Destinations > Victoria > High Country

High Country

The Victorian High Country was once the stamping ground of the infamous Ned Kelly and fictional characters like the Man From Snowy River.

Heading east from Melbourne, the High Country is the region past the Yarra Valley and over the Great Dividing Range. In winter this area is a popular ski destination with both downhill and cross-country resorts. In summer, snow gives way to horse riding and hiking trails among the twisted snow gums and cool running streams.

Beechworth

This prosperous gold town of the 1880s is a lovely place with tree-lined streets and many relics of the gold rush. It is set amongst the rolling countryside of the Ovens Valley.

Practical Information

Beechworth Visitor Information Centre

Old Shire Hall, Ford Street, Beechworth

Tel (03) 5728 3233 or 1300 366 321

Website www.beechworth.com

Open 9am-5pm daily

Sights

Burke Museum

An excellent museum with exhibits on the gold rush and the exploits of the notorious Kelly gang.

Loch Street, Beechworth

Tel (03) 5728 1420

Website www.beechworth.com/burkemus/

Admission $5.50

Open 9am-5pm daily

Bright

This small alpine town is conveniently located within a short distance of many of Victoria's ski areas including Falls Creek and Mount Hotham. Bright can get very busy during the ski season, however it is much quieter during summer when it makes an ideal base for hiking in the surrounding countryside.

Practical Information

Bright Visitors Information Centre

119 Gavan Street, Bright

Tel (03) 5755 2275 or 1800 500 117

Open 8.30am-5pm daily

Accommodation

Bright Backpackers

106 Coronation Avenue, Bright

Tel (03) 5755 1154

Bright Hikers Backpackers Hostel

2nd floor, 2 Ireland Street, Bright

Tel (03) 5750 1244

Mansfield

Mansfield is a convenient base for skiing at Mt Buller and it makes a good base for exploring the High Country during the summer.

Practical Information

Mansfield Visitor Information Centre

167 Maroondah Highway, Mansfield

Tel (03) 5775 7000 or 1800 039 049

Website www.mansfield-mtbuller.com.au

Open Jan to mid-Jun 9am-5pm daily; mid-Jun to Sep 8am-9pm daily; Sep-Dec 9am-5pm

Accommodation

Mansfield Travellers Lodge

112-116 High Street, Mansfield

Tel (03) 5775 1800

Wairere Lodge (Mt Stirling Alpine Resort)

Fielding Lane, Merrijig (17km from Mansfield)

Tel (03) 5777 3541

Activities

Camel Treks

High Country Camel Treks organise a variety of camel treks around the surrounding countryside ranging from a simple 10-minute ride to overnight alpine treks lasting up to 4½ days.

Rifle Butts Road, 7km north of Mansfield

Tel (03) 5775 1591

Cost 15 minutes $10; 1 hour $35; 3 hours $60; full day $135

Horse Riding

Horse riding is a great way to experience the High Country. Stoneys Trail Rides operate horse-riding treks ranging from two hours to 18 days.

Tel (03) 5775 2212

Website www.stoneys.com.au

Cost 1hr $25; 2hrs $45-50; 3hrs $65-75; full day $180

White Water Rafting

Adrenaline White Water operates white water rafting trips on the nearby King and Snowy Rivers and the Mitta Mitta Gorge.

RMB9656 Upper King River Road, Cheshunt

Tel (03) 5729 8288

Website www.whitewaterrafting.com.au

Cost one day $155-185; two days $270-295