Situated north east of Victoria, the High Country (with its changing colours and wide range of attractions), is a holiday hot spot in any season! Home to Australia’s highest mountains, world famous wineries and some major snow and ski resorts, there are activities aplenty to suit all.
Here are our highlights of this stunning region:
Ski Resorts
You may be a skiing superstar, a snowboarding saint or have all the gear but no idea…
But no matter what your skill level may be, you will find that there are slopes to suit all ages and abilities. You can also take lessons to spruce up your skills and all equipment/clothing can be hired. It’s as easy as that!
Here are the major ski resorts:
- Falls Creek
- Mount Buller
- Mount Hotham
- Mount Buffalo
- Dinner Plains
I myself have been skiing a couple of times. My best advice would be to actually learn how to stop before you set off…
National Parks
The High Country boasts the largest National Park in Victoria: the Alpine National Park, spanning over 646,000 hectares and home to almost 900 species of native plants!
It is also home to the abovementioned ski resorts and is the perfect place for bushwalking, cycling and fishing (when it’s not snowing obviously!). To experience the full beauty of the park, it’s a good idea to drive the Great Alpine Road Touring Route, winding through the Victorian Alps on the highest altitude road in Victoria, offering panoramic views as far as the eye can see!
Wineries
Now on to everyone’s favourite topic…wine!
Head to Rutherglen, Wangaratta, Milawa and Beechworth to sample some of the best drops the country has to offer. Taste exquisite 100 year old Muscat in Rutherglen, sample some of Australia's finest Chardonnay at Giaconda in Beechworth and find a small slice of the Mediterranean in the King Valley.
Here are some of our picks:
- Brown Brothers - 244 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa (my absolute favourite, just quietly. The Moscato/Sauvignon Blanc mix is just to die for!)
- Gapsted Wines - 3897 Great Alpine Road, Gapsted (offering rare and innovative varieties and boasting stunning views over the Ovens Valley)
- Feathertop Winery - 6619 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah (makes hand crafted, cool climate wines from the 22 different grape varietals on their estate and also offers alfresco dining with wonderful views!)
History
The High Country boasts a rich history (quite literally), involving gold discovery, cattleman and bushrangers.
You can wander through grand nineteenth century buildings in Beechworth, visit one of the country’s best regional art collections at Benalla and discover the history of Ned Kelly at one of the dedicated sites in Glenrowan. Let your history lessons begin!
Lake Eildon
Boasting the title of ‘second largest artificial lake in Victoria’ and consisting of over 500 kilometres of coastline, (the majority of which is surrounded by national park), this lake is a must visit for fishing, boating and swimming.
We often have packages available to the High Country. Make sure you are subscribed to receive our weekly newsletters so you don’t miss out! Let your adventure begin!
