Best Victorian High Country Tours & Vacations 2023/2024

The Victorian High Country offers plenty of charm, delicious dining and scenery that will knock your socks off.

Prospectors rushed to Victoria’s High Country during the 18th century in search of gold. The gold is now long gone but there are plenty of other riches for visitors to discover in this part of Victoria. Along with soaking up the charm of Victoria’s best High Country towns, you can immerse yourself in the scenery which inspired famous poet AB 'Banjo' Paterson's The Man From Snowy River. It also provided a hiding place for Ned Kelly. Drop into the famous Beechworth bakery and sample the pie named after the region’s most famous bushranger. Along with climbing to the lookout at Mt Buffalo, admiring the rugged, rocky summits of The Jaithmathangs, and sampling Rutherglen’s famous muscat, you can explore the region on a cycling adventure or lace up your walking shoes on a Victorian High Country walking trip.

Our Victorian High Country tours

Cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: Beechworth to Bright

4 Days From 1275

Cycle Victoria's High Country, from historic Beechworth to charming Bright. Follow the...

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Walk Victoria's High Country

5 Days From 1895

Walk Victoria’s High Country on this 5-day tour where you’ll discover gold rush history...

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Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

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Highlights of Victorian High Country

Go wine tasting

There are eight different wine regions to explore in the Victorian High Country. Rutherglen is famous for its award winning sparkling reds, French varietals like Marsanne and Roussanne, and fortified wines. The King Valley offers a delicious taste of Italy with wines such as prosecco, nebbiolo and sangiovese. The towns in the Alpine Valley have superb sparkling wines. Many cellars doors are family run and offer a warm welcome. If you aren’t keen on wine, there is a High Country Brewery Trail as well.

Admire heritage architecture

Follow the Historic Buildings Street Walk in Yackandandah and admire the impressive original architectural details on the facades of the buildings which line the street. Discover the character-filled gold rush town of Beechworth with its fascinating stories, museums, and heritage architecture. This is also where the legend of Ned Kelly was born. Many of Beechworth’s building haven’t changed much since the gold rush era, making it easy to imagine what life must have been like in the 1800s.

Surround yourself with nature

Take an invigorating hike up to Huggins Point, enjoy a peaceful riverside Canyon Walk or climb to the most famous lookout on Mt Buffalo, the Horn, sitting at the impressive height of 1,723 metres above sea level. For something less energetic, keep an eye out for birds and wildflowers as you stroll along the Ovens River. In the cooler months, be dazzled by the vibrant reds and golds of the leaves changing colour or hit the slopes at the surrounding ski fields.

Discover the gold mining history

Take an underground tour of the Karrs Reef Gold Mine or relive the golden glory days of the region on the Indigo Gold Trail. The Eldorado Museum in the tiny town of Eldorado has a collection of mining memorabilia, including a 2,000 tonne floating dredge. If you stroll along Morse's Creek, you can see the old races which were used by the 3,000 miners who came here to find their fortune. Many of the area’s mountain bike trails feature remnants of Yackandandah’s gold mining past.

Cycle the Victorian High Country

Victoria’s High Country has some excellent cycle trails to explore. The Myrtleford-Everton Rail Trail is an easy 33 kilometre ride that’s mostly downhill, making this route a good option for novice cyclists. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is equally good for beginners with no vehicle traffic and mostly sealed paths to cruise along. With the chance to sample wines along the way, these gentle rides make the most of the vineyards.

Hit the slopes in winter

Any time of year is a good time to visit Victoria’s High Country. In summer, the walking and cycling is superb. In winter, the area turns into a winter wonderland with multiple ski fields to explore with runs to suit every age and skill level. Top choices includes Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buffalo, and Mt Feathertop. If you don’t want to go skiing, you can still visit one of these lively ski towns to see the snow and soak up the vibe.

Victorian High Country tour reviews

Victorian High Country FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip in the Victorian High Country?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

How to get to the Victorian High Country

The closest major airport to the Victorian High Country is Melbourne. From here, it's a 2.5 hour drive to the region. Albury Airport is much closer to the Victorian High Country than Melbourne Airport but there are only a few flights a day and fares can be high. Rail and bus services travel to larger nearby towns like Albury. From here, you will need a hire car to explore the Victorian High Country.

Getting around the Victorian High Country

You will need to hire a car or join an organised tour to explore the Victorian High Country.

When should I visit the Victorian High Country?

Summer weather is a great time to see wildflowers. Autumn brings with it the changing colours of the leaves and crisp mornings and nights. Winter is the best time to snuggle up in front of a fire and enjoy the cosy nights or hit the slopes in one of the ski areas. The weather in spring is generally good with warm temperatures and clear skies, making this the ideal time of year for walking or cycling.

What should I pack for the Victorian High Country?

Bring clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket and wet weather gear. If you are going skiing, you will need to bring clothes that are suitable for this activity. One or two smart casual outfits will be more than enough for dining out.

What should I wear in the Victorian High Country?

If you're going out hiking, cycling or skiing, dress for the conditions and pack your backpack for the unexpected. If you're relaxing at your accommodation or going somewhere to enjoy a meal, dress for comfort rather than fashion. Smart casual is fine for the restaurants in Victoria's High Country.

What is the internet like in the Victorian High Country?

There is good WiFi coverage in most of the major Victorian High Country towns. If you are visiting some of the more remote areas, you may experience periods of time with no internet access.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone in the Victorian High Country?

There is good mobile phone coverage in most of the major Victorian High Country towns. If you are visiting some of the more remote areas, you may experience periods of time with no mobile phone access.

Is the Victorian High Country accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid