8 May 2023
With its snow-capped mountains and endless activities, the Victorian High Country is a winter wonderland your whole family will love.
Here are 16 of the best must-do activities while you’re there!
Table of contents
- Hit the slopes
- Chase the slopes
- Explore the towns
- See the night sky
- Darker Days Festival
- Local Brew House
- Back Country
- Hotham Heli-Hop
- Toboggan Tracks
- Hike the Horn
- Twilight Tuesday at Falls Creek
- All Terrain BBQ
- Beechworth Bakery
- Mount Buffalo National Park
- Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Centre
- Karrs Reef Gold Mine
HIT THE SLOPES!
With some of the best mountains in the country, the Victorian Alps are the perfect place to get some serious pow.
The popular mountains of Hotham and Falls Creek are always a great option but don’t let them overshadow some great neighbours like Mount Buffalo, where budget-friendly ski runs are perfect for families and novice skiers.
Credit: Visit Melbourne / Falls Creek
CHASE WINTER WATERFALLS
It might be too cold to swim but that doesn’t mean waterfall chasing is off!
Some would argue winter is the best time to go, with the increased rainfall causing the fastest falls. Ladies Bath Falls, Rollason Falls and Eurobin Falls will definitely wow you and even though a dip may be off the cards, Sinclair’s Waterhole is always worth the drive.
Credit: Rollason Falls / Darren Harris
EXPLORE ALPINE TOWNS
Soak up the charm of the quaint country towns and villages that make up the thriving Victorian Alps.
Bright, Myrtleford, Mount Buffalo and Porepunkah all have their own fascinating history. For extra insight, chat with some friendly locals; they'll be happy to share stories about their home town.
Credit: Alpine Shire 2022 / Reform Hill Mytleford
BOOK SNOW ACCOMMODATION
Discovery Parks offer two great accommodation options in the Victorian Alps. Both are located just a short drive from the region's favourite attractions.
With 400m of prime riverside location, Discovery Parks - Mount Buffalo is Australia’s second largest Alpine Holiday Park and the perfect base for a family ski trip to the Victorian Alps.
Everything is possible here, from bike rides, fishing in creeks and skiing the mountain. Accommodation ranges from spacious powered sites to deluxe cabins with private balconies.
Down the road, a stay at Discovery Parks - Bright means waking up to the serene views of the Ovens River and the towering Mount Feathertop.
Only a short drive from the fresh powder of Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, Bright attracts adventure-seekers and nature lovers all year round. Stay in cosy cabins or book your favourite site!
SEE THE NIGHT SKY
Safe from the dazzle of city lights, country skies are the ultimate place for stargazing.
Once a month, the Bright Astronomy Club hold viewing nights where keen stargazers come together to view the wonder of the sky above. Of course, you can do your own star viewing if you miss the meet-up, all you need is clear skies!
Credit: Bright Astronomy Club Inc. / Group photo
LAUGH AT LIFE AT DARKER DAYS FESTIVAL
Run by Bright Brewery, the annual Darker Days Festival is an ode to dark beer and invites brewers from around Australia to show their wares.
The three-day event in June boasts an impressive all-Aussie music line-up with the likes of the Pierce Brothers, the funky sounds of Vaudeville Smash and local legends, Raging Moby.
Credit: Darker Days - Bright Brewery
HOP TO THE LOCAL BREW HOUSE
Speaking of Bright Brewery, this town-favourite brew house is definitely worth a visit.
Sitting on the banks of the Oven River, the venue itself is a beautiful spot to park up for an afternoon. The kids will love their varied menu and ample play spaces.
Beer lovers will get a kick out of the fact that their specialty brews are all made with pure Alpine water and locally grown hops.
Credit: Bright Brewery
GET LOST IN BACKCOUNTRY
To powderhounds, getting lost in mountain backcountry sounds like a perfect day out.
The annual Victorian Back Country Festival celebrates exactly that. From cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, this Mount Hotham-based festival provides tips and tricks for rookies and workshops for more experienced snow lovers.
This could be your chance to discover a whole new side to snow sports.
GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW
View the mountains from above with an unforgettable helicopter ride.
Take to the sky with the Hotham Heli-Hop and enjoy a 12-minute scenic flight through the Alps. If you’re feeling fancy, take the morning heli to the top of the mountain and be the first tracks in the snow.
Credit: Visit Victoria
UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD ON THE TOBOGGAN
If a fun day in the snow is what you’re after, look no further than Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley.
Situated within the Mount Buffalo National Park, both snowfields are known for their incredible toboggan runs and snow play areas that are perfect for the whole family. Plus, there is no charge to enter the mountain and parking is free all day!
HIKE THE HORN
Located within the Mount Buffalo National Park, The Horn is the highest point within the park but don’t let that scare you!
The relatively easy walk is around 1km and should take 45 mins return. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the top while you take in the breathtaking views below.
Credit: Parks Victoria
HAVE A NOT-SO-TERRIBLE TUESDAY AT FALLS CREEK
Whoever said Tuesdays were terrible has clearly never been to Falls Creek.
Each week, the mountain hosts an epic Twilight Tuesday Street Party from 3:30pm with live music, games and even marshmallow roasting!
Local resident Pete the Dragon also likes to pop down and say hi to the kids, sometimes even posing for photos.
Credit: Falls Creek Alpine Resort
HAVE DINNER AND A SHOW INSIDE A HIDDEN TIPI
Picture eating a chef-grilled BBQ inside a hidden eco-village that's tucked away in the mountains.
This is ‘All Terrain BBQ’ the dining experience taking Mount Hotham by storm. Every night is a night you won’t forget, with live music, trivia and stand-up comedy.
Credit: Hotham Alpine Resort / @max_homer
TAKE A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA’S MOST FAMOUS BAKERY
Their slogan is “worth the drive” and we have to say we agree.
Take the family on a scenic drive to the world-famous Beechworth Bakery. Sample the official ‘Ned Kelly Pie’ and get a taste of their critically acclaimed Vanilla Slice, then take a look around the historic town of Beechworth itself.
We recommend a few treats for the drive back. Credit: Beechworth Bakery / Facebook
SPOT TREES FOUND NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH
Take a walk through Mount Buffalo National Park and admire more than 500 different plant species unique to the region. This includes the Buffalo Sallee Tree which hasn't been identified anywhere else on the planet.
UNLEASH YOUR INNER PICASSO
What better way to escape the winter chill than by perching up and getting crafty indoors.
The Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Centre run a painting and drawing group every Tuesday morning as well as other regular one-off workshops throughout the year. You can also grab the family and head to Art Bar for a guided painting class and walk away with your own masterpieces as a unique souvenir!
Credit: Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Center / Facebook
BE A GOLD MINER FOR A DAY
Head into the historic Karrs Reef Gold Mine and see where gold was first discovered there in the 1850s.
Take a guided tour and learn the stories of the men who worked there, and see if you can find some gold of your own.
Credit: Karr's Reef Gold Mine / Facebook
