Holidaying in Victoria’s High Country from ski season to warmer months you’ll find an abundance of national parks, Victoria’s highest mountains, lakes, snow resorts, walking and rail tracks, vineyards and a rich history including gold discovery, cattlemen and bushrangers. Nowadays you can take to the road to cycle, gravel ride, mountain bike along scenic on or off road trails and roadways. Or discover Australia’s old colonial days that’s packed poetry and history books for years such as Ned Kelly’s Gang, Banjo Paterson whilst nibbling on local Milawa Cheese.
Further back is the richness of indigenous culture which today can be discovered at the Yeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site, located at the foot of Mount Pilot in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park. So many things to do around Victoria’s High Country with this growing list…
Victoria’s High country is a beautiful experience for memory makers.
Wellness & Pampering
- A luxurious mobile spa ritual designed to relax, restore, uplift and heal can be enjoyed in the comfort of your holiday home or you can pop in to 48 Service Street Porepunkah. Call 0410 353 004
- Recharge your body, mind and soul at Mt Hotham’s Mountain Wellness offering movement, yoga, mindful meditation, massages at Mountain Wellness massage, include remedial, sports, relaxation, reflexology, Thai, lymphatic drainage, cupping and much more. Indigenous experiences can also include a Boorana smoking ritual, scent ceremony, sound therapy, traditional antioxidant!
- The Benev Spa offers an amazing spa experience in a repurposed heritage building. Relish in a diversity of wellness rituals from indigenous, Eastern and European cultures to rejuvenate you!
- Yoga, pilates, barre classes suitable for all levels can be found at The Space, located at 26 Spring St, Beechworth
- Offering award-winning luxury unparalleled on the mountain at Falls Creek is Astra Falls Creek Spa
- Expert massage therapists can be found at Seasons Spa and Massage, located at 3 Eisner’s Lane Mansfield
- Unwind with yoga at Bright Yoga, located at 104C Gavan Street, Bright
Explore & Discover
- Yeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site Walk in Chiltern is considered a sacred site amongst local Indigenous people. The Yeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site illustrates the art of the Dhudhuroa people, the dominant Indigenous clan of the area and a sub-clan of the Pangarang people of the Goulburn Valley.
- Drive through the Woolshed Valley and Eldorado places of interest in relation to the Ned Kelly Touring Route such as Kangaroo Crossing, Barry’s Falls, Kelly Caves, Kelly Lookout, the site of Sherritt’s Hut and Sebastapol and Woolshed Road Drive
- Discover El Dorado, a short drive from Wangaratta or Beechworth, a quaint town full of cottages, churches, historic buildings, almond orchards, ancient fig trees and other relics that are reminders of a bygone era with a stop on Sundays only (2 to 4.30pm) and public holidays 10 to 4:30pm at the Eldorado Museum
- Drive by to see the Eldorado Dredge in Byawatha Road, Eldorado – one of the largest dredges in the Southern Hemisphere – which helped sift alluvial gold and tin until decommissioning in 1954
- The Beechworth Contemporary Art Space is a unique art gallery showcasing art works from local artists, curated by local Nina Machielse Hun located at 1/29A Camp Street, Beechworth
- Visit Wangaratta Art Gallery
- Loads of historical societies in the region starting with the Mansfield Historical Society located at 175 High St, Mansfield
- A historical legacy awaits at Beechworth. Famous for the Gold Rush days, colourful Beechworth is worthy of a day or two spent at the Beechworth Historic Precinct where you can buy tickets at the information centre for the Burke Museum, Beechworth Historic Courthouse and Historic Telegraph Station
- Top picnic spots: Murmungee Lookout is a pretty special place to escape from reality and is only a 10 minute drive from the centre of Beechworth; The Horn Picnic Area boasts breathtaking views of the Alpine Valleys and beyond; The Gorge is a 20-minute walk from the centre of Beechworth (parking is difficult); Wallace’s Hut is the oldest standing cattlemen’s hut in the Alpine National Park and is classified under the National Trust; The Paps Lookout is 700m above sea level and needs a bit of fitness but you can drive up for a shorter walk to sweeping views over Lake Eildon, Mansfield, Mts Buller, Stirling and Timbertop
- Cattlemen Huts: Districts surrounding the High Country were home to the legendary cattlemen, immortalised by poet AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson in The Man from Snowy River. You’ll still find their historic huts on the Bogong High Plains, Alpine National Park and Mount Buller. Look up Cattlemen’s Huts High Country Victoria
- Snow season is a cornucopia of choices you’ll find here High Country Snow
- For short walks around Beechworth look this site up
- Go horseback riding in Mansfield, Mt Buller, there’s a wide variety of riding schools for variously skilled horse riders. Visit Horse Riding High Country. Or you can try Watsons Trail Rides, the equestrian centre at the Mansfield Riding Centre located at 137 Mt Battery Rd, Mansfield, or McCormacks Mountain Valley Rides or for serious horsey types, the Sophia Hill Equestrian school provides rider coaching and horse schooling services from her base, located in Mansfield, Victoria.
