VICTORIA'S HIGH COUNTRY

Come to the High Country for nature-based adventure in the alpine landscapes of north-east Victoria. History and gold rush towns, snow fields, waterways, and gourmet food and wine, offer a rich touring experience. And if you do something unpredictable, you can always blame the alpine air.

The stunning mountains, valleys, lakes an......[More]

VICTORIA'S HIGH COUNTRY

Come to the High Country for nature-based adventure in the alpine landscapes of north-east Victoria. History and gold rush towns, snow fields, waterways, and gourmet food and wine, offer a rich touring experience. And if you do something unpredictable, you can always blame the alpine air.

The stunning mountains, valleys, lakes and waterways and rich heritage of this region provide an inspiring setting for a host of exciting outdoor activities.

In winter, snow brings skiers to the downhill runs and cross-country trails of the region's resorts. In summer, these areas are transformed into a favourite destination for bushwalkers, horse riders, cyclists, fishermen, campers and 4WD enthusiasts.

For a spot of High Country adventure, take to the water in a canoe, kayak or raft.

The Mitta Mitta River flows through one of Australia’s most spectacular granite ravines, providing a fantastic rafting adventure past 18 kilometres of rock formations through numerous grade 3 and 4 rapids. The King is another excellent white water rafting river, with over 40 rapids from grade 2 to grade 4.

The beautiful Howqua and Delatite rivers outside Mansfield are also popular with canoeists, kayakers and white water rafters in summer. Both rivers are rated from easy to challenging according to water levels. High water means high rapids and these should only be tackled by experienced paddlers.

Discover some of the most beautiful alpine regions in Australia surrounding the major downhill ski resorts of Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

The great rivers and mountain streams of Victoria's high country offer fishing enthusiasts many opportunities to cast a line. Wangaratta is the southern gateway to this pristine trout territory and the beginning of the Great Alpine Road, a scenic touring route that follows the Ovens River for almost its entire course.

For easy access to superb fly-fishing, head to the Ovens River between Myrtleford and Harrietville. The river has a myriad of tributaries for anglers to explore, including the Buffalo River (particularly beautiful and productive above Lake Buffalo), Buckland River, German Creek, and Morse's Creek (where good-sized trout are occasionally taken at its junction with the Ovens River). Also known as the Bright Pool, this junction is a popular destination for swimmers on a hot day.

East of the Great Alpine Road is the Kiewa River, another famous catchment for fly-fishing enthusiasts that is accessible from the Kiewa Valley Highway. In the summer months, head to the productive and popular stretch of the river between Mount Beauty and Mongan's Bridge.

For anglers keen on alpine lake fishing, two of Australia's finest (and highest) trout fishing lakes are Rocky Valley Reservoir and the smaller Pretty Valley Reservoir, both near Falls Creek. These lakes produce excellent bait and lure fishing when conditions are right, which is most of the time during high summer.

The lower Mitta Mitta River is one of Victoria's premier tailrace trout fisheries and Lake Dartmouth is home to some very large fish, including brown trout and rainbow trout. In summer, the nearby Snowy Creek and Little Snowy Creek can also produce good results.

Closer to Melbourne a network of well-stocked streams and rivers, as well as the calm waters of Lake Eildon and the Eildon Pondage, provide anglers with opportunities to snare brown or rainbow trout. Enjoy the challenge of fishing various types of river - from Mountain Freestone like the Rubicon, Big and Jamieson, Howqua and the Delatite to meadow stream rivers such as the Acheron and Taggerty and a mighty tailrace river in the Goulburn.

Sampling local food and wine is an important part of a visit to Victoria's High Country. Choose from a wide range of award-winning country bakeries, wineries, gourmet food producers, eateries, fresh produce and fine food outlets.

High Country is home to the Victorian Alps, the spectacular alpine section of Australia's iconic Great Dividing Range. Discover towering winter-snowed mountains, tree-covered ranges, tranquil alpine lakes and rivers and rural farmlands.

High Country is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery. Enjoy snow-capped hills and high plains in winter and carpets of alpine wildflowers in summer.

Named by explorers Hume and Hovell in 1824, who made out the shape of a resting buffalo in this towering granite mass, Mount Buffalo has always been regarded as a special place. Such is the beauty of this unique landscape that as early as 1856 miners and cattlemen would lead touring parties to see the mountain’s sheer cliffs, imposing granite tors and tumbling waterfalls.

Mount Buffalo was proclaimed a National Park in 1898 making it one of the oldest national parks in Australia. Today, it is just as loved as it has always been. Visitors make their way here at all times of year to enjoy its distinctly beautiful geographical features as well as the many recreational activities on offer.

In summer, the cooler mountain air makes it a pleasure to be active, while in winter the snow transforms the plateau into a skier’s paradise. The melting snow in spring showcases the incredible array of waterfalls and autumn is a bushwalker’s favourite, with cool crisp mornings and beautiful clear sky days.

The Chalet on top of Mount Buffalo was built in 1910 and is the essence of old style hospitality. It exudes a warmth, charm and atmosphere that you won’t find in most hotels and it has one of the most spectacular locations in Australia, situated just in front of a 1,400-metre cliff face.
[Less]