Located 2,000 metres above sea level, the Victorian High country is a scenic two-hour drive from Melbourne. Throughout the summer, the area offers mountain adventures ranging from bushwalking, canoeing & horse riding, and in the winter it becomes home to Victoria's best and most accessible snowfields; Mount Buller, Mount Hotham & Falls Creek. There are many well-marked trails passing through sheltered forests of alpine ash, snow gum woodlands and open plains. After a day of altitude, head to the valleys and enjoy a wide range of country bakeries, cosmopolitan cafes, restaurants, fresh produce & gourmet food outlets. The Victorian High Country is also home to one of Australia’s oldest wine areas. Enterprising winemakers have been taking advantage of the fertile land and mild climate around Rutherglen since the early 1800s. Rutherglen wineries produce robust red wines that cellar well for many years, as well as crisp, modern style whites. The region is best known however for its fortified wines.
When to Visit Victorian High Country
This is a true cool climate region. In autumn the air turns crisp and the leaves shimmer with brilliant gold & copper. The temperature averages around 20 deg C. In winter the snow turns the alps into a magical winter playground. Average valley temperature 12 deg C. In Spring, as the valley temperatures rise to around 19 deg C, the mountain rivers swell creating the perfect environment for white water rafters, canoeists and kayakers. While in summer a carpet of alpine wildflowers fill the hills. Average valley temperature 28 deg C (expect 5-10 degrees cooler for alpine areas).
Getting Around Victorian High Country
The High Country region is easily accessible from both Melbourne and Sydney via the Hume Highway. Snow chains must be carried when going up the mountains during the snow season and 4WDs are necessary if you're planning to head off the main roads. Albury Airport is located 10 minutes from the centre of Albury and 15 minutes from Wodonga. There are daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and other regional centres. Flights direct to Mount Hotham Airport from all capital cities and major regional centres are also available. There are also several train lines into the region and numerous bus and taxi services.