- Ski Mt Buller, Falls Creek Ski Falls Creek or Ski Mt Hotham
- Discover how three local policemen; Police Sergeant Michael Kennedy, and Mounted Constables Thomas Lonigan and Michael Scanlan who lost their lives in a skirmish with the Kelly Gang at Stringybark Creek at the Mansfield Police Memorial.
- Watch a flick at Mansfield Armchair Cinema or the MAC as it’s known locally – see Mansfield Armchair Cinema
- Cycle the Great Victorian Rail Trail. The Great Victorian Rail Trail is a multi-use trail and can be explored on foot, bike or horse. It’s easily accessible, varied and a unique rail trail offers close proximity to heritage classified rivers, majestic valleys, lakes and mountains.
- Visit Craig’s Hut, Mt Buller, perched on top of the world. Craig’s Hut is one of the most famous High Country huts, and home to the movie “The Man from Snowy River.” You can horse ride or mountain bike and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch.
- Walk Mullum Wetlands, Mansfield and witness the fabulous bird life. The Great Victorian Rail Trail runs right through it.
- Watch out for Christmas in July
- Visit Arts Council of Mansfield, is a thriving initiative that aims to develop, foster, maintain and provide programs and facilities in Mansfield and district for all types of artistic expression in the study and appreciation of the Arts in all its forms – visual art, sculpture, dance, theatre, music performance and, now, glass art. Their Klytie Pate Award is a National prize, open to all ceramicists in Australia and New Zealand who are experienced in the craft, and carries a biennial prize across a number of categories.
- Check here for dates of Mad Potters, the Mansfield Pottery Festival and the eagerly awaited Mansfield Lantern Festival, a wonderful celebration of the winter solstice, held at the foot of Mt Buller.
- Hand or spade feed many of the animals as you wander at the Mansfield Zoo, including deer and kangaroos!30-acre zoo with over 100 native & exotic animals, plus feeding & overnight visitor experiences. Set in picturesque parkland featuring lovely views across the Delatite Valley to Mt Buller.
- Compete or applaud at the Adams Ski and Golf Challenge is held in early July at Mt Buller and the Mansfield Golf Course, for fun and fundraising, contributing to Mansfield schools snow sports programs
- Howqua Hills Historic Area is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Taungurung Peoples. To find out more, visit Howqua Hills Historic Area
- Keep an eye out for the Spring Arts Festival and Country Harvest at Mansfield High Country Festival
- Listen to great classical music with the Auqueles Chamber Music Quintet and check their program
- Take a leisurely walk or picnic at Mansfield Botanic Park
- Book a round of golf at the Mansfield Golf Club a public access course located in NE Victoria, less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. Overlooking the golf course and Victorian Alps you can wine and dine in comfort at The Ranges dining, bar, events and functions facility.
- Check out the cars at Oz Carfest, visit OzCarFest that now includes ALL Classic Australian built cars. The focus being on the first built in 1897 through to 1985 models including Ford, Valiant and Holden.
- Visit the contemporary Benalla Art Gallery with its cafe, workshops, events and recent Indigenous and contemporary acquisition
- Check out the sports history at Australia’s only National Alpine Museum of Australia, Mt Buller.
- Pay tribute to Australia’s fastest racehorse Black Caviar in Nagambie where a life size bronze statue of the world famous mare Black Caviar resides. The champion mare is the fastest horse in the world, undefeated in all her 25 races.
- High Country Country Gardens & Maze is a ‘must see’ on your next High Country adventure! A labour of love has transformed this into an amazing space complete with two established mazes, labyrinth, beautiful walled gardens, giant topiaries & sculptures, lawn games and of course, a gnome hunt! Bring the kids and enjoy refreshments from our licenced garden café. Planning a wedding or event? Yes!
