North East & High Country, Victoria, Australia Travel Information

The High Life

The Rutherglen, Beechworth and Mansfield Districts of Rural Victoria

While Byron Bay is well known for its glorious beaches and its barefoot style that has made it a favourite holiday destination, in the hills behind the town is a luxuriant patchwork of tropical fruit farms, rainforests, velvet river valleys and World Heritage national parks that were created by the giant Tweed Volcano.

Dominating the region, the spike of Mount Warning is the first point on the Australian mainland to feel the glow of the rising sun, and any moderately fit person should be able to make the two-hour climb to the 1175m summit. Hard up against the Queensland border is the Border Ranges National Park, 31,000 ha of Antarctic beech forests with World Heritage credentials.

Running from the Mansfield District to the upper reaches of the Murray River near Corryong is the Victorian Alps. With its majestic mountain scenery and world-class regional cuisine and wines, this piece of Victoria is fast gaining a reputation for delivering the ‘High Life’ in more ways than one.

Link to accommodation, cottages & bed and breakfasts in North Eastern Victoria

Promoted as ‘Legends, Wine and High Country’, northeastern Victoria has much to offer visitors with a vibrant history – complete with bushrangers, gold prospectors and wealthy graziers – spectacular natural beauty and some of Australia’s leading wineries and restaurants. Add the appeal of outdoor and adventure activities from skiing in winter to white-water rafting and hiking in summer and it’s easy to understand why Victoria’s High Country has become a premier travel destination.

Living High on the ‘Hock’

Aboriginal tribes once gathered annually over summer in the High Country to feast on the seasonal Bogong moth and take advantage of the pleasant temperatures. Today is no different with Australians heading for these cooler climes to wine, dine and escape both the heat and pace of city life.

From the wineries of Rutherglen to the fertile King Valley, the region boasts some of the country’s most productive farming land. The quality of local produce is famous with names such as Brown Brothers Winery, Milawa Cheese Company and Milawa Mustards harking from the area.

Rutherglen, in particular, enjoys an excellent reputation for producing both robust red wines that can be cellared for years as well as a selection of crisp, modern style whites. Arguably home to the world’s best Muscats, however, visitors can hire bikes and ride the Muscat Trail that takes in 10 local wineries. This is a great way to sample the region’s most renowned export while sightseeing along the Murray River.

Local lamb and beef are also exceptional with the rich, pastures perfect for livestock production. Freshwater fish feature strongly on restaurant menus with the Murray Cod and trout both favourites. Indeed, the depth of quality produce so readily available has led to the establishment of a restaurant and cafe industry the envy of most major cities.

As Gerard Learney from The House at Mount Prior puts it, “This region has always been strong in high quality lamb, beef and trout. We now have farmed Murray cod, venison and emu, high country berries, locally produced preserves, chutney and pickled walnuts to add to the world-class wines and world-class chefs.”

This dedication to fine regional cuisine is not restricted to the top end of the culinary chain - you might be miles away from a big city, but the emerging band of cosmopolitan cafes means you won’t be left hankering for a real espresso. So too, the local country bakeries are a far cry from the meat pie and white loaf of yesteryear with bakeries like the famous one at Beechworth winning several tourism awards for food and service.

High-way Robbery

Link to accommodation, cottages & bed and breakfasts in the Victorian Snowfields & High Country

In 1824, explorers Hume and Hovell were the first Europeans to find and report what riches this part of the new world had to offer. Later in the 19th century, gold prospectors came in their thousands to toil in the valleys in search of their fortune. The historic townships of Beechworth, Yackandandah and Chiltern are right in the heart of what was once one of Victoria’s biggest goldfields.

Along with the wealth came the infamous bushrangers, the daring exploits of whom have become an important part of Australian history. Stand in the docks of the Beechworth Courthouse where Ned Kelly stood after his final arrest at the Glenrowan siege. Visit the haunts and gravesites of such notorious characters as ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan or pay your respects at the grave of Jack Riley, who was said to be the famous ‘Man from Snowy River’.

Indeed if you traverse the Great Alpine Road, which runs from Wangaratta all the way to the Victorian Coast, you will drive through the very country that inspired Banjo Paterson to write The Man from Snowy River.

High Adventure

Enjoy year round adventure in the High Country. In winter, ski some of Australia’s steepest and most challenging of runs then come the warmer months return to walk or hike tracks over the same unspoilt country.

Rather than opting for the familiar resort or lodge-style accommodation associated with ski escapes, an increasing number of visitors to the region are choosing to stay in stylish self-contained accommodation or even grand mansions that have been converted to cater for the flourishing bed and breakfast industry.

Offering skiers a more intimate and memorable experience, historic towns such as Mansfield, Myrtleford and Bright are gaining a new lease of life. With their close proximity to the well-known slopes of Mount Buller, Mount Buffalo, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek they make an ideal base for those wishing to couple a few of life’s little luxuries with outdoor adventure.

Once the snow capping surrounding mountains melts, adventurers of a different hue arrive with some of Australia’s best locations for abseiling, rock climbing, gliding and hot air-ballooning in the Victorian High Country. If hiking is more up your alley, then be sure to pack your boots so you can walk to the summit of the state’s tallest mountain. The Mount Bogong Trail, which begins at the Mountain Creek Picnic area, will take you to the very top although be pre-warned, it does require a reasonable degree of physical fitness.

Water lovers will not be disappointed with the Murray River and the massive Lake Hume Meccas suitable for aqua sports of all kinds. Holding six times the water capacity of Sydney Harbour, the lake is perfect for sailing, jet and water skiing, windsurfing, swimming and fishing. There are sandy beaches for sunbathers and reserves with barbecue and picnic facilities along the foreshore of the lake and the banks of the river.

The Murray Gates section of the Murray River with its challenging rapids is ideal for white-water rafting while Lake Dartmouth, north east of Mount Bogong, is perfect for anglers and commonly regarded as one of the best freshwater fishing spots in Australia.

High Time

Whether it’s for a two-week, action-packed holiday or a peaceful weekend break from the pressures of city life, Victoria’s High Country will provide an unforgettable escape any time of year.

For further information visit the ‘Legends, Wine and High Country’ website at www.lwhc.com.au or ring the Victorian Tourism Information Service on 13 2842.