What Are Things To Do In High Country Melbourne?

Melbourne is fantastic, but every once in a while, you need to get out of the city and into the open spaces of rural Victoria. Victoria's High Country, which includes King Valley, Buller, Falls Creek, Hotham, and everywhere the word "chalet" is used, has some of the cleanest air in the state.

That which is most important, the high bits. In other words, you understand exactly what it is that we are discussing.

Here are some of our favourite places to stay, eat, and explore in Victoria's High Country, no matter how long or short your stay. Get the engines going.

The High Country has everything an explorer or tourist might want, from snowy peaks and rolling plains to rushing rivers and quaint wineries to dazzling lakes.

Prepare for a downhill mountain biking competition, take in the scenery on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, and savour the flavours of the region at one of the many cellar doors and farm gates. Got the munchies? Recharge your batteries in charming historic settlements and learn about the region's vibrant past.

Things To Do In High Country

Victorian High Country is a great place to spend a week or long weekend for reasons other than skiing and snowboarding (though the region is justly famed for its snowfields).

About three hours' drive from Melbourne, the High-Country region is home to award-winning breweries, wineries, distilleries, and farmers markets, as well as hundreds of kilometres of stunning terrain perfect for hiking, biking, and paddling.

The Kiln Houses

The Kiln Houses are worth considering if you want to do something different (and don't mind shelling out a little more money). You can pick from three stunningly designed homes at Porepunkah at the foot of Mount Buffalo.

Each home was reimagined by Sally Draper, rebuilt by Craig Martin, and furnished by Russell Grainger; they had formerly served as kilns on a tobacco farm. So, unsurprisingly, there are large glass windows that look out over some generic vineyards and a cattle ranch.

Beechworth Bakery

In Victoria, we're known for making some of the best pies in the country, and we take this accolade very seriously. But if you want the absolute finest pie in all of Australia, look no further than Beechworth Bakery. There are roughly eight more versions of these rogues scattered over regional Victoria, but the Beechworth edition is the original. Steak, bacon, cheese, and an egg on a crust are what make the Ned Kelly pie a fan favourite in our book (yes, we said egg). You should also read about the other great bakeries in Victoria that we recommend.

Beechworth Honey

Beechworth Honey is a local business with a brick-and-mortar shop in The Block arcade, as well as a charming and informative original bee farm (in Beechworth, duh). Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, depending on how involved they wish to be in the exploration.

If you're interested in learning more about our hummingbird friends, you may stop by the honey shop, which features a tasting counter and offers self-guided tours every 10 minutes. The Hive Kitchen is available to host workshops and culinary classes for larger groups.

Vibe Hotel Marysville

The Vibe Hotel Marysville is well located for vacationers that enjoy getting out and about while on trip. Vibe Hotel, nestled in the slopes below Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts like skiers, snowboarders, and (if you're as inept as we are) tobogganers.

You can't miss the complex because it takes up a significant portion of the main thoroughfare. You might also go hiking on the neighbouring trails or waterfall chasing in Victoria (TLC eat your heart out).

The Great Alpine Road

Travel from Wangaratta in the Ovens Valley to Harrietville, then up and over the alpine resort of Mount Hotham, and finally down to the charming seaside village of Metung in the Gippsland Lakes, all via Victoria's Great Alpine Road.

You can get up close and personal with Victoria's varied landscapes on this 339-kilometer journey along Australia's highest year-round accessible sealed road. Make your journey to the glistening waterways of Gippsland's coast by way of towering mountain ranges, tumbling valleys, lush woods, and rolling vineyards. The return trip could be taken to get to Mt. Hotham or Dinner Plain. Get going in Gippsland; from Bairnsdale head north; then, from Omeo, swing west.

Whether you visit during the constantly popular wintertime snow season or during the long and languid summer days, you are guaranteed to have a fantastic trip either way. You can count on stunning vistas, amazing landscapes, and friendly locals in the villages you pass through at any time of year.