- Don’t miss The Man from Snowy River Museum with an 1870 snow ski and handmade Australian map from WW11 by Corryong local Jim Simpson, while a prisoner of war
- Visit the Ned Kelly Vault opened in the former Sub Treasury building of the Beechworth Historical and Cultural Precinct in 2014 with Kelly Gang artefacts such as the original death mask, gun and armour the armour worn by Mick Jagger in the 1970s film. The precinct abounds with culturally significant buildings such as Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum, Telegraph Station and Powder Magazine.
- Taste test some King Valley Wines such as Chrismont Winery, Bright Brewery, Reed and Co Distillery, All Saints Estate Winery, Social Bandit Brewing Co and Bridge Road Brewers
- Try also Delatite Winery and restaurant owned by the Ritchie Family,
- Hike, camp, fish or ski in the Alpine National Park
- Relax, swim or fish at Lake Nillacootie
- Fish for trout on the Delatite River
- Relax by the water at Gooram Falls – Strathbogie Ranges and admire the 300-400 million old geographical rock formations – 1813-1839 Euroa-Mansfield Rd, Gooram VIC 3666
- Cycle the Murray to Mountains Trail at Bright or join Watson’s Mountain Trail rides
- Visit Beechworth Jail
- Visit Mount Buffalo National Park and take the hike to The Horn
- Go fishing or boating on Lake Eildon just like the Kerrigan’s from The Castle!
- Visit Sheepyard Flat and Howqua Hills Historic Area – Brocks Rd, Howqua Hills, Howqua Valley. It’s a great location for bush walking, fishing, picnics and four wheel driving
- Go Global ballooning – and rise above the landscape of Mansfield and surrounds
- Lake Nillacootie
- Gooram Falls – Strathbogie Ranges
Good Eats
- One hatted All Saints Estate to Terrace Restaurant at All Saints Wine by fourth-generation siblings who own and run St Leonards Vineyard, All Saints Estate and Mount Ophir Estate, part of the famed Rutherglen Wine Region in North-East Victoria, Australia. Ate or had too many liquid bevvies? Accommodation on site
- Set amongst beautiful established gardens, and surrounded by Jessie’s Creek, the Mountain View Hotel offers a unique experience and European influenced menu. Accommodation available
- Determined to bring decent beer to Australia, local Ben with his Austrian wife, Maria, to set up Bridge Road Brewers. Their HQ is situated in a circa 1850s Victorian Gold rush era coach house. The taproom showcases a rotating 20 tap house-brewed line-up to cater for all beer lovers. Not into beer? The team will pour a curated selection of wine, gin, and whisky all local to the North East Victoria. And P.S their pizzas are awesome!
- State Award Winners 2021 The Vine Hotel in Wangaratta serve wonderful gastro pub grub.
- Indigo Vineyard is high on the priority list to check out for the wine tasting experience when staying in the highlands. Great value for money with a paired platter of cheeses – one of the best tastings around. This place is tiny, personal and has a lovely family charm
- The bistro at The Plough Inn at Tarrawingee musters sound fare to feed a few or an army of guests for events and weddings. The building was a former Cobb & Co stables changing station. The original pub was founded by Henry Nolan and members of the Nolan family have had continuous ownership of the Plough up until 2020
- The Empire Hotel in Beechworth new owners are breathing a new life into an old country Victorian Pub
- Multi Award Winning Alexandra Hotel offers local produce on the menu
- Drop by the Corner Hotel established during the gold rush and lovingly restored in recent years under heritage advice with a nod to its history. A friendly place for a family meal, fine dining or a sociable drink
- Get a heart starter Coffee Chakra or authentic Chai at this groovy cafe and micro coffee roaster located in the picturesque town of Myrtleford in the Alpine Valley. They have an Indian inspire menu.
- Sixpence Coffee is a small batch roastery located in Bright
- In the historic gold-mining town of Beechworth, sits a little gem – Tiny of Beechworth,14A Camp St, Beechworth or @tiny.beechworth
- Mansfield Coffee Merchant prides itself as one of Victoria’s top producers of unique blends and high-quality food (including wood fired pizzas) made from local produce they serve for breakfast and lunch. Licensed
- Have a drink and a bite at the Bonnie Doon Hotel and enjoy the serenity!
