YOUR ‘GET BACK TO NATURE’ GUIDE TO VICTORIA’S HIGH COUNTRY victoriashighcountry.com.au/nature Walking in this haven first became popular with the holidaymakers of the 1920s. Generations later, the trekking Take a leisurely cycle along country rail tradition continues – always of course trails or mountain bike some rugged with a pack full of local fare. single track. Whatever your preferred pace, be sure to factor in a detour at the cellar doors and farm gates you’ll pass along the way. There is an essence to Victoria’s High Country that makes every experience all the richer. It’s not just the invigorating alpine air. It’s not only the physical environment. It’s not even the kaleidoscope of colours, aromas and tastes that accompany each changing season. Instead it’s a combination of all these and more. To explore the many rich nature experiences in the High Country Allow the mountain air to fill your visit victoriashighcountry.com.au/nature lungs as you travel on a carpet of snow, through the pristine white surrounds, hike to a welcoming après ski aperitif. Let little ones explore nature and the elements first hand, delighting in the ride many sightings of wildlife, before settling down for a fun family picnic. Saddle up and sleep under the stars in a bush hut or swag. Then swap Find yourself a cosy nook on the river yarns around the campfire as you dig to sample the region’s finest produce, into the delicious tucker. learn then watch the world float by as you rediscover the art of conversation. Rolling rivers, flowing streams or still lakes. Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters to catch yourself gaze some trout, then cook up a feast with friends. From invigorating mountain vistas and stunning sunsets to an astrologer’s view of the night skies, sit back and toast nature at its most exquisite. catch SNOW FREEDOM BUIKE B ller SKI VIEWS AESC PISM M OUNTAIN BIKING FRIENDS VIC ALPS MOU NT BUFFALO REC HARGE Alpine Resorts Mt Buller AND VINEYARDS PICNICS and Set off into the wild for an easy-to-learn, AT DINNER PLAIN Join avid cyclists, weekend heroes WALKING FOOD WINE HERITAGE PANORAMAS peaceful cross-country skiing adventure. BIKING SpA FOOD WINE HIKING and holidaying families at Mt Buller and HIKING VIEWS PICNIC AbSEILING Revel in the freedom of backcountry touring experience the exhilaration of biking at King Valley on well-groomed, free-to-access tracks Dinner Plain altitude. With courses to suit all ages and Hike through outlaw country and enjoy Mount Buffalo at Victoria’s alpine resorts. Find yourself Get revitalised at this charming alpine abilities, there’s something for everyone at Italian hospitality as you get to know the village surrounded by snow gums, whatever Take in stunning alpine views at Mount surrounded by mountain views and birdsong Mt Buller. Navigate winding cross-country delightful Dal Zottos, one of many families the season. Bike or hike along bush trails, Buffalo. Choose a gentle or rigorous hike as you ski from Falls Creek to Mt McKay trails, get the adrenaline pumping on in the area producing exquisite Italian explore historic cattlemen’s huts or indulge from over 90km of walking track, then lay or take the trail from Mt Hotham to Dinner downhill courses and test your stamina varietal wines. With two experienced guides the senses with a massage and magnificent out your picnic to incredible views, or leap Plain, capped off with a beautiful lunch in on the uphill road challenge. to lead the way, enjoy abundant dinners meal. For something unique, take a sled dog over the edge of The Gorge on an abseiling one of the village eateries. and mouth watering picnics en route as tour with a team of gorgeous huskies either mtbuller.com.au tour. Stock up on regional produce in Bright you explore the High Country by foot. fallscreek.com.au in the snow during winter or by dry-land RUNNING then enjoy the scenic drive up the mountain. 