Beechworth Gorge Walk

The Beechworth Gorge Walk, for lack of a better phrase, is beautiful. We recommend stopping for a stroll (there's a designated car park near the Beechworth Powder Magazine in addition to ample on-street parking) if you're driving directly from Melbourne and crossing the canyon into Beechworth.

This hike seems like it was plucked from a Tourism Australia brochure, with its gum tree-lined panoramas, massive granite boulders, babbling creeks, and tranquil, crystal-clear pools along the hour-long circle.

Views of Beechworth town may be seen from the Gorge, which was once used as a hideout by the Kelly Gang. There are expensive granite outcrops, natural forests, stunning rock pools and cascades, and blooming wildflowers across the landscape. It is also the location of the beginning of the Rocky Mountain Tunnel, which was dug under Beechworth to drain the upper Spring Creek Goldfield wetland.

The next stop is the Newtown Bridge, built by a Scottish stonemason in 1875. A 2.4-meter-deep, 410-metre-long mining race sits beside the bridge. Last but not least, make sure to read the board that provides background about Chevalier's Mill.

Lake Sambell To Lake Kerferd Walk

The trail from Lake Kerferd to Lake Sambell takes you through a lovely woodland setting. Walk between Beechworth's two largest lakes on this 7-kilometre (one-way) trek. They were both manmade to protect Beechworth's water supply, but that doesn't diminish their aesthetic value.

The pathway through the trees between the two lakes isn't too difficult to navigate, so long as you stay on the path and follow the signs directing you towards Beechworth. You will soon discover, however, that this path passes by and through old mining tunnels that are gloomily deep and dark.

Tall eucalypt forests line the paths you go, and if you look closely, you can spot signs of mining and tunnelling that took place there in the past. Keep on the path, as there are many abandoned mine tunnels along the way, some of which are covered with wire mesh and others of which are not.

Keep your eyes out for kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas as you travel. Redfin and Golden Perch can be caught in Lake Kerferd. Lake Kerferd is the only source of drinking water in Beechworth; hence swimming and boating are prohibited.

1860 Luxury Accommodation

Leave your phones at home and spend a weekend of romance in a rustic timber cabin in Beechworth with your special someone. 1860 is on its own half-acre of parkland and has everything you need, so staying in your robe all weekend is fine. Free WiFi is provided (not that you'll need it), along with a functional kitchen and a spacious bathroom with room for two. Weekend rates start at $315 per night per couple and start at $385 on weeknights. A good investment.

On the other hand, the 1860 Luxury Accommodation in Beechworth is the place to go if you want to stay somewhere truly exceptional in the High Country. The town of Emerald was the first home for the timber cabin until it was relocated to Taggerty and finally to its current location in Beechworth. The cabin's current owners painstakingly renovated it using authentic reproductions and recovered wood from other 19th-century structures.

Although it was built in 1860, it doesn't imply it's a dreary log home. In fact, the cabin has been lavishly renovated to provide all the conveniences of modern life in addition to its charming period details. There is just room for two, making this cabin ideal for a private getaway with your significant other.

Bright Electric Bikes

Bright Electric Bikes, owned by Leigh Marlow, is conveniently located in the heart of Bright, and they rent out a fleet of 45 bicycles, both electric and conventional, if you didn't bring your own. You can go for the traditional bicycle if you're in the mood for some exercise, but the electric bicycle is a great choice if you need a little help getting up the hills (this is Alpine country, after all).

No matter how fast or slow you ride, the High Country is the best place to do it in Australia. There are more than 250 kilometres of sealed rail routes, many bars, restaurants, cafes, wineries, and breweries that welcome cyclists, and dozens of mountain bike paths that wind through some of Victoria's most beautiful landscapes.

Onsen Retreat + Spa

The Onsen Retreat + Spa has got your back if you need some serious rest and relaxation. Do you know whether there are any films of the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) that enjoy soaking in the hot springs? So, that's what you do around here. The Dinner Plain spa, which is surrounded by mountains and woodlands, is without a doubt Victoria's most visually spectacular outdoor spa.

The spa offers indoor and outdoor treatment packages to suit any budget. That a Japanese snow monkey; now please repeat after me.

