High Country Tourist Guide

Your tourist guide for High Country provides you with the essential travel resources to plan your holiday!

Discover Victoria’s High Country

Victoria’s High Country in north‑east Victoria is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Defined by its dramatic alpine scenery, legendary bushranger history, cool‑climate wine and thriving outdoor culture, this region invites you to breathe deeply, explore boldly and savour slowly.

In winter, the High Country becomes the heart of Australia’s alpine playground. Snow‑dusted peaks at Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek offer some of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding, with charming alpine villages that glow at night with fire pits, après‑ski bars and mountain‑view dining.

When the snow melts, the mountains reveal a completely different world—one of wildflower‑covered plains, winding trails and endless horizons. From four‑wheel‑driving and mountain biking to horse riding and high‑altitude hiking, the High Country is a year‑round adventure destination.

And after a day in the fresh alpine air, the valleys welcome you with open arms. Wander the tree‑lined streets of Bright, sip award‑winning wines in Rutherglen, taste artisan cheeses in Milawa, or explore the gold‑rush grandeur of Beechworth. This is a region where local produce is celebrated, where heritage is preserved with pride, and where every town has a story worth hearing.

Why Visit Victoria’s High Country

  • Spectacular alpine landscapes perfect for skiing, hiking and scenic touring
  • World‑class food and wine including Rutherglen fortifieds, Milawa cheeses and farm‑fresh produce
  • Rich bushranger and gold‑rush history with iconic sites in Beechworth and Glenrowan
  • Charming towns and villages filled with boutique shops, galleries and riverside walks
  • The Great Alpine Road, one of Australia’s most breathtaking touring routes

Things to Do

Explore Alpine Adventures

  • Ski, snowboard or snowshoe at Mount Buller, Mount Hotham or Falls Creek
  • Hike the high plains, including the iconic Razorback and Mount Feathertop trails
  • Ride world‑class mountain‑bike parks in Bright and Mount Beauty

Taste the High Country

  • Visit Rutherglen’s acclaimed wineries for bold reds and legendary fortified wines
  • Sample artisan cheeses, honey and gourmet produce in Milawa
  • Enjoy paddock‑to‑plate dining in Mansfield, Bright and Beechworth

Step Into History

  • Wander Beechworth’s beautifully preserved 19th‑century streets
  • Explore Glenrowan, the site of Ned Kelly’s dramatic final stand
  • Discover the stories of cattlemen and mountain adventurers in Mansfield

Scenic Touring

  • Drive the Great Alpine Road, stretching from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale
  • Stop at lookouts, heritage towns and cellar doors along the way
  • Photograph sweeping alpine vistas and lush valley landscapes

How to Get There

Victoria’s High Country is easily accessible from major cities:

  • From Melbourne: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours by car, depending on your destination
  • From Sydney: Fly into Albury Airport or drive via the Hume Highway
  • By Air: Albury Airport offers regular flights and is a convenient gateway to the region

Car hire is recommended to explore the mountains, valleys and scenic touring routes at your own pace.

Best Time to Visit

  • Winter (June–August): Ideal for snow sports and alpine village experiences
  • Spring (September–November): Wildflowers, waterfalls and mild hiking weather
  • Summer (December–February): Perfect for cycling, swimming and long days in the valleys
  • Autumn (March–May): Famous for Bright’s fiery foliage and cool, crisp evenings

Each season brings its own charm, making the High Country a destination worth returning to again and again.

Your High Country Journey Awaits

Whether you’re carving fresh tracks on a winter morning, sipping wine in a sunlit vineyard, or wandering through gold‑rush history, Victoria’s High Country offers a rare blend of adventure, flavour and soul. It’s a place to reconnect—with nature, with stories of the past, and with the simple joy of exploring somewhere extraordinary.