High Country & the Alps
Victoria’s alpine heart — winter snow at Falls Creek, Hotham and Buller, summer hiking and the Great Alpine Road, and gourmet valleys around Bright and Beechworth.
The High Country & the Alps
Victoria’s north-east rises into the High Country — the state’s alpine heart. In winter, resorts like Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Buller draw skiers to the snow; in the warmer months the same mountains open up for hiking, cycling and the Great Alpine Road. Down in the valleys, historic Bright and Beechworth, Ned Kelly’s country, and the gourmet King Valley and Milawa reward a slower pace. Bright is around 3.5–4 hours from Melbourne.
What to Do
Alpine Resorts
Mount Buller, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Buffalo for winter snow (conditions permitting).
Hike & Ride
Alpine walks, waterfalls, road cycling and mountain biking, and the Great Alpine Road drive.
King Valley & Milawa
Italian-influenced wine (including Prosecco), cheese, mustard and long lunches in the valleys.
Bright & Beechworth
Autumn colour in Bright and gold-era Beechworth — the heart of Ned Kelly country.
Tips
- Bright is ~3.5–4 hrs from Melbourne; the resorts a little further
- Winter alpine roads may require wheel chains — check current conditions
- Snow varies year to year — check resort reports before booking
- Autumn is glorious in Bright; summer is prime for hiking and cycling
- Read the High Country & alpine guide to plan
The High Country — FAQ
What is the Victorian High Country known for?
Alpine snow resorts in winter, summer hiking and mountain biking, the historic towns of Bright and Beechworth, gourmet food and wine in the King Valley and Milawa, and Ned Kelly history. See our High Country & alpine guide.
Where can you ski in Victoria?
At the alpine resorts — Mount Buller, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Baw Baw, plus Mount Buffalo — when conditions allow, generally June to September. Snow varies each year, so check current reports.
How far is the High Country from Melbourne?
It’s the state’s north-east — Bright is roughly 3.5–4 hours from Melbourne, and the higher resorts a little further, on winding alpine roads that may need chains in winter.
What is there to do in summer?
Hiking, road cycling and mountain biking, waterfalls and swimming holes, the Great Alpine Road drive, and the food and wine of the King Valley (known for Prosecco) and Milawa.
What is the Ned Kelly connection?
The north-east is Kelly country — Beechworth and Glenrowan tell the story of Australia’s most famous bushranger, alongside their well-preserved gold-era streetscapes.
Victoria, Planned Around You
Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the wine country and the penguins — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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