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.
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
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…
Mt Buffalo Underground River Caving
This experience is great for everyone ages 10 and up, who have a moderate fitness level and who are ready for a challenge. We’ll start by gearing up with equipment to make you more comfortable, then take a short, scenic…
Adventure Guides Australia
Adventure Guides Australia (AGA) has been providing outdoor adventure tours in the Victoria High Country area since 1985. Their activity locations include Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens River, King River, and Kiewa River. AGA offers…
Nature Trax
Nature Trax is a local eco-tourism organisation based in Albury-Wodonga, committed to connecting people with nature across the stunning Ovens Murray region of North East Victoria. They specialise in guided nature walks, hikes, and nature connection activities (including nature prescriptions…
Abseil Beechworth
Hanging around or simply passing through Beechworth and after an activity to do? Abseiling in the Beechworth Gorge is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. Being close to town allows for easy access with minimal walking required…
Hedonistic Hiking
Hedonistic Hiking is a small company operated by experienced guides Jackie and Mick Parsons. For almost 20 years they have been offering all-inclusive luxury gourmet guided walking holidays in Victoria and Europe. In Australia the scheduled tours explore the Victorian…
Gold Panning – Beechworth and Bright
Strike gold with Adventure Guides Australia. Available in Beechworth and in Bright, this activity is great for the whole family and is a spectacular way to escape the heat. Step back in time to the gold rush era where early…
North Wall 300 Metre Abseiling Challenge
Are you up for a challenge? Want to test your mettle? This activity was listed at the top of ‘Wild’ Magazine’s bucket list adventures in Victoria for 2014. This is a serious adventure that is not for the feint hearted.…
Bright Guided Mountain Bike Ride
A perfect way to see the best of Bright! All Terrain Cycles’ experienced instructors will take you on terrain best suited to your ability and fitness, riding trails to maximise fun and high fives. Our guides are first aid qualified…