Stunning Landscape and National Parks

The Alpine High Country is blessed with an abundance of stunning National Parks and wilderness. A dramatic landscape of Mountains, Valleys, clean air and clean rivers await your exploration.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or seeking quieter pleasures, spending some time in the Alpine High Country’s natural places is a wonderful way to engage all your senses.

Pack your walking shoes and discover the ever changing Alpine High Country in all seasons.

Many days can be spent in the Bright area exploring the diverse countryside and discovering the heritage whilst on the many walks scattered throughout the area. The most popular walk in Bright, the Canyon Walk, takes you past a small canyon carved by the Ovens River and amazing water races carved by the hands of early miners.

The Alpine High Country has two major parks within easy access, so there are plenty of dramatic and spectacular locations to enjoy.

You can take in the fantastic views of the Australian Alps from a number of spectacular lookouts throughout the Mt Buffalo National Park. Mt Buffalo National Park was declared as a National Park in 1898 and is loved by bushwalkers, adventurers and birdwatchers alike. The park has a rugged beauty with spectacular views over valleys and vineyards, amazing opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting including Lyrebirds, Eastern Rosellas, Wombats and Swamp Wallabies. Explore the network of 27 walking tracks that lead to delightful waterfalls, great lookouts, and amazing granite formations. Sheer cliffs, imposing granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums and stunning wildflowers makes this Park a must in the spring, summer and autumn. Mount Buffalo is also famous for rock climbing, hang gliding and caving with local operators available to provide training and advice. During winter, snow blankets the plateau and Mount Buffalo National Park becomes a stunning winter wonderland. The park offers cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snow play areas.

Mount Buffalo National Park Activities

• Camping
• Hang gliding
• Snow skiing, tobogganing
• Bush walking
• Caving
• Fishing
• Mountain bike riding
• Snow shoeing
• Canoeing and exploring
• Rock climbing and abseiling are particularly popular at Mt Buffalo

Mount Buffalo National Park Highlights

• Fantastic views of the High Country and the Alps at the Mt Buffalo Gorge lookout
• Many walking tracks that lead to hidden waterfalls, mountain lakes and majestic granite lookouts
• Lake Catani and the north wall at the Gorge
• In winter, hire cross country or downhill skis.
• In summer, try a new adventure activity - abseil, canoe, rock climbing, caving to mention a few!
• Take a guided walk, explore this majestic mountain by bike, or on foot.
• Organised children's activities are available during summer holidays.
• The most spectacular sunset and 360 degree view to be enjoyed from The Horn (please note car access to the Horn is closed in the winter)

At 646,000 hectares, the Alpine National Park is Victoria’s largest and protects our highest mountains and varied environments. 10 of the state’s 11 highest mountains are within easy driving distance. Mount Bogong (Victoria’s highest mountain 1986m), Mount Feathertop, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain and the Bogong High Plains are amongst the parks best known features and offer all-year round adventure. Mt Hotham and Falls Creek offer a Mecca for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities in the winter, and play host to an extensive all year round events program. The park is home to rare fauna, including the mountain pygmy-possum, the world’s only exclusively alpine marsupial and many historic huts including Wallace’s Hut, the oldest still standing. There is also a rich botanical community ranging from alpine herb fields to snow gum woodlands with more than 1,110 native plant species, 12 of which (including the Bogong daisy bush and silky daisy) are only found in the area.

Alpine National Park Activities

• Camping bbqs
• Four Wheel Driving
• Horse Riding
• Abseiling, Rock climbing
• Caving
• Prospecting, fossicking
• Rafting
• Snow shoeing, tobogganing, skiing
• Trail biking
• Bush walking
• Fishing
• Canoeing
• And the largest range of flora and fauna of any national park in Victoria.

