licence is required.

Mobile phone: Coverage is patchy. Good in major towns but poor or non-existent in most angling areas.

Sleeping requirements: BFFC members kindly leave the lodge, which accommodates ~10 people, available for VFFA members. Bring your own bedding and towel (or tent or swag if preferred).

Strongly recommended personal equipment: First Aid Kit w/compression bandage, Waders/wading boots, gaiters if wet wading, wading staff, brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, wet weather gear, warm clothes, insect repellent, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), torch, mobile phone in waterproof container, UHF radio.

Essential equipment if intending to fish out of direct sight of other participants: UHF radio.

Essential equipment for Remote Locations: First Aid Kit w/compression bandage, PLB, UHF radio, water, prescribed medicines for those with a medical condition which could re-occur, mobile phone where service is available.

Weather: Varies from hot to very cold, can be hot during the day with cooler temperatures at night (high country conditions).

Event Registration Form (ERF): Send to the Event Co-ordinator a completed and signed copy of the ERF via email or text by Wednesday 8^th April. Places may be limited so “First in best dressed”. Blank ERF’s can be found here.

Event Co-ordinator: Peter Clayton, mobile: 0438 219 538, email: petergc@bigpond.net.au

Date of this Notice of Event: March 15, 2026

 Please register now.