The Vic High Country was a favorite stop of mine on my Lap of Australia. This is one of the most underrated destinations in the country! In winter, it’s a super-popular spot for skiing and snow sports. But I visited in March, and it was a hiker’s paradise! It’s not on the classic Melbourne-Sydney coastal road trip route, but it’s well worth the detour. Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip to the Victoria High Country in Australia.
How to Get to the Vic High Country
You’ll definitely need your own vehicle to get around this area. It’s anywhere from 3 to 5 hours’ drive from Melbourne, depending on where exactly you’re going. There are a lot of narrow, winding roads up and down the mountains – these take a long time to drive. You’ll also likely get stuck behind a caravan or a road train at some point; if you’re a slow vehicle, please use the passing places to let others behind you safely overtake! In winter, snow chains are mandatory on vehicles – there are designated snow chain bays where you can pull over and put them on. In heavy snowfall, follow the orange poles to make sure you stay on the road.
How Many Days Do You Need to Visit the Vic High Country?
I recommend a minimum of at least three days on your trip here. Four to seven days would be much better – you could get to more areas (like Mount Buller) and do more hikes if you have around a week. But there’s so many outdoor activities here you could really spend up to two weeks here, exploring at a slower pace. I only had three days, and regretted it – I really wish I’d had more time, even just one more day!
The Best Places to Visit in the Vic High Country
Mount Buffalo National Park
This is one of the most popular areas of the High Country to visit. I only had half a day here, but really wish I’d had at least a full day – if not more – to enjoy the beautiful scenery and hikes here!
The Horn Lookout
This was one of my favorite spots in my trip to the High Country. There’s a short hike, 1.1km total, up to the Horn – this is the highest point in Mount Buffalo! The views over the Australian Alps are truly spectacular from here. The walk is listed as 45 minutes total, but it only took me about 25 minutes. Note that the last few km of the road is unsealed, but probably okay for 2WD vehicles in dry weather. I had no issues getting there with my Nissan X-Trail.
The iconic picnic shelter, perched on the edge of the lookout, is the stuff of Instagram dreams – it’s especially great at sunset. Don’t miss this part of the High Country!
Gorge Heritage Walk
This short hike starts from the Gorge Day Visitor Area and Mount Buffalo Chalet, which boasts incredible views over the landscape here. The gorge loop is 2.6km total, and took me 45 minutes. See Crystal Brook Falls and the impressive rock wall of the gorge itself – info panels along the way share information about the history of the area.
Eurobin Falls and Ladies Bath Falls
Visit two pretty waterfalls on a short and easy walk. You’ll see Ladies Bath Falls first, where some people were swimming when I went! Continue on the trail to see the lower and upper viewpoints of Eurobin Falls – there is absolutely no swimming allowed here, due to the dangerous slippery rocks. The walk is 1.3km return and took me about 30 minutes.
Bright
This pretty small town is conveniently located between Mount Buffalo National Park, and the Great Alpine Road (B500) leading to the ski fields. Stroll along the river on the Canyon Walk, try a few local beers at Bright Brewery, or visit the museum. This is a great option to base yourself on a trip to the High Country.
Mount Feathertop (via Razorback Trail)
Mount Feathertop, the second-highest mountain in Victoria, via the Razorback Trail is one of my favorite day hikes in all of Australia! The trail is easy to follow, meandering up and down the hills with jaw-dropping views all around. I loved hiking through the snow gums, seeing the different mountain ridges all around me. Don’t miss this hike if you’re visiting the Vic High Country – it’s worth detouring to the area just to do this walk!
The route is 23km, and took me 6 hours and 15 minutes exactly – although I’d estimate between 6-8 hours for the hike. This is a great overnight hike if you’d like to camp. There are plenty of suitable camping spots close to the trail, as well as Federation Hut close to the summit. Park in the laybys on the road, at Diamantina Hut – save the exact location on GoogleMaps here!
