The Great Dividing Range: Spectacular at Any Time

Victoria’s High Country lies within the Great Dividing Range, Australia’s most significant mountain range. The High Country is a beautiful region of colourful villages, cool-climate wines and the freshest of local produce. Discover ivory landscapes in winter and verdant national parks at any other time. Check out the Victoria High Country Huts of the Settlers

At over 640 000 hectares, Alpine National Park is the largest national park in Victoria. It’s an area of wild forest, gushing rivers, grassy plains and spectacular mountain peaks. Hiking, horseriding, fishing and white-water rafting are just a few of the ways to start your adventure. Be sure to include a drive along the Great Alpine Road Touring Route, Victoria’s highest road, for spectacular vistas.

Mt Buller is an easily accessed alpine resort just a few hours from Melbourne. In winter, don your skis for the 2.5 km ski run. Or head indoors for roaring fires, spa treatments and a meal overlooking white-clad peaks. Summer is a popular time for bushwalking, horseriding and four-wheel driving.

With a reputation as Australia’s ‘powder capital’, Mt Hotham is definitely the place to get your skis on. Stay at a lodge and enjoy Victoria’s highest annual snowfall. At other times of the year you’ll be blessed with stunning valley views. Adventurous types might enjoy the Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk that joins Mount Hotham to Federation Hut.

The curiously named Dinner Plain close to Mt Hotham is a picturesque village with luxury retreats, the Onsen Retreat and Spa (a Japanese bathhouse), and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Mt Buffalo National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Australia, renowned for its striking rock formations. Get adventurous and try your hand at abseiling, fishing or hiking. Lake Catani is a popular spot for camping and be sure to bring your camera when you visit Bents Lookout, The Horn or the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet.

Falls Creek puts on a stunning display of wildflowers each spring, and is the starting point for several cycling and walking trails. Hike to historic cattlemen huts on the Bogong High Plains or perhaps enjoy a canoeing trip along the Kiewa Valley creeks and lakes. Falls Creek boasts the state’s largest snow making facility so is a great option every winter. Stay on the mountain any time of the year, with your choice of eco-friendly resorts, budget lodges or luxury retreats.

Nestled beneath Mount Bogong, Mt Beauty is an alpine village surrounded by the fertile Kiewa Valley. Take a self-drive tour to several local wineries or head to Tawonga Gap for an incredible birds-eye view of the village. Bright is a picturesque village situated on the banks of the Owen River and in close proximity to the alps, national parks, and vineyards. Consider booking a table at Simone’s - one of the state’s best restaurants.

Beechworth is a historic town with a burgeoning reputation for all things culinary. Beechworth flourished during the 1850s gold rush, and the town’s history may be discovered with a stroll past the many heritage-listed buildings, a visit to the Chinese Cultural Museum Centre or the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct. Visit the jail that housed Ned Kelly, the notorious Australian bushranger.

There’s plenty to discover along the Alpine Way and the southern edge of the Great Dividing Range. Are you ready for your High Country adventure? Plan a long weeknend with your 4X4