Bright Adventure Company

The Ovens River runs right through the middle of the High Country, and it's a river that changes drastically with the seasons. Whitewater kayaking is a popular activity when the river is high due to the runoff from the adjacent mountains.

Late summer sees a significant decrease in the river's level, turning it into a calm stream ideal for swimming and playing in. Bright Adventure Company is where you should go to hire a stand-up paddleboard (or go rock climbing or abseiling if you don't want to get wet) at low river levels.

Paddling down the calm river with the help of the knowledgeable staff after learning how to stand and balance is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Our advice is to bring clothes you don't mind getting wet in case you fall into the river.

Planetrees Estate

If you're looking for a greener option in the mountains, consider Plane Trees. Stanley is located outside of Beechworth. Both the Lodge and the Art Suite have been recycled and are built using eco-friendly materials.

The garden grounds, vegetable garden, and natural pool at Planetrees are the property's crowning glory. In case you've always wanted to play chess on a board that's big enough for a human, you can. Apartments at Planetrees start at around $280 per night, making it a good option for bigger groups on a budget. As the seasons change, so does the answer.

All Saints Estate

Passing through the stately gates, along the avenue of towering elms, and into the beautifully maintained garden in front of the historic castle built in 1864 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, All Saints Estate makes a grand impression. The vineyard is located in a stunning part of Australia.

There is a wide selection of award-winning table wines and fortifieds available at the Cellar Door. Informal tastings are a wonderful way to get to know the wines better. In addition to public tastings, the Cellar Door can also be visited privately or by groups of ten or more people.

The award-winning "one hat" Terrace Restaurant is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the excellent wines and delectable fare prepared by head chef Kyle Ferguson. The menu changes with the seasons and uses seasonal, local ingredients.

Ox And Hound Bistro

Try Ox & Hound Bistro if you're looking for something a notch above in class. The owner and head chef, Sean Ford, claims to be infatuated with rustic French and Italian cuisine, which is reflected in the restaurant's smart casual atmosphere (cloth napkins but nil airs and graces).

Diners can enjoy almost 70 bottles of wine and bistro standards like rainbow fish terrine, chèvre gougères, and pillowy dishes of gnocchi beneath wattle branch chandeliers (containing many local selections as well as French and Italian vintages).

King Valley's Prosecco Road

If you travel to the King Valley in Victoria's High Country, you might mistake it for the rolling hills of northern Italy. Instead, these vineyards above the King River are home to cutting-edge winemakers and some of the world's best wines.

Generations of Italian immigrants in Australia have been pleasing palates with their Mediterranean-style wines for decades. The initial group included Pinot Grigio, Verduzzo, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Arneis, and Barbera.

Then in 1999, Otto Dal Zotto, who had spent his youth in Valdobbiadene, the town considered to be the prosecco's cradle, planted the first prosecco vines in the King Valley, drawing inspiration from his upbringing there. Its clean, refreshing taste made it an instant hit with partygoers looking for something casual yet classy to toast with. Since then, Brown Brothers, Chrismont, Pizzini, and Sam Miranda have all planted grapes in the King Valley.

In 2011, the five collaborated to establish a unique food and wine trail tailored to fans of the Italian sparkling white. You can drive or ride a bike down King Valley Prosecco Road and stop at several locations to have personal tastings with the producers, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, and have deep philosophical discussions while playing bocce.

ArtScape Cottage

ArtScape Cottage is an apartment, gallery, and studio on the southern side of Beechworth Gorge. The cottage comprises a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room/dining room, the latter of which is packed to the gills with artwork from regional creators (Many of these pieces are also available for purchase).

An easel, art tools, and numerous musical instruments complement the fully stocked kitchen and complimentary breakfast to provide for the ideal getaway. Although you may not know what you're doing, you can't help but want to give the piano and banjo a go.

ArtScape features a beautiful, wildly flowered garden that we're very certain belonged to Miss Honey from Matilda, so after some relaxing creative time, grab a cup of tea and head outside. If you sit outside for a while, you're bound to see some of the local rosellas, bowerbirds, and countless sparrows.