Alpine National Park Highlights

• Bryce's Gorge, Guys Hut
• Lake Cobbler
• Moroka Gorge
• Tali Karng
• Lake Dartmouth and Wallace's Hut

For a unique perspective, enjoy a bird’s eye view of our stunning Alpine Country with something a little more adventurous. Try abseiling, paragliding, hang-gliding, mirco-lighting, and rock-climbing or a scenic helicopter or Cessna flight. Or for those more land bound, why not go off the road and explore the terrain by 4WD, or on horseback through the Bogong High Plains, or perhaps hike through the many bush walks on offer.

Enjoying Nature – Safety Tips
 Be prepared if you plan to spend some time in the outdoors walking or hiking:
 Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return
 Check the weather forecast
 Check the length and degree of difficulty of your planned walk
 Drink plenty of water
 Wear sturdy shoes and socks, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and insect repellent
 Read maps and signs, stay on the track, stay behind safety barriers and stay away from cliff edges
 Do not feed or play with native animals
 Obtain park information from the ranger station or information centre
 Limit use of fire

National Parks Pass and Snow Chains
A fee is charged for entry to the national parks. Passes are available at the entry gates.
During the official winter season all vehicles must carry snow chains by law, due to ice and snow on the roads.

For More Information
Parks Victoria
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Australian National Parks
www.australiannationalparks
Mt Hotham
www.mthotham.com.au
Falls Creek
www.fallscreek.com.au

Check the Visitor Information Centre for information and maps for short walks around Bright and District and the National Parks.

Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

The breathtaking scenic beauty of the Ovens and King Valleys, Everton Hills and the Alpine High Country can now be safely enjoyed by all.

Ride, walk, or stroll along Australia's premier rail trail. Experience some of Australia's most rural scenery, from river gums to mountain ash on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Following historical railway lines the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail provides 98km of sealed trail linking Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford and Bright. The trail has a gentle gradient that makes it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and is a must do for all visitors to the region.

The trail is an ideal introduction into the diverse countryside of the North East Victorian Alps and Valleys. North East Victoria's 4 distinct seasons gives the trail a different feel every time you use it. Autumn colours blaze through the valley's giving way to winter snow on the ranges and spring blossoms beckon the way for warm summer days. The trail leads you deep into pine forests and natural bushland then out in the open through valleys nestled amongst some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Australia.

Sample the region's superb food and wine along the way as the MTMRT passes wineries and farm gates. Absorb living history as you pass by old tobacco kilns and witness the prosperity of the gold rush era or the haunting legend of Ned Kelly.

Within a few hours of Melbourne and Canberra, the trail is a healthy, lesiurely way to encounter the 'Real Australia'. Organise your family and friends, bring your bikes (or hire one here) and explore the history, taste the food, or simply just smell the alpine air in this unique region of Australia.

For more information visit www.railtrail.com.au or Phone 1800 500 117.

Checklist
*An approved bicycle helmet must be worn at all times when riding the Rail Trail.
*Consider your level of fitness, break the journey up into manageable stages.
*Consider your equipment, make sure your bike is in good condition
*Consider your clothing, dress to suite the conditions and remember cool changes can occur quickly without great warning.
*Consider sufficient water for your journey, at least 2 litres of water a day per person to stay sufficiently hydrated. There are water stations along the Trail, but users are urged to take adequate supplies.
*Don't forget to carry a bicycle repair kit, mobile phone, energy food and suncreen.

Contact Information:
For Cycle Maps - www.murraytomountains.com.au

Seasons in the Alpine High Country

Your adventure starts here, vast fascinating mountain scape, a natural playgournd with different personality and choice of activities for every season. Enjoy!

Summer - December-February
Summer is the best season to try your hand at fishing or cooling off in the rivers and mountain stream. All water sports are available this time of year with flora and fauna enjoying the long days of sunshine in the shade of river and snow gums. During the twilight hours seek out sunsets over the Alps or bush walk early to watch the sunrise. If your interest is more aerial, why not consider a glider flight over the picturesque Kiewa Valley.

