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
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…
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 High Country, the Grampians, the Goldfields Track and the Great Ocean Walk. The tour groups…
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.…
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…