Things to do around Victoria’s High Country

Things to Do Around Victoria’s High Country: Adventure, History & Scenic Beauty

Things to do around Victoria’s High Country are abundant, offering a range of activities year-round. From national parks and towering mountains to picturesque lakes, snow resorts, scenic walking and rail tracks, and world-class vineyards, there’s no shortage of adventure. Whether you’re visiting during the ski season or the warmer months, the High Country also offers a rich history of gold discovery, cattlemen, and bushrangers.

Explore this iconic region on two wheels—cycling, gravel riding, or mountain biking along scenic trails and country roads. Or, step back in time and discover Australia’s colonial past, with fascinating stories of the infamous Ned Kelly or the poet Banjo Paterson, and the gold rush era. Don’t forget to sample local delicacies like Milawa Cheese as you travel.

The area is also home to significant Indigenous history. Visit the Yeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site at the foot of Mount Pilot in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park to learn more about the traditional owners and their deep connection to the land.

With so much to see and do, Victoria’s High Country is a place full of unforgettable experiences and memories waiting to be made.

Wellness & Pampering in Victoria’s High Country: Relax and Recharge

• Mobile Spa Experience: 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 to book your session.
• Mountain Wellness, Mt Hotham: Recharge your body, mind, and soul, with movement, yoga, mindful meditation, massages – remedial, sports, relaxation, reflexology, Thai, lymphatic drainage, cupping and much more. Indigenous experiences can also include a Boorana smoking ritual, scent ceremony, sound therapy, and traditional antioxidant treatments.
• 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!
• Unwind with yoga, pilates, barre classes suitable for all levels at The Space. 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. 3 Eisner’s Lane Mansfield
• Alpine Springs & Spa, Mount Buller offering a luxurious range of therapies, including hot stone massages, facials, and spa treatments with panoramic views of the Alpine region.
• Find your zen at Bright Yoga. 104C Gavan Street, Bright
• Ovens Valley Massage Therapy, Myrtleford clinic offers a variety of therapeutic treatments such as remedial massage, sports massage, and aromatherapy to help relieve tension and promote relaxation.
• Woolworths Wellness Studio, Bright offers a holistic approach to health, combining traditional massage therapy with chiropractic care, acupuncture, and wellness workshops. 2 Gavan St, Bright.
• Hotham Wellness Retreat, Mount Hotham for those looking for spa treatments, fitness classes, and nourishing meals. Located near the ski resort at Mount Hotham.
• Jindabyne Massage & Spa, Jindabyne
  For those venturing a little beyond Victoria, Jindabyne offers a premium massage and spa retreat, combining traditional therapies with luxury treatments to rejuvenate body and mind.
• The White House Day Spa, Beechworth has facial treatments, body scrubs, relaxation massages, and spa packages in a beautifully restored heritage building in Beechworth.
• Porepunkah Massage & Wellness near the base of Mount Buffalo, offers a full range of services, from relaxation massage to deep tissue massage and hot stone therapy to soothe aching muscles after a day of outdoor adventures.
• Alpine Springs & Spa, Mount Buller: Enjoy a luxurious range of therapies, including hot stone massages, facials, and spa treatments with panoramic views of the Alpine region

Explore & Discover Victoria’s High Country: Nature, History & Adventure

Historical Sites and Cultural Heritage –

• 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
• 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

Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views –

• Walk Mullum Wetlands, Mansfield and witness the fabulous bird life. The Great Victorian Rail Trail runs right through it and it’s also ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
• 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.
• 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
• Top picnic spots: Murmungee Lookout is a pretty special place to escape from reality and is only a 10 min 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’s Huts High Country Victoria: Once 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.
• Snow season is a cornucopia of choices at High Country Snow.  For practical in-snow info, check Victorian in-snow information. 
• Browse short walks around Beechworth.
• Ski Mt Buller,  Ski Falls Creek or Ski Mt Hotham
• Cycle 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.
• Hand or spade feed animals at the Mansfield Zoo, like deer and kangaroos! It’s a 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
• Explore the Howqua Hills Historic Area –  part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Taungurung Peoples.
• 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 a gnome hunt! Bring the kids, enjoy refreshments from the licenced garden café. Planning a wedding or event? Yes!
• Taste test King Valley Wines – Chrismont Winery, Bright Brewery, Reed and Co Distillery, All Saints Estate Winery, Social Bandit Brewing Co, Bridge Road Brewers and Swiftcrest Distillery.
• Try 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 or the Delatite River (there’s trout in the latter).
• Relax by Gooram Falls – Strathbogie Ranges and admire the 300-400 million old geographical rock formations – 1813-1839 Euroa-Mansfield Rd, Gooram, Victoria.
• Mount Buffalo National Park: Hike to The Horn – the highest point of the park offering fabulous views!
• Tee off 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.
• Cycle the Murray to Mountains Trail at Bright or join Watson’s Mountain Trail rides
• Visit Beechworth Jail
• Go fishing or boating on Lake Eildon just like the Kerrigan’s from The Castle!
• Visit Sheepyard Flat – a great location for bushwalking, fishing, picnics and four wheel driving.
• Go Global ballooning – rise above the landscape of Mansfield and surrounds.
• Take a leisurely walk or picnic at Mansfield Botanic Park
• Go horseback riding in Mansfield, Mt Buller, for variously skilled horse riders. Visit Horse Riding High Country. Or try Watsons Trail Rides, the equestrian centre at the Mansfield Riding Centre – 137 Mt Battery Rd, Mansfield, or McCormacks Mountain Valley Rides.
• For serious horsey types and equestrian lovers, contact the Sophia Hill Equestrian school in Mansfield, Victoria.

Top Cultural and Historical Experiences in Victoria’s High Country

• 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
• There’s loads of historical societies  including the Mansfield Historical Society at 175 High St, Mansfield
• 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).
• Watch out for Christmas in July
• Visit the Arts Council of Mansfield– 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, carries a biennial prize across a number of categories.
• Check Mad Potters, the Mansfield Pottery Festival and the eagerly awaited Mansfield Lantern Festival, a fabulous celebration of the winter solstice, held at the foot of Mt Buller.
• Keep an eye out for the Spring Arts Festival and Mansfield High Country Festival
• Listen to great classical music with the Auqueles Chamber Music Quintet and check their program
• Check out the cars at Oz Carfest, which 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 Benalla Art Gallery – cafe, workshops, events and recent Indigenous and contemporary acquisition.
• Check out sports history at Australia’s only National Alpine Museum of Australia.
• Pay tribute to Australia’s fastest racehorse Black Caviar in Nagambie where a life size bronze statue of the world famous mare resides. This mare is the fastest horse in the world, undefeated in all her 25 races.
• 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 – the original death mask, gun and 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.

Good Eats in Victoria’s High Country: Where to Dine and Unwind

• 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!
• 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 Victoria
• Anvil Brewing Co:  brewery, restaurant and beer garden.
• Indigo Vineyard: 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.

Foodies’ Delights in Victoria’s High Country: Taste the Best of Local Produce

• 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.
• 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
• State Award Winners 2021 The Vine Hotel in Wangaratta serve wonderful gastro pub grub.
• 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
• Mansfield Bush Market: A quaint local market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.
• The Produce Store Artisan Market: Mansfield. Fresh local produce and artisan goods at this weekly market.
• The Coffee Merchant Marsfield. A great stop for coffee lovers and foodies who enjoy locally sourced ingredients.
• Mansfield Farmers Market – Held on the 4th Saturday of each month, this market is a foodie’s dream with local produce, crafts, and more.
• Violet Town Market – A monthly market offering fresh local produce, artisan products, and more, every 2nd Saturday of the month.
• Absolutely Amazing – Pick-your-own cherries at this farm in Londrigan, near Wangaratta-Eldorado Road.

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

If you think Victoria sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.