Victoria

The must-do activities in Victoria’s High Country

Pizzini Wines

Alice Piper

Posted December 06, 2021

From exquisite food and world-class wines to breathtaking views and natural surrounds, Victoria’s High Country has something for everyone.

When it comes to spending time away, you need not look further than our own backyard for an experience filled with great food, great wine, and natural beauty.

In fact, Victoria’s own High Country is a bustling region with so much to offer in the way of food and activities, as well as an untouched landscape featuring Mount Buffalo and the Alpine National Park, that’s perfect for easing your mind and resting your body.

Whether you’re after foodie’s getaway or nature-focused time away, here are the best activities to do in Victoria’s High Country. 

Explore Victoria's High Country

Healesville

At the foothills of the High Country is this charming little town known for its gourmet food and wine, nature walks, wildlife, village feel, and the world’s best Gin – all things that have been attracting Melburnians and other out-of-towners to this patch of paradise in recent years.

Just a stone's throw from the Yarra Valley, you can spend a day tasting some of the finest prosecco, and eating your way through some of the best local produce Victoria has to offer at any of the world-class wineries nearby such as Zonzo Estate and Rochford Wines.

And when the day is done, rest up at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort, which you can use as a base to explore the rest Victoria’s spectacular High Country.

You can also indulge at the Yarra Valley One Spa to really make it a relaxing week.

King Valley

Not many views can outshine the ones you’ll find in the King Valley. With rolling hills and vineyards that might just remind you of Tuscany, the King Valley is a secret hideaway becoming better known as the years pass.

Spend the day at Pizzini Wines, where this family-owned winery teaches you the art of Italian food and wine, produced right here in Victoria. There are also several other incredible wine tours in the King Valley region and beyond, perfect for relaxing and enjoying time with loved ones.

And don’t forget to visit Milawa Cheese for some delectable locally made cheeses – it’s a must when in the King Valley!

Mansfield 

Mansfield is a nature lovers’ paradise, with plenty of options for horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, skiing in winter, and any other adventure sport you can think of.

Take the Alpine Helicopter Charter and see the High Country from above, try out the numerous bushwalks around the area, or relax a little more visiting the many beautiful gardens at the High Country Maze.

And when you’ve finished adventuring for the day, relax at any one of Mansfield’s pubs and try some of the outstanding local produce.

King Valley vineyards

Spend an afternoon amongst the King Valley vineyards. Credit: Visit Victoria 

Bright

One of the more popular villages in the High Country, Bright is the perfect place for adults and children alike.

Why not spend a day with an easy bike ride from Bright to Porepunkah and experience the incredible views of Mount Buffalo? Or perhaps a short walk along the canyon where you can spot a platypus?

You can then settle in for lunch at the Bright Brewery or taste some local gin at the Reed & Co. Distillery. And to avoid that 3pm slump, head to one of the many local cafes where they take their coffee just as seriously as Melbourne.

Finish your day with another short walk, the Apex Lookout Walk, where you’ll be blown away by the views of Mount Bogong, the highest mountain in Victoria.

Beechworth

The town of the great Gold Rush has a lot going on in the way of gourmet food and locally-made craft beer.

Explore places like Bridge Road Brewers and Billson’s Brewery to taste local beers, gin and vodka for a more casual affair, or treat yourself to the two hatted restaurant Provenance which showcases some of the High Country’s best wines.

Also take some time to explore Beechworth’s fascinating historical background, with stunning architecture dating back to the Gold Rush era, before a walk around Lake Sambell or a hike at the Chiltern Box-Ironbark National Park.

 

Beechworth Provender

Stock up on some local produce at Beechworth Provender. Credit: Visit Victoria 

Rutherglen

Rutherglen is the sweet spot of the High Country for anyone who is passionate about their wine - with history dating back to the 1850s. 

Places like Scion Winery, Anderson Winery and Jones Winery and Restaurant allow you to indulge in some of the best wines this state has to offer.

But if you want to see more of Rutherglen’s history, take a walk along the main street where you’ll find much of the same architectural charm from the town’s colonisation, as well as beautiful antique boutiques. 

And for those with a sweet tooth, you can’t go past the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate factory where you’ll be guided through a tasting of organic chocolates, as well as a lesson in whisky distilling.

With so many places to visit in Victoria’s High Country and so many activities to do, this famous wine region is proving to be so much more than just that.

And when it’s just a couple of hours north of Melbourne, the High Country is the perfect region for a well-deserved getaway.

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