1800BULLER (03) 5758 1202 cart in summer. Hedonistic Hiking WITH ALTITUde Self-guided or Adventure Guides Australia Mansfield Visitor Information Centre mtbuller.com.au hedonistichiking.com.au RUNNING FAMILY VIEWS adventureguidesaustralia.com.au visitdinnerplain.com mansfieldmtbuller.com.au 1800BULLER (03) 5755 2307 0419 280 614 Australian Sled Dog Tours 1800 039 049 Alpine Resorts mthotham.com.au sleddogtours.com.au Test your stamina on your choice of (03) 5759 3550 (03) 5159 6517 colour-coded runs, spanning the iconic STARRY STARRY NIGHT L AKE HUME peaks of Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain, HIKING CAMPING BIG SKIES visitdinnerplain.com ZOOM Mt Buller, Mount Buffalo, Mt Baw Baw, Bluff Hut near Mansfield parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/ P edal TO PRODUCE CYCLE WATER HERITAGE Lake Mountain and Falls Creek. With mountbuffalo-national-park green, blue and black runs on offer, Camp among snow gums and enjoy CYCLE FOOD WINE T allangatta a Mother Nature-hosted night sky to there’s plenty to suit keen runners, casual Milawa Discover spectacular Lake Hume on a 33km joggers and those just wanting to explore remember. Trace constellations with star Find out why the locals love the Wangaratta cycling tour. Kick off at Old Tallangatta and the pristine High Country and escape charts from the Mansfield Visitor Information to Milawa section of the Murray to traverse the magnificent shoreline, complete from summer heat and crowds. Centre and, next morning, take a stroll to the summit for alpine panoramas, stretching Mountains Rail Trail. Pedal up an appetite with water crossing on the new 600m 7peaksrun.com.au from Mt Buller to Lake Eildon. for Milawa’s gourmet delights, found at Sandy Creek Bridge. Press on to Ebden for bountiful cellar doors, farm gates and food a delicious catered lunch followed up by a For self-guided maps and info visit stores. Return via Everton or detour via visit to the historic Bonegilla Migrant Centre. Mansfield Visitor Information Centre the quiet country roads through Eldorado Riding High Bike Tours P ICNIC AT mansfieldmtbuller.com.au HUOOK YO R and the Woolshed Valley and back to ridinghigh.com.au 1800 039 049 Wangaratta. THE GORGE HUnger 0402 858 268 PICNIC WALKING BEER FLY FISHING GOURMET FEAST pedaltoproduce.com.au Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre Beechworth WinTON Bright visitwangaratta.com.au A RT ON WHeels Pack a picnic lunch selected from Beechworth’s WONDERLAND Discover the art of fly fishing in the alpine 1800 801 065 CYCLE ART finest cellar doors and provedores and set PICNIC BIRDWATCHING CANOEING lakes, mountain streams and mighty rivers off on a 5km hike around scenic Beechworth that define the region. 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Gallery and unwind with the family over a foreshore and sign up for a birdwatching Southern Fly Fishing Adventures Mt Buller HOTHAM ALPINE For self-guided maps and info visit southernflyfishingadventures.com lazy lunch by the lake. Riding at dusk? Look tour to discover more than 183 bird species Feel the rush of a high country mountain Beechworth Visitor Information Centre out for the elusive platypus. CROSSING that call the region home. 0408 221 161 bike ride with an experienced guide from PERSONAL CHALLENGE beechworthonline.com.au Self-guided All Terrain Cycles. Start with a skills session, Benalla Visitor Information Centre GOURMET FOOD ESCAPE 1300 366 321 Benalla Visitor Information Centre race down Mt Buller’s exhilarating single benalla.vic.gov.au HIKING GNI HT SKIES benalla.vic.gov.au A NGLING AT DUSK track and then link in with the fast and (03) 5762 1749 (03) 5762 1749 flowing double track, complete with river F alls Creek —Mt Hotham W ALK THROUGH FIS HING FAMILY FOOD crossings. Finish off with lunch in Mirimbah Reflect and recharge on a breathtaking Park. Return shuttle provided. R HIDING T E three-day, fully supported walk over the THE pasT Stanley magnificent Victorian Alps. See eucalypt- PICNIC WALKING ITCH TO TWITCH Dangle a line in Stanley’s Loch Whamond All Terrain Cycles RAIL Trail BIRD WATCHING NATIONAL PARK blue ridges, unique flora and fauna INDIGENOUS HERITAGE where the trout swim in abundance. 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