High Country Life

Buckland Valley is one of Victoria’s most historic gold mining areas. The valley is dotted with graves of diggers who died in the area.

This stunning mountain surrounded valley is home to a number of spectacular camping spots, some of them right on the river. It’s also a great base for exploring bush tracks and mountain biking adventures.

1. Mount Buffalo National Park

In the alpine region of Victoria, Mount Buffalo National Park is one of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders. It features an awe-inspiring plateau of massive granite boulders and is home to charismatic Australian wildlife. The mountain is also a popular destination for photographers and has an extensive range of walking tracks that take visitors through forests of alpine ash and snow gums, alongside giant boulders, over clifftops to waterfalls and sublime lookouts.

The park is home to over 90km of walking trails. The most popular routes include the Lakeside Walk, which takes you through forests of alpine ash and Snow Gums and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Another great trail is the Cathedral and Hump Walk, which starts at the Cathedral Saddle Car Park. This track winds through rock formations and then up to “The Hump” before ending at a lookout with 360 degree views of the Mount Buffalo plateau.

There are also some spectacular waterfalls in the area, including Dicksons Falls, a short walk from the Tatra Inn site and Ladies Bath Pool and Falls at the base of the mountain. These are a popular spot to cool off on hot summer days.

Aside from the many hiking trails on offer, there are also several options for outdoor adventure activities. You can do abseiling, hang-gliding and rock climbing here. There is also adventure caving at the park and a camping ground at Lake Catani, which is open from November to April.

During the winter months, visitors can experience the beauty of Mount Buffalo’s natural surroundings on cross-country ski trails. A number of trails near the Cathedral (Cresta) and Dingo Dell are used by beginners and more experienced skiers. A toboggan run at Dingo Dell is also available during the winter season.

Over 110 years old, the picturesque Mount Buffalo Chalet – Australia’s largest wooden building – still sits atop the plateau and is a must-see for visitors who want to explore this fascinating part of history. The chalet survived bushfires throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries and is awaiting restoration to its former glory.

2. Porepunkah

Porepunkah is a small village 6km north of Bright on the Great Alpine Road, where the Buckland River meets the Ovens River. It’s the nearest town to Mount Buffalo National Park, and is the perfect destination for a family getaway. With a pool at the local Riverside Park, and an organics store, takeaway food and pub, there’s plenty to do for a day out.

The area around Porepunkah is rich in history and has a fascinating heritage. The town was a gold mining boomtown, and was the site of an infamous race riot that occurred in 1857. The cemetery a short walk up Cemetery Lane commemorates the victims of this tragedy.

There are many places of interest within Porepunkah itself, including the Old School and The Heritage Centre. The historic buildings are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into life in the Victorian goldfields. The town also has a number of parks, playgrounds and public toilets.

A great way to explore the region is by bike. The Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail runs through Porepunkah, and is a popular cycling and hiking path. It takes you through a wide range of landscapes, including bushland, verdant farmland and delightfully unexpected hidden valleys.

If you’re looking for something more active, try a high country hike with Kevin and Romana from High Country Hiking Tours. These professional guides have been hiking in the Victorian high country for over two decades and know all the best spots.

You can also ride up the Buckland Valley, a picturesque journey that takes you through vineyards and apple orchards with sweeping views of Mt Buffalo to the rear. The ride evokes images of early European settlement, but thoughts quickly turn to the thousands of years of Aboriginal custodianship in this stunning region.

Budj Bim is a sacred site for the Gunditjmara people, and it’s home to one of the oldest aquaculture systems in the world. A visit to this National Heritage Landscape is an experience you won’t forget!

The region is also home to one of Australia’s most established wine regions, with many vineyards offering excellent wines. There are also a few great restaurants and cafes in Porepunkah, so there’s no shortage of things to do.

3. Bright

Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie or a thrill seeker, Victoria’s High Country has something for everyone. The region is home to the iconic snow resorts of Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, along with stunning wildflower covered hillsides.

Buckland Valley is a hidden gem only a short drive from Bright and Porepunkah, located in the heart of the Alpine region. This secluded and picturesque valley offers stunning views of Mt Buffalo, perfect for walks, horse riding and fishing.

The valley is also surrounded by apple and chestnut orchards, vineyards and a dairy farm making this area the perfect place for a rural retreat. Whether you are here for just a day or a week there is always so much to do.

Enjoy the scenic Buckland River and its many swimming, picnic and fishing spots in this stunning valley. The surrounding bushland is great for walks, horse riding and mountain biking.

This valley is perfect for any avid cyclist as it offers miles of undisturbed roads and the opportunity to escape the summer heat while achieving incredible altitude training. There are several cycle routes and bike tracks in the area as well as the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

It’s easy to see why the region is so popular with cyclists, they get to escape the summer heat for a few days of cycling while enjoying beautiful scenery and delicious food and wine. This area is not only a favourite for bike lovers, but it is also the perfect place to go hiking and camping as well.

You can even take a short walk through the Grampians National Park. There are a number of interesting walks to choose from, including the MacKenzie Falls Walk which is only about 45 minutes.

The Grampians National Park is a popular destination for many visitors, the park is known for its flora and fauna. The park also features a large number of waterfalls, rock formations and cliffs. It is home to many animal species, including kangaroos and echidnas.

4. Old Tallangatta

The beautiful town of Old Tallangatta is a great base for exploring the region. It’s a fun place to visit, and it’s well worth a trip in the summer or winter.

It’s also a popular tourist destination for Victorians who are looking to get away from the city. There are plenty of things to see and do here, including the Tallangatta Fifties Festival held each year at the end of October.

As well as being a great base for touring the area, Old Tallangatta is home to many interesting and historic buildings that are worth seeing. For example, the church is an impressive structure that dates back to the 1800s.

Other great places to visit in the town are the railway station, the museum and the library. There are also some wonderful parks and gardens.

Another great place to visit is the Bogong Moth Festival, which takes place every year around the start of spring. It’s a fun and festive event with a lot of great activities to participate in.

The town is very close to the Grampion Mountains and there are some lovely waterfalls and streams in this part of the Victorian high country. There are also several lakes that are great for fishing and swimming.

There’s also a few good restaurants in the area, especially if you’re looking for a bit of a break. It’s also worth checking out the nearby Bogong Village, which is home to the second largest alpine ski resort in Victoria.

You can also try your hand at mountain biking if you’re feeling energetic. There are some spectacular trails in the area, with Milawa Gourmet Ride and Rutherglen Pedal to Produce both offering 10-12.5 kilometres of gentle pedalling through vineyards and farm gates.

For those looking for something a little more challenging, consider the Great Victorian Rail Trail. This 134-kilometre route traces a former train line between Wangaratta and Bright, passing through a variety of gorgeous towns along the way.

The Great Victorian Rail Trail is the longest continuous rail trail in Australia and is a must for any cycling enthusiast. The 134 kilometres between Wangaratta and Bright will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Victoria, with plenty of wineries, breweries and farm gates to stop and enjoy. You can do the whole thing in one go, or pick and choose sections that suit you best.