HIGH COUNTRY
Fresh air, clearwater streams, blue skies and looming mountains are what make the High Country so special.
The region has inspired tales of such high drama and folklore; from Glenrowan, scene of outlaw Ned Kelly’s last stand, to The Man From Snowy River, a famous Australian poem turned into an enjoyably over-the-top film.
If you're keen to bask in the clear mountain air, there are year-round trail rides and summer musters, and the chance to unfurl your sleeping bag in huts previously occupied by backwoods horsemen.
This is the region for snow, snow and more snow (and snow-sports). The major resorts of Mount Buller, Mount Hotham, Mount Buffalo and Falls Creek are regarded among the best in the country and offer downhill ski and snowboard runs, tobogganing and cross-country treks.
There's also abseiling, paragliding, hang-gliding, white-water rafting, mountain biking, caving and kayaking.
How to get there
By car:
The High Country is easily accessible from both Melbourne and Sydney on the Hume Highway which passes the towns of Benalla, Glenrowan, Wangaratta and Albury Wodonga.
From the Hume Freeway at Wangaratta, the all-weather sealed Great Alpine Road heads through the Ovens Valley, past Mount Buffalo and across the Great Dividing Range before winding down to Bairnsdale on the Gippsland Lakes.
Turn off to Mount Buffalo National Park just before Bright at the Porepunkah roundabout. To reach Falls Creek, turn off after Bright and take the Kiewa Valley Highway. Stay on the Great Alpine Road to get to Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain.
You can also travel north through the region from Bairnsdale, passing through Omeo on the Great Alpine Road.
If you are heading to Eildon, Mansfield and Mount Buller take the Maroondah Highway. You may want to continue on to Benalla via the Midland Highway. For a more direct route to Benalla, Milawa and Rutherglen take the Hume Freeway from Melbourne.
Don't forget snow chains when going up the mountains during snow season, and take a 4WD if you're planning to head off the main roads.
By public transport:
V/Line offers daily train and coach services to the region. For detailed information on timetables and costs contact V/Line on 136 196 (in Australia) or visit www.vline.com.au.
By tour:
There are tours to the High Country and its attractions, though they tend to focus on the legend of Ned Kelly – check out the link below or enquire at your hostel.