Camping At Mount Buffalo

The benefits it provides far outweigh the small investment required to obtain them. Campers may enjoy Mount Buffalo National Park from Melbourne Cup Weekend to April, experiencing the park's snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and Lake Catani's canoeing and kayaking.

Starting this month, you can reserve a camping place in Lake Catani for the equivalent of $13.60 (USD) through the end of the year. Trick of the trade? Make a springtime shoulder booking. The appropriate weekend here can make for a very unforgettable experience.

Pedal To Produce

Cycling enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to on Victoria's Pedal to Produce routes. The fresh local honey, gourmet cheeses, a plethora of orchards, wineries, and craft breweries may be enjoyed while you ride alongside mountain streams, autumn leaves, through lush valleys, and historical villages.

Stop by farm gates on your bike and load up on locally grown produce purchased straight from the grower. Drop in on town discreetly, grab a cup of coffee, and then continue cycling through some of Victoria's most breathtaking scenery. Discover the High Country's great wine, beer, and produce by hitting the trails and combining the best of both worlds: top-notch scenery and unhurried, off-the-beaten-path touring.

Feathertop Winery

There aren't enough words to express how stunning this winery is. Located in Porepunkah, not far from Mount Buffalo's foot, is Feathertop Winery, where visitors may enjoy private wine tours—ideal for social gatherings or business lunches—to sample the 22 wine types of the winery produces.

To learn everything there is to know about wine, from its philosophy to its bottling, you may also take a tour of a winery and spend some time among the vines. Don't leave without picking up a case or two of their white wine.

Horse Riding

There is a track suitable for riders of all skill levels in the centre of Australia's largest designated horse-riding area. The first stop should be at the ancient cattlemen's huts, which were constructed in the nineteenth century to provide refuge for horsemen on the Bogong High Plains. Then, drive across Mt. Stirling to Craig's Hut, where they shot The Man from Snowy River, passing through forests of Alpine ash and snow gums.

During a summer muster, you can listen to the tall tales of great mountain horsemen like Bruce McCormack and Charlie Lovick as you take in the breathtaking alpine scenery of the High Country from atop your horse.

Choose from a variety of guided trips, including short rides through peaceful bushland paths, two-day vacations in spa cabins, and multi-day packhorse adventures that culminate in restful evenings around the campfire.

Horses, gear, and basic instruction tailored to your expertise and skill level are all provided by the tour organiser. All trail rides are led and supervised by professional, well-trained staff who have all obtained necessary licences and are dedicated to upholding stringent safety standards.

The Press Room Wine Bar

Cosy up in this time capsule from 1891 and enjoy some time by the fire. The Press Room is a cosy wine bar in the heart of Beechworth, with exposed brick, dark wood, and Spanish-themed artwork decorating the walls.

It serves dinner Monday through Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The tapas are authentic Spanish fare, and the paella is fantastic, making it a great choice for a leisurely Sunday brunch. An appointment is highly recommended and can be booked.

Provenance

Since 2009, Provenance has called the Bank of Australasia building in Beechworth, Victoria's High Country, home. The building dates back to the gold rush era. Thus, while you might dine on one of the animals featured on our coat of arms during your visit, the flavours will be reminiscent of both Europe and Japan and will bear the indelible stamp of the chef and co-owner he has made for himself in Australia. And believe us when we say this: it's great.

You could order from the restaurant's a la carte menu but seeing as how you've spent the better part of the afternoon on the road, we recommend going all in with the restaurant's tasting menu, which consists of six courses. We hope you know how deserving you are. An appetiser is always an option; on this occasion, we try the silken tofu cooked in-house and placed right before service; pickled pine mushrooms float in dried mushroom dashi, and ginger pieces add a nice touch, but we wish there were more.

The dinner usually opens with his own sourdough served with miso butter, a nod to both his European schooling and the eating customs of his native Australia (Miso and butter are also prepared in-house). More, please! Have no fear. No more money is required.

If you really want to sample everything, you should go off the tasting menu. Try the duck lap Cheong instead, which is essentially a Chinese sausage but is cooked six months in advance and comes at the table in its purest form. The popular, typically packet-bought izakaya snack is taken to a new level when brined and dried squid is grilled, chopped into strips, and served with a glob of kewpie.

The second item is a Jerusalem artichoke bulb drenched in butter and served atop a bed of risotto made from sunflower seeds and flavoured with onion and kombu (edible kelp), and then adorned with fresh air segments of candied zest, Cara Cara orange, onion flowers, and artichoke chips. The next course is a bright and tangy sashimi of hapuka marinated in a green tomato ponzu and served above a bed of dashi jelly topped with agar, wasabi for that unexpected smack in the face, and marigold leaves.

You'll probably notice that there aren't any little herbs, which is a huge plus. Ryan is an advocate of using what nature provides, and he thinks you should just let herbs grow. That's how their flavour matures, after all. All right, all right!

Grilled onigiri, a rice ball charred over the grill and crunchy in the best way possible, rare-cooked kangaroo, topped with slices of raw mushroom, a melting slab of sea urchin butter, and 6, Seasoned, shredded shiso leaves that haven't lost their sharp, citrusy flavour., is the dish that best expresses current cooking style. Australia and Japan) in both ingredients and technique, produces a dish crafted with patience to be simple to the look but with forceful clarity of flavour and layers of texture, all in a single puck of rice.

Conclusion

The High Country has Victoria's top breweries, wineries, distilleries, and farmer's markets. Paddling, cycling, and hiking amid breathtaking scenery. Beechworth Bakery makes Australia's best pies. Local bee farm and store Beechworth Honey. The Vibe Hotel Marysville is ideal for those who prefer sightseeing.

The Beechworth Gorge Walk lets you explore Victoria's many landscapes. Beechworth's two major lakes are 7 kilometres apart. If you know what to listen for, you can explore ancient mine tunnels for kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Dinner Plain's outdoor spa is Victoria's best. Bright Electric Bikes rents 45 electric and non-electric bikes.

Reduce your carbon impact in the mountains with plane trees. Planetrees' crown jewels are the natural pool, vegetable garden, and landscaping. Casual wine tastings let you learn about the wines. Otto Dal Zotto established the first King Valley prosecco vineyards in 1999. ArtScape Cottage has a gallery and studio on the southern side of Beechworth Gorge.

Lake Catani's Mount Buffalo National Park is taking camping reservations. Horseback through scenic mountain valleys and small towns via flowing mountain streams and colourful autumn colours. Bike to farm gates for fresh food. The Press Room is a lovely wine bar in Beechworth, Victoria. Spanish tapas and paella are authentic.

Since 2009, Provenance has been at the Bank of Australasia. Weekend brunch and weekday dinner are served. Six months in advance, authentic Cheong is served at room temperature. Grilled onigiri are crispy rice balls. Raw mushrooms and shiso leave rare top kangaroo.

