Mountain-Top Experience Information

Ron and Andrea Camier established Mountain-Top Experience (MTE) in 1998 following Ron's retrenchment from brown coal research and development due to the privatisation of the power industry. MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular, winning many accolades including a Victorian Tourism Award in 2003. With its enthusiastic team of tour guides, MTE initiated a network of inter-related small businesses. This included 4WD driver training courses exceeding nationally accredited standards, and their Mt Baw Baw Transport Service to the snow each winter. Starting with the MTE fleet of vehicles, MTE4x4 was established in 2002 by Ian McCowat of Morwell, specialising in Land Rover modifications and accessories. Ian's skills were in great demand by many other customers, until ceasing business in 2015. This work is now carried out by Land Rover specialist Will Heily of Bob's Tuning & Repairs. The hiring out of 4WD vehicles expanded into a Mini-bus Hire joint venture with Gippsland Fleet Maintenance in 2004, adding a fleet of four 12-seater mini-buses. This led to regular mini-bus rentals and transport services including significant logistics support to land management authorities during several major bushfires in Gippsland. We also were able to support Fusion Gippsland in their local youth and community work. We subsequently purchased three mini-buses from GFM when it restructured. In 2005 bushman Mike Thomas, who had a horse trail riding business at his property, Mountain Rivers Lodge in Rawson, joined the team. Mike was a colourful character and popular tour guide on both the trail rides and later 4WD tours. However the impact of escalating insurance costs for horse riding led to the closure of his trail ride business. In 2007 the Camiers bought a half share in the 40 acre property. This was for the dual purpose of assisting Mike stay on there following the closure of his trail ride business, together with assisting friends David and Sarah Bush ...