Danny’s Lookout (Great Alpine Road)
This was one of the most impressive lookouts on the Great Alpine Road (B500) through Alpine National Park in the High Country. It’s just past Hotham Heights and the parking for Mount Feathertop at Diamantina Hut. It’s 1705 meters above sea level.
Falls Creek
On the other side of the mountains, Falls Creek is a quiet town that comes to life during ski season. There’s a smattering of cafes, restaurants, and bars around, although note that most opening hours vary depending on the season.
View this post on Instagram
Pretty Valley Rock Pools
Unfortunately, I didn’t make it here on my trip, but I really wish I’d have been able to go! Starting from the Pretty Valley car park, follow the river up to discover the secret and stunning blue rock pools. The tourist information center in Falls Creek can apparently give you directions – but it’s not a long walk to get here.
Mount Bogong
Mount Bogong is the highest mountain in Victoria – and there are a number of different routes to take up to the summit! If you’re up for a challenging full-day hike, take the Staircase Spur route. The total walk is 21.5km and will take anywhere from 8-10 hours. I wish I’d had time to do this hike, but I just didn’t have enough time for another full-day hike!
Mount Beauty
This is another small town in the High Country, north of Falls Creek. Do the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk or the Mount Beauty Pondage Walk around the lake. There are a few pubs, restaurants, and cafes around the town, too.
Mount Buller
Unfortunately, I didn’t get here on my trip to the Vic High Country – I just ran out of time! This is a small alpine village, that’s very popular with skiiers in winter. If you visit at any other time of the year, it’s a great spot for hiking. The walk to Mount Buller is about 4km in total.
The Big Ned Kelly (Glenrowan)
This is one of the spots I wanted to visit the most in Victoria, and time constraints meant I had to skip it! North of Alpine National Park and Mount Buffalo National Park, you’ll find Glenrowan and the Big Ned Kelly statue. Ned Kelly is Australia’s most infamous outlaw, a bushranger who met his end in a shootout with police in Glenrowan. See the statue and learn all about Ned Kelly here.
Where to Stay in the Vic High Country
I camped during my time in the High Country, but there are plenty of accommodation options available if you don’t want to camp. Here are some options on where to stay:
- Free Camp: Smoko Campground – fantastic free camp, close to Bright, with a creek for swimming
- Free Camp: Pretty Valley Campground – a nice free camp outside of Falls Creek
- Free Camp: Jokers Flat – another great free camp next to the Mitta Mitta River
- Paid Campsite: Lake Catani Campground – a pretty campground in Mount Buffalo National Park, be sure to book online in advance (only open seasonally)
- Caravan Park: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bright – a wide range of accommodation options, from powered/unpowered sites to villas (some with a spa)
- Budget: Alpine Sports Lodge – quad and family bunk bed rooms and a well-equipped kitchen
- Mid-Range: Bright Velo – cheerful and cozy accommodation, ranging from standard rooms and suites to three-bed apartments
- Luxury: Hara House – a boutique hotel with mid-century décor in a sophisticated setting
Planning Your Trip to the Vic High Country
The closest major airport to the area is Melbourne Airport. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. You’ll definitely want your own vehicle to travel around here! Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Thinking of a tour? Check out options below!
I loved my trip to the Vic High Country. I definitely didn’t have enough time to explore properly – there are so many more hikes I wanted to do! But I’m still so glad I went, as it was one of the best surprises on my Lap of Australia. If you enjoy being outdoors, you’ll love a trip here! I hope this guide helps planning your visit to the Victoria High Country.
Have you been to the Vic High Country before? What were your favorite places?
You might also like my posts:
The Best Hikes in the Grampians, Victoria
The Best Hikes in Tasmania, Australia
A Hiking Itinerary for the Flinders Ranges, South Australia
15 Incredible and Underrated Hikes on the East Coast of Australia
Australia Budget: Month 12 (March 2024)
All of my Australia posts!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
