SCENIC DRIVES AND MOTORCYCLE ROADTRIPS

DRIVING AUSTRALIA'S HIGHEST SEALED THROUGH-ROAD

VALLEY LOOP DRIVE

This 120km loop explores sections of the Ovens Valley, Kiewa Valley and Happy Valley as well as the towns of Porepunkah, Bright and Mount Beauty. Adding to the views along the way are three stunning lookouts over the Kiewa Valley and Mount Bogong. The drive skirts close to Myrtleford, which is well worth the short detour if you want to make a day of it. The loop can be driven in either direction starting at any point. From Bright, follow the Great Alpine Road northwest to Ovens and turn right onto Happy Valley Road. At the road's end, turn right onto the Kiewa Valley Highway to Mount Beauty. To return, take Tawonga Gap Road over the pass and turn right onto the Great Alpine Road back to Bright.

MOUNT BUFFALO DRIVE

The road into Mount Buffalo National Park makes for a lovely scenic drive. It's an 85km-return trip from Bright to the top at The Horn Picnic Area. Take the Great Alpine Road to Porepunkah and turn onto Mount Buffalo Road at the roundabout and follow it to the end, returning the same way. The road climbs up to panoramic views over the Ovens Valley before heading inward over the Mount Buffalo Plateau and its granite boulders. There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, most notably Ladies Bath Falls, the old Mount Buffalo Chalet and Lookout, Lake Catani and The Horn. A walking trail leads from The Horn Picnic Area to the summit with 360° views over the Australian Alps.

MOTORCYLE TOURING ROUTES

PREPARE FOR ANYTHING

From snow to bushfires, floods and gale-force winds, the weather in the High Country can be fierce and change rapidly. Always check conditions before venturing out. Importantly, download the VicEmergency and the Emergency Plus apps to your phone and notify someone of your plans before you set out. Many parts of the High Country have poor or no mobile phone coverage. In winter, it is mandatory to carry snow chains into alpine areas. Snow is prevalent from June to October but can fall anytime of year in the mountains.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Our region is sensitive to human presence. We are privileged to have endangered animals such as platypus, pygmy possums and alpine dingoes surviving in our environment. Your behaviour has a direct impact on our flora and fauna. When driving or riding, stay on formed roads. Protect our wildlife and the beauty of our environment by taking all rubbish with you. Never light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted, always extinguish it completely before leaving. Enjoy our outdoors, and remember, leave no trace.

DRIVE ITINERARY

ALPINE DISCOVERY LOOP

This two-day scenic drive loops around the tops of the Victorian Alps and down through the towns of the Ovens and Kiewa Valleys.

Touring GAR hotham autumn 4_3
Tower Hill lookout over Bright

LOOKOUTS

THE VIEWS ARE BETTER UP HIGH

Lush green valleys and an alpine horizon as far as the eye can see. Here's where to find our greatest views.

OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE

MTB Skills Session (1:1 or Group)

Take your riding to the next level with a private MTB skills session. You’ll have a highly-qualified coach all to yourself for these three hour sessions so you’ll get personalised feedback, and get the most out of your time on…

New Years Eve Pack Horse Adventure

Welcome the New Year with an unforgettable experience. This Mount Bogong expedition features great landscapes, bush camps, spectacular riding terrain, great horses and local food and wine. Journey onto the High Country via East Kiewa and Timms Spur taking in…

High Country Horsemanship Clinic

Horsemanship clinic in a spectacular classroom, beyond the yard and stable. Advance your horse and rider relationship in a working environment. Great horses, beautiful camps, brumby country, experienced leaders. This five day travelling clinic combines the rewards of a remote…

Mt Buffalo Rock Climbing

Join Bright Adventure Company and discover the premier climbing locations around Mt Buffalo. Learn the art of granite climbing whilst being taught the necessary rope skills to keep each other safe. This family-friendly experience is sure to spark the climbing…

Air Time 101 MTB Jumps Clinic

Have you dialled your skills on a variety of trails and feel ready to take the next step? Do you feel like it’s time to get airborne but don’t know where or how to start? Then RideCraft MTB’s Air Time…

Hedonistic Hiking’s Hiking the Victorian Alps

This tour starts and ends in the charming Victorian High Country town of Bright and explores the magnificent mountain scenery surrounding the ski villages of Falls Creek, Hotham and Dinner Plain. Experienced guides Jackie and Mick Parsons are with the…

Labour Day Long Weekend Escape – Bogong Horseback Adventures

Join Bogong Horseback Adventures three day Packhorse Adventure and experience a truly Australian experience. Get a little saddle grease on your trouser seat this Labour day long weekend. Travelling the High country with Packhorses provides a balance between our living…

Hedonistic Hiking’s Sunset Dinners on Mount Buffalo

Hedonistic Hiking offers a series of Sunset Dinners on Mount Buffalo, on selected evenings during the summer months. Close to Bright in north east Victoria, this beautiful granite mountain is home to a number of unique plants and wildlife and…

Cross Country Ski – Half Day Lesson and Tour (three hours)

You will learn the same skills as for the ski lesson (above) and then practice these skills out on the trails. Your ski instructor will provide coaching and tuition throughout the tour, which will help you improve your ski technique.…