SCENIC DRIVES AND MOTORCYCLE ROADTRIPS
DRIVING THE HIGHEST SEALED ROAD IN AUSTRALIA
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.
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
Mount Buffalo Adventure Abseiling
Completing the beginners abseil, then tackling the 45 metre free fall abseil. This adventure has all the abseils of the beginners abseil then it is followed by a 45 metre free fall abseil looking across the gorge to the 300 metre North Wall of Mount Buffalo. On the walk back from the bottom of the…
The Hurt Locker
For the serious athlete, this ultra-tough adventure course has been inspired by the gruelling SAS Selection and is designed to test your mettle. The Hurt Locker has been specially designed to reflect the conditions faced by SAS candidates. Whilst under the watchful eye of former Special Forces operators, you can expect to be cold, wet,…
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 walk from the gorge carpark to the entrance of the underground river. You will be…
Myrtleford White Water Kayaking
Viewing the picturesque scenery of the Ovens River from Myrtleford on top of a sit on top kayak. They supply experienced local guides for paddling down the Ovens river in the grade two rapids along with all the activity specific gear that is needed. This experience is provided by Adventure Guides Australia
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 group every step of the way, looking after all creature comforts and sharing their knowledge…
Creative Light Photography Tours
Creative Light Photography runs multi-day photography workshops in the Victorian High Country. Jeff Freestone is the owner of Creative Light Photography and is a local photographer who has spent the last nine years exploring the region with his camera with an aim to reveal the hidden beauty of this stunning region through his work. The…