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
Bright White Water Kayaking
Enjoy the scenery of Bright by paddling down the Ovens River. This white water adventure is a good introduction into white water kayaking, using sit-on-top kayaks or two seat inflatable kayaks to paddle down the grade one and two stretch. These adventures can be run from upper Bright and through to lower Bright or to…
Reform Hill Myrtleford
Reform Hill in Myrtleford, approximately 3 hours’ drive north-east of Melbourne, is a popular spot for bushwalking with evidence of past mining and spectacular views of the Ovens Valley, Mount Buffalo and the Victorian Alps. Reform Hill Lookout Loop is one of several walking tracks around Reform Hill. The walk is 3.7km and takes approximately…
Howling Husky Park
Howling Huskys offers thrilling dog sled tours, heartwarming husky meet-and-greets, snowmobile rides, dingo encounters, husky walks, live sled dog demonstrations and festive husky transport for Christmas events. They also host unique wildlife parties and so much more. There’s something for every animal lover, adventurer and snow seeker. Join them at Howling Husky Park for an…
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 gives shelter to lyrebirds, wombats and possums amongst many other species. The highest point on…
Ovens River Family Kayaking
This is a perfect way to see the Ovens River if you’d prefer a more relaxed trip. The tour runs for approximately three hours and we will paddle near Myrtleford taking in some great scenery with a couple of smaller rapids near the end. If the rapids look too wild it’s easy to portage around.…
Cross country skiing
Learn to cross country ski and go free-range. No crowds, no lifts, no passes. Cross country is your key to exploring this winter wonderland at your own pace, powered by you. Cross country skis may look similar to other skis, but the mechanics are quite different. Although you’re still sliding on snow, it takes some…