Victoria’s High Country, located in the north east of the region, is a breathtaking destination with a mix of rugged landscapes, outdoor adventures, rich history and fantastic food & wine. Here are five reasons why you should be planning a visit soon!
Spectacular Alpine Scenery
Victoria’s High Country is home to some of Australia’s highest peaks, such as Mount Buller and Mount Hotham, offering dramatic alpine vistas. In winter these mountains transform into bustling ski resorts, while in the warmer months the region is ideal for hiking, cycling, and soaking in the unbroken views of the peaks and valleys. At Hedonistic Hiking we are usually hiking in this area in the month of February. The temperatures are perfect for hiking at this time of year, the altitude keeps things cool, and the sunsets and sunrises are just beautiful.
Outdoor Adventure Haven
We love this area of course for its excellent hiking trails, but for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers, the High Country has much to offer. A wide range of activities are available including cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, fishing, horseriding, rock climbing and abseiling, all against the backdrop of this stunning landscape. Our Alpine Walking Weekend in 2025 will take place from 21-24 February, and we will base ourselves in the lovely Pegasus Lodge in Mount Hotham. Our two fabulous days of hiking are topped and tailed with wonderful food and wine, showcasing the very best of the region. Anyone joining our weekend could add a couple of days before or after to explore our fabulous part of Victoria.
Rich History
Many of the small towns in the High Country, like Beechworth and Yackandandah, are steeped in gold rush history. There are a number of well-preserved heritage buildings, museums, and historical tours that tell the stories of early settlers, bushrangers, and gold miners. Also worthy of a visit are Glenrowan for its association with the last stand of the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly, and Myrtleford which evolved into a community known for tobacco farming, attracting a large Italian population to the area. Many of the traditional tobacco kilns can still be seen. The Cattlemen’s Huts in the high mountains are iconic relics of the region’s pastoral history. These huts were originally built by cattlemen who used the High Country’s alpine plains for summer grazing, providing shelter during cattle drives against unpredictable mountain weather. Today, many have become popular destinations for hikers, and history enthusiasts alike.
Award-Winning Food and Wine
The region is famous for its gourmet food and wine scene. Our home base is in Bright in the heart of this region, and we have many favourite places to visit. The King Valley is Australia’s home of Prosecco, and the “Prosecco Road” trail follows a series of boutique, family-owned wineries producing this well-loved sparkling Italian wine. We love the cellar door and trattoria at Dal Zotto Wines and the fine dining restaurant at Chrismont. Rutherglen is another special wine-growing area, famous for its fortified wines and bold reds. All Saints is a lovely estate to visit with fabulous gardens, and Pfeiffer Wines has a beautiful bridge over the river.
We are also fans of the Milawa Gourmet Region, which is home to artisanal producers from cheese and mustard to wine and olives. Brown Brothers, one of Australia’s oldest and most respected wineries, is based here offering a range of immersive food and wine experiences. The High Country is famous for producing high-quality ingredients such as berries, chestnuts, walnuts, apples, pumpkins and hops. Artisan cheese, honey and cured meats are also prominent. Many local farmers supply fresh vegetables and dairy products to the area’s markets and restaurants, and there are many regular farmers markets which allow visitors to buy direct from local producers.
Charming Small Towns
Victoria’s High Country is dotted with quaint and picturesque towns such as Bright, Beechworth, Mansfield, and Yackandandah. Each town offers something unique, from local markets and artisan shops to festivals and friendly, welcoming communities. Beechworth, in particular, is a beautifully preserved 19th-century town, steeped in history and boasting a fabulous local food scene. One of our favourite restaurants here is the award-winning Provenance, owned and run by chef Michael Ryan. Yackandandah is a quaint, heritage-listed town that offers a charming village atmosphere. With its well-preserved buildings and strong arts community, the town has become a hub for art and craft lovers.
These reasons make Victoria’s High Country a perfect destination for adventurers, gourmands and those seeking relaxation and escape in the gorgeous scenery. To grab the last couple of spots on our Alpine Walking Weekend in February email us now!