Victoria's alpine areas are the height of adventure in summer, with activities ranging from downhill thrills on mountain bikes to mastering the art of fly fishing in alpine streams.

Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain

• There's a huge variety of walks including the 11km trail between Hotham and Dinner Plain and the challenging 22km Razorback to Mt Feathertop.
• Hire a mountain bike and explore the fire trails and bush tracks at Dinner Plain, or book a bike tour
• Take your 4WD off road in the High Country (check tracks are open before you go)
• Join a guided trail ride on horseback
• Learn to fly fish
• Go white water rafting on nearby rivers
• Play tennis at Dinner Plain
• Experience fields of spring wild flowers

Falls Creek

• Dozens of easy bush walks through alpine meadows of summer wild flowers.
• Good fishing in Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley Dam
• Take a guided horseback trek on the Bogong High Plains
• Drive or walk to the top of Mt McKay for 360 degree views of the Alps
• Drive the Bogong High Plains Road to Omeo (summer access)

Mount Buffalo National Park

• Famous for rock climbing, abseiling, hang gliding and caving
• A network of easy walks, including the 1 hour walk around the top of the Gorge
• Go canoeing swimming, or fishing in Lake Catani
• Birdwatch for lyrebirds, peregrine falcons and crimson rosellas
• Dusk and dawn are the best times to look for wallabies, womabats, echidnas and possums.

Seasonal Produce in the Summer -
Summer in Victoria's North East is synomous with two things, berries and stone fruit. Laxy summer days can be spent sampling some of Australia's finest selections of apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, raspberries and strawberries.

Autumn - March-May
A season that offers brilliant colour and days crisp with clear mountain air, Victoria's High Country in Autumn is a great time of year to explore the wilderness and valleys by bicyle or horse, on foot, go 4WD or AWD or fly. Walnuts, chestnuts, cherries, apples, wines and cheese are popular throughout the region's rich produce in full bloom with taste.

Seasonal Produce in the Autumn -
Autumn in Victoria's North East is most often associated with a celebration of its kaleioscopic colours, yet it is also a time of great food and wine activity. The region's wine harvest begins as early as February in the warmer climates of Rutherglen, while the cool climate varieties for which the Alpine Valleys are famous will not come off the vine until April, Autumn in Victoria's North East is also harvest season for the region's almond, walnut, chestnut and hazelnut producers.

Winter - June-August
When snow falls on the Victorian Alps, where else would you want to be in winter? World standard snow facilities and a range of activities unbeatable anywhere else. Downhill ski and snowboard locations can be found at Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham with smaller runs at Mt Buffalo. Attempt cross country trails at Falls Creek (home of Kangaroo Hoppet International Ski race), Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and Mt Buffalo. Find out more by visiting www.skivic.com. Please note: chains must be carried at all times during the snow season from June - October. They are available for hire from various outlets in the area. Just ask a local! Save diesel hassles by using Alpine diesel available at most service centres.

Seasonal Produce in the Winter -
Snow-capped mountains form the perfect backdrop to North East Victoria's fields of winter fruit and vegetables.

Apples, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lemon, lime, potatoes, quince and rhubarb are just some of the local winter fare you will find on the menu. It's pruning time in the vineyards and orchards, while the white wine vintage will already be being bottled in the wineries.

Spring - September-November
Spring in Victoria's High Country welcomes the visitor with rivers bursting with wild rapids, streams teasing the piscatorial passion,, wildflowers rich in colour and abundance through the valleys and mountain sides, spring skiing and the vineyards ripe for the tastings. Visit the towns and villages of the North East offering the warmth of country hospitality and explore the hidden pleasures of cafes, general stroes and farm-gate produce for sale. Dust off your bicycle from winter hibernation and travel a Rail Trail or saddle-up and take in the sights of High Country beauty.

