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
Alpine Helicopters
Based at Jindabyne Airport in the Snowy Mountains. Scenic Helicopter flights. Flights are available all year round. Soar high above it all and see the untouched places of Kosciuszko National Park from the sky. Take a flight and land for lunch at an award-winning winery or brewery. See the mighty Hydro Electric Scheme. From spectacular…
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 settlers flocked to the region in search of their fortune. You will be instructed on…
Australian Cycle Tours – Victoria
Australian Cycle Tours specialise in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia, including the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and the Great Victorian Rail Trail. They are the people within Australia’s first ever adventure travel company, World Expeditions, who were voted the Adventure Travel…
Nordic BC ski touring
Forge fresh tracks through pristine snow on a Nordic ski adventure discovering the diverse backcountry of Hotham and Dinner Plain. Glide amongst gnarled snowgums, over alpine ridges and across open plains while learning about the alpine surrounds from our expert guides. Our itineraries are fully customisable and may be adjusted to suit your ability. Various…
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 a range of adventure tours such as Abseiling, Caving, Canyoning, Rock Climbing, Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking…