Victoria’s High Country is a region of diverse beauty and breathtaking panoramas with picturesque mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes; High Country provides visitors with a year-round playground of adventure or relaxation.
Ski over the alps in winter at ski resort towns such as Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham. Once the snow has melted, discover even more by bushwalking, cycling, horse riding and fishing.
Steeped in history, discover the regions rich Aboriginal heritage as well as its legendary bushranger history.
Indulge in fine dining experiences, dine in cosy gastro pubs and visit renowned wineries and provedores in King Valley, Rutherglen and family-run boutique wineries in the High Country.
Here’s the essential guide of things to do in Victoria’s High Country to make the most of your next High Country getaway.
Victoria’s High Country is easily accessible from Melbourne, approximately 3 hours drive along the Hume Highway. Take a 4WD if you’re planning to explore off the main roads and snow chains during snow season. The V/Line train service operates from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Albury and numerous coach services also service the region. QantasLink services the Victorian ski fields with direct flights to Mount Hotham Airport.
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High Country offers some of the most spectacular and exhilarating rides in Australia for cyclists. Depending on your level of experience and fitness, you can embark on a relaxing cycle along the Rail Trail, road riding with long climbs and speedy descents plus the reward of great cafes or breweries or challenging mountain bike rides with over 300km of dedicated alpine and river valley trails.
Horseback adventures, Bushwalking and hiking day trips and packages are available including Hedonistic Hiking which offers hiking in the King Valley for foodies.
Discover the High Country’s rich heritage in the landscape, alpine villages and mountain huts dotted across the region. Visit Museums and cultural sites and hear stories about Aboriginal tribes. The rugged landscape inspired some of Australia’s most endearing legends including ‘Banjo’ Paterson’s The Man From Snowy River and bushranger Ned Kelly. Visit the famous Craig’s Hut 51 km from Mansfield atop Mt Stirling, created for the Man from Snowy River and explore the Kelly myth at Glenrowan, the site of his last stand.
The High Country is home to Victoria’s major snow and ski resorts including Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham. Mt Buller is Australia’s closest snow resort to an international airport, just 3 hours drive from Melbourne Airport or Melbourne CBD to Mt Buller. You can learn to ski with Mt Buller Ski School and plan your visit with Mt Buller lift pass and Mt Buller ski hire here. It’s not all about skiing, hike the snow trails, hit the slopes on a toboggan or snowboard, slide down tube parks or enjoy some après-ski at the end of the day.
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There are plenty of things to see and do in Victoria’s High Country and the best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Hit the slopes in Jul-Aug for peak ski season and wintery romantic getaways. Visit Victoria’s High Country in summer for mountain biking, horse riding and wine touring and enjoy the glorious autumn colours around Bright and Omeo in Apr-May.
There are plenty of options for High Country luxury accommodation in this sprawling region including popular towns of Bright, Falls Creek, Rutherglen, Beechworth and King Valley. In Bright, book a romantic getaway to The Buckland; a luxury bed and breakfast for discerning travellers. If you’re hitting the slopes, book a stay at QT Falls Creek for boutique luxury accommodation in designer apartments, just be sure to book a room with a hot tub for a post ski soak.
Choose High Country self-contained houses and cottages for cosy country getaways. In Beechworth, book a romantic getaway at 1860 Luxury Accommodation a rustic, self-contained original timber cabin. In the ski fields, seek Mt Buller accommodation such as AMO Lodge, a beautifully appointed self-contained chalet with high country views. Hotham Holidays can assist with Mt Hotham accommodation and for Falls Creek accommodation Huski offers sexy apartments and delicious onsite café.
Stunning camping sites dot the landscape around Victoria’s High Country. Camping sites by rivers or perched high in the hills make the perfect base for hiking, fishing and mountain-bike adventures. There are also a glamping options such as Into the Woods Glamping with luxe setups in preferred sites such as Yackandandah Holiday Park or Grapevine Glamping for unique vineyard accommodation at the Cofield Winery.
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A High Country gourmet road trip is hard to beat when you combine fertile valleys, quality produce, talented chefs, brewers and winemakers. In Victoria’s High Country you’ll find hatted restaurants, gourmet pubs and winery restaurants in abundance.
Provenance is considered the best restaurant in the High Country. The destination restaurant is located in Beechworth and is worth the journey for owner-chef Michael Ryan’s Asian-influenced menu. Near Rutherglen, Terrace Restaurant at All Saints Estate is the place to enjoy a long lunch overlooking the vines.
In the King Valley, Dal Zotto is a must visit for wine lovers and their Italian-inspired trattoria is reason enough to linger longer. Likewise, visit Feathertop Winery cellar door, restaurant or stay onsite in their luxury accommodation. Alternatively, head on Victoria’s High Country Brewery Trail, a scenic drive to some impressive boutique breweries
There’s nothing more satisfying on a road trip than discovering a gastro pub with warm country hospitality, exceptional food, an open fire and some great local brews. In Victoria’s High Country you’ll enjoy top regional pub feeds at Gastro Pubs such as The Wandi Pub that even offers guests transfers to the ski hills and nearby wineries.
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