Seasonal Produce in the Spring -
A time of birth and growth.. young lambs, calves and deer will become increasingly prominet through the lush, green valleys, while the buds will burst on the vines in the vineyards from the first week of October, with leaves, vines and fruit emerging over the following weeks.

Spring is not a time of harvest yet the wonderful climate and green scenery make it the perfect time to explore and sample the year round gourmet produce such as olive oils, mustards, specialty bread, lamb, farmed trout and salmon, jams, pickles and preserves for which the North East is so well known.

Contact Information
For National Parks Information:
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
For all things ski and snow play:
www.skivic.com

Alpine High Country Must Do's

• * Dine in one of The Age Good Food Guide Two Hat restaurants (Range in Myrtleford, Simones in Bright)
• * Walk or cycle along the Murray to Mountains Rail Tail from Wangaratta to Bright. A 100 kms of sealed trail linking Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford and Bright. Take in spectacular scenery whilst stopping off at winery cellar doors and farm gates. The Trail is really accessible for cyclists of all ages.
• * Micro Breweries. Live the life of a brewer for the day at Bright Brewery
• * Razorback Walk. Take an adventure along this superb trail from Mt Hotham to the summit of Mt Feathertop (1,922m) the state's second highest mountain and part of the majestic Australian Alps National Park. Make it a day's outing, or camp out overnight at Federation Hut. Springtime and early summer are the best times to view the spectacular alpine wildflowers.
• * Four Wheel Driving. Climb high through the alpine scrub, reach for the top. Pull out the picnic rug and sit back and watch the sunset.
• * Let it Snow... Stay in a winter wonderland, indulge yourself in superb regional food and wine, day spas and some of the best ski runs in the country. So whether its Hotham, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain or Mt Buffalo you'll always be on top of the world whether its winter, spring, summer or autumn.
• * Man from Snowy River - you remember the film, now experience it first hard (with style of course!). Ride the picturesque high country in a fully guided gourmet day ride and take in some of the best views in the world.
• * Four Seasons in one Town. The High Country is renowned for it ever contrasting seasons. And there is no better place to experience it all than Bright. Majestic, tree lined avenues that change with the season. Bright is the family holiday destination with the lot.
• * Trail a gliding flight and soar like an eagle over Mount Beauty
• * Experience a true high country adventure on horseback
• * Explore the Alpine Valley wineries, farm gates (where you can pick you own produce) and internationally recognised restaurants. Tour through one or all of the beautiful valleys right at your doorstep - Kiewa, Happy or Ovens
• * Step back in time at Wandiligong and explore the town's century-old general store, miners cottages and the amazing Wandi Maze
• * Explore the Great Alpine Discovery Drive through Mount Beauty, Bogong Village, Falls Creek, the magnificent Bogong High Plains and down to Anglers Rest and Omeo.
• * Experience the beauty and magnificent views of the Mount Buffalo National Park on the Mount Buffalo Drive from Porepunkah
• Contact Information
• For All Things High Country
• www.victoriashighcountry.com.au

Interesting Facts

• * The highest mountain in Victoria is Mt Bogong at 1986m
• * The Alpine National Park has 10 of Victoria's 11 highest peaks
• * The Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail has 98kms of sealed bike path and stretches between Wangaratta, Beechworth and Bright
• * The endangered mountain pygmy possum was known only from fossil remains until a living specimen was discovered on Mt Hotham in the Victorian Alps, Australia in 1966
• * When the Mount Buffalo Chalet was run by the Victorian Railways the restaurant was known as an official 'Railways Refreshment Room'. Staff worked in railway uniforms, blew whistles and imposed curfews for guests.

Bright Area Attractions - presented by YesBookit

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Italian emigres Patrizia Simone and her husband George run one of country Victoria's most celebrated restaurants - the legendary Simone's. Housed in a warm and welcoming converted ...more

Bright Brewery uses fresh mountain water, quality ingredients and craft brewing techniques to brew their award-winning range of Mountain Crafted beers. Located on the Great Al...more

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