- The Fields, Mansfield – constantly evolving menus and welcoming atmosphere – 26 High St, Mansfield VIC 3722
- Jamieson Brewery & Grill – one of the first micro breweries in Victoria. With James’ local knowledge and five star restaurant trained Shelley Nelson behind the kitchen with her culinary classics, this is the perfect team to take the brewery to the next level. Master brewer Darren Kerr has also joined the team and will release the highly anticipated XBA (American brown) and classic Raspberry ale
- Anvil Brewing Co – Mansfield
- Swiftcrest Distillery
Foodies
- Passionate cheese makers using both traditional and sustainable methods to make goats milk cheese, cheddar, camembert, and accoutrements are local cheese makers at Milawa Cheese. No time to visit? No worries, join their Cheese Club for quarterly deliveries for a year! When you visit, you can also borrow a picnic blanket and tray and take your cheese and crackers out on the lawn. And the bonus is Wood Park Wines is 10 metres away
- Eat, sip, stay at the Glenbosch Winery
- Absolutely amazing pick your own cherries at 1317 Wangaratta-Eldorado Rd, Londrigan
- Regular Saturday and Sunday markets abound in Benalla, Bright, Myrtleford, Mt Beauty and Yea. Look up High Country Farmers Markets
- Voted Australia’s No 1 honey destination at Beechworth Honey
- Housed in the beautiful “Old Butcher Shop” at 62 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa, Milawa Mustard produces a range of 17 seeded mustards ranging from Mild Honey mustard, the popular Bourbon Mustard to Flaming Hot Chilli mustard.
- A highlight along the rail trail from Myrtleford to Bright is Pumpkin Seeds Australia has a factory, oil and seed educational centre, a first of its type, product sales and taste testing. Have an amazing and somewhat unexpected experience at 5061 Great Alpine Rd, Ovens. Try nuts, seeds and oils as sip away at the coffee shop while watching small batch oils being produced
- The Produce Store Artisan Market
- Mansfield Bush Market
- The Produce Store – Mansfield
- The Coffee Merchant – Mansfield
- Mansfield Farmers Market – 4th Saturday of the month (Feb-Dec)
- Violet Town Market – 2nd Saturday each month
Retail Escapes
- Tuk Tuk Clothing offers horse riding clothing that’s functional, fashionable & comfortable
- A family owned retail gold and gemstone business Beechworth Gold awaits situated in the old Bank of Victoria building, which contains the original gold vault
- Come away with a beautiful handmade pottery piece – found at the studio in El Dorado – 2 Brewer Ln, Eldorado
- The Beechworth Emporium is a modern department store nestled in the historically preserved town of Beechworth, North East Victoria full of quality goods and service that typifies country living.
- Local artists’ work can be found at Benalla Art Gallery
- Farmacy Co is a modern herbal Apothecary that puts people first. Their products are wild crafted using premium ingredients from local growers.
- The Secret Baby Squirrel for children’s clothes located at 53-55 Conness Street, Chiltern.
- Fine wool and merino possum is offered at W.B, Gadd for women, men and children.
- Bogetti’s Variety Store is a long standing Chiltern institution, located in the heart of the town, in Conness Street with antiques and collectables, specialising in English China, LP records, vintage tools and other treasures.
- The philosophy at Dalcheri’s in Beechworth is selecting high quality and versatile clothing for men and women that are classic, lasting a lifetime.
- Beechworth Toys and Collectibles is an enchanting stop
- Mansfield Sweets
- Made in Mansfield
- Loyola Jewel – 42 High St, Mansfield
- Ink Bookshop
- Wendy Jagger Studio
- Clarissa Leatham Ceramics – 5 Ogilvies Rd, Mansfield
- Jena Bedson Ceramics
- Snowfox – 2 Village Square, Mount Buller
- Any Room – 85 High St, Mansfield
- One Tree Two – 24 Highett St, Mansfield
- Chilled Wrens – Mansfield
- Made in Mansfield – Established 30 years ago and known by locals and visitors as the place to go for quality artisan produced goods – unique and beautiful items to treat yourself or make a memorable gift. It’s a not for profit store where local artists exhibit and sell their work whilst also operating the shop. Chat to an artist when you come into the store; you may even be lucky to see them producing their art. A wide variety of products is always on offer including paintings, ceramics, metal work, woodwork, textiles, glass work, bags, scarves, photography and more. New artists are always encouraged to join.
- Dindi Naturals – Yarck, provide a wide range of organic and natural beauty products including soaps, body lotions, skincare, natural face cream & aromatherapy oils