Content Summary

• Victoria's High Country, which includes King Valley, Buller, Falls Creek, Hotham, and everywhere the word "chalet" is used, has some of the cleanest air in the state.
• The High Country has everything an explorer or tourist might want, from snowy peaks and rolling plains to rushing rivers and quaint wineries to dazzling lakes.
• Recharge your batteries in charming historic settlements and learn about the region's vibrant past.
• Victorian High Country is a great place to spend a week or long weekend for reasons other than skiing and snowboarding (though the region is justly famed for its snowfields).
• About three hours' drive from Melbourne, and the High-Country region is home to award-winning breweries, wineries, distilleries, and farmers' markets, as well as hundreds of kilometres of stunning terrain perfect for hiking and biking, and paddling.
• In Victoria, we're known for making some of the best pies in the country, and we take this accolade very seriously.
• Beechworth Honey is a local business with a brick-and-mortar shop in The Block arcade and a charming and informative original bee farm (in Beechworth, duh).
• You can get up close and personal with Victoria's varied landscapes on this 339-kilometre journey along Australia's highest year-round accessible sealed road.
• Make your journey to the glistening waterways of Gippsland's coast by towering mountain ranges, tumbling valleys, lush woods, and rolling vineyards.
• The return trip could be taken to get to Mt. Hotham or Dinner Plain.
• Get going in Gippsland; from Bairnsdale, head north; then, from Omeo, swing west.
• The Beechworth Gorge Walk, for lack of a better phrase, is beautiful.
• We recommend stopping for a stroll (there's a designated car park near the Beechworth Powder Magazine and ample on-street parking) if you're driving directly from Melbourne and crossing the canyon into Beechworth.
• The trail from Lake Kerferd to Lake Sambell takes you through a lovely woodland setting.
• Walk between Beechworth's two largest lakes on this 7-kilometre (one-way) trek.
• You will soon discover, however, that this path passes by and through old mining tunnels that are gloomily deep and dark.
• Keep on the path, as there are many abandoned mine tunnels along the way, some of which are covered with wire mesh and others not.
• Redfin and Golden Perch can be caught in Lake Kerferd.
• Leave your phones at home and spend a weekend romance in a rustic timber cabin in Beechworth with your special someone.
• The town of Emerald was the first home for the timber cabin until it was relocated to Taggerty and finally to its current location in Beechworth.
• No matter how fast or slow you ride, the High Country is the best place to do it in Australia.
• The Onsen Retreat + Spa has your back if you need serious rest and relaxation.
• The Dinner Plain spa, surrounded by mountains and woodlands, is Victoria's most visually spectacular outdoor spa.
• The Ovens River runs right through the middle of the High Country, which changes drastically with the seasons.
• The grounds, vegetable garden, and natural pool at Planetrees are the property's crowning glory.
• Passing through the stately gates, along the avenue of towering elms, and into the beautifully maintained garden in front of the historic castle built in 1864 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, All Saints Estate makes a grand impression.
• The vineyard is located in a stunning part of Australia.
• A wide selection of award-winning table wines and fortified available at the Cellar Door.
• Try Ox & Hound Bistro if you want something a notch above in class.
• Generations of Italian immigrants in Australia have been pleasing palates with their Mediterranean-style wines for decades.
• ArtScape Cottage is an apartment, gallery, and studio on the southern side of Beechworth Gorge.
• Campers may enjoy Mount Buffalo National Park from Melbourne Cup Weekend to April, experiencing the park's snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and Lake Catani's canoeing and kayaking.
• Drop in on the town discreetly, grab a cup of coffee, and then continue cycling through some of Victoria's most breathtaking scenery.
• Discover the High Country's great wine, beer, and produce by hitting the trails and combining the best of both worlds: top-notch scenery and unhurried, off-the-beaten-path touring.
• To learn everything there is to know about wine, from its philosophy to bottling, you may also take a winery tour and spend some time among the vines.
• There is a track suitable for riders of all skill levels in the centre of Australia's largest designated horse riding area.
• The Press Room is a cosy wine bar in the heart of Beechworth, with exposed brick, dark wood, and Spanish-themed artwork decorating the walls.
• The tapas are authentic Spanish fare, and the paella is fantastic, making it a great choice for a leisurely Sunday brunch.
• Since 2009, Provenance has called the Bank of Australasia building in Beechworth, Victoria's High Country, home.
• You could order from the restaurant's a la carte menu, but seeing as how you've spent the better part of the afternoon on the road, we recommend going all in with the restaurant's tasting menu, which consists of six courses.
• The dinner usually opens with his sourdough served with miso butter, a nod to both his European schooling and the eating customs of his native Australia (Miso and butter are also prepared in-house).
• You should go off the tasting menu if you want to sample everything.
• Try the duck lap Cheong instead, a Chinese sausage cooked six months in advance and came to the table in its purest form.
• Grilled onigiri, a rice ball charred over the grill and crunchy in the best way possible, rare-cooked kangaroo, topped with slices of raw mushroom, a melting slab of sea urchin butter, and 6, Seasoned, shredded shiso leaves that haven't lost their sharp, citrusy flavour.,
• Australia and Japan) in both ingredients and technique, produces a dish crafted with patience to be simple to the look but with forceful clarity of flavour and layers of texture, all in a single puck of rice.