Overview
If you're itching to escape the city, look no further than the spectacular walks found in alpine Victoria.
To inspire you to explore more natural wonders this summer, we've partnered with Victoria's High Country to showcase some of the top hikes around the expansive region. Whether you're looking for a guided multi-day adventure or a leisurely stroll, these treks offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature.
There are incredible towns to explore along the way with award-winning wineries, paddock-to-plate dining and serene lodgings to ensure the active part of your trip is peppered with experiences where relaxation is at the core.
So pack the car, lace up your walking boots and swap the city for mountainous peaks, glorious falls and rugged backcountry.
MOUNT BEAUTY GORGE WALK
If you head to Victoria's High Country on a particularly warm day, plan a stop at the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk. It has a relatively easy 2.8-kilometre track (or 5.6-kilometre round trip) that leads you through stunning vistas. More importantly, the eponymous gorge is perfect for a mid-walk splash.
Cross the swing bridge that spans the West Kiewa River and you'll find the natural swimming hole another 100-metres up river where you can wade or swim through to a rock-walled canyon. Time your visit for a sunny day to make the most of the tranquil spot — and the perfect place to cool off.
Rob Blackburn/Visit Victoria
BENALLA STREET ART TRAIL
Benalla is regarded as the gateway to the High Country — and it has a creative side that street art enthusiasts will love. If you aren't so much an outdoors type, ditch the mountainside trails and take part in a dynamic Benalla Street Art self-guided tour instead. On it, you'll explore the charming town's backstreets adorned with works from some of the best Australian street artists and muralists in the game.
Tucked around almost every corner, there are huge works by the likes of Georgia Hill, Adnate and Rone.
PARADISE FALLS
Paradise Falls is a befitting name for this serene backcountry setting, situated deep within Alpine National Park. There are two ways to access the falls. The first offers a more challenging adventure where you will depart the tiny village of Cheshunt and reach the falls by completing the 6.6-kilometre McMillians Track Trailhead. The less taxing alternative is via the 500-metre Paradise Falls Waking Track, which takes you to the viewing platform just a few minutes' walk from the car park.
The falls are at their most impressive in spring and early summer, so plan accordingly.
MOUNT PILOT LOOKOUT WALK
Another stroll belonging in the easy category is the Mount Pilot Lookout Walk, located a short drive from the historic town of Beechworth. Although the walk to the peak is just over 500-metres from the car park, the 360-degree views from the top will have you thinking otherwise.
On a clear day you are treated to sweeping views over the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park and the sight of Mount Buffalo to the south. If you're willing to start your day early, the exceptional views makes for a spectacular sunrise.
HOME & AWAY TRAIL
Don't get caught out thinking a visit to Falls Creek is only worth it when snow's on the mountains. One fine summertime attraction is the Home & Away Trail: a moderate level, six-kilometre roam through the High Plains leading you right up to the Summit chair and views of rugged, rocky and beautiful wilderness.
On the descent, you'll pass by craggy plateaus surrounded by bushland and wildlife. For keen hikers willing to make a two-kilometre detour, the Frying Pan Spur offers sweeping views of the Kiewa Valley and nearby mountains.
Rob Blackburn/Visit Victoria
KEPPEL LOOKOUT
Marysville is known as one of the most gorgeous pit stops in Murrindindi — and visitors can experience its beauty from a lofty perspective at the scenic Keppel Lookout. Accessed via an 11-kilometre loop, the lookout rewards hikers with unmatched panoramas over the town, its lush surrounds and the distant peaks of the Cathedral Ranges. It can also be accessed by car if you are not up for the hike.
There are plenty of other vantage points along the trail, too. The Oxley and De La Rue lookouts are stellar stops along the ridge, and you can also check out the roaring Steavenson Falls.
3 PEAKS HIKE
Multi-day adventures through the Victorian alps don't come much better than the 3 Peaks Hike. Intended for hikers with tip-top fitness, the three-day tour sees walkers climb to the top of Mount Stirling and Mount Feathertop before culminating in the state's highest peak, Mount Bogong.
Simply put, this trek is an outdoor enthusiast's dream journey, and you'll also get to rest up in comfortable overnight accommodation in Mansfield and Mount Beauty. With meals provided, all you have to focus on is taking in all the epic scenery and reaching the end of this epic 45-kilometre journey.
MOUNT GRANYA WALKING TRACK
Situated along the northern border of Victoria, Mount Granya State Park is renowned for its steep forested slopes and vibrant wildflowers. The Mount Granya Walking Track is the ideal half-day journey to experience the area by leading visitors to many of the park's most striking landscapes.
The 10.4-kilometre track starts at Cotton Tree Campground before taking you to your first stop, Scout Hut — a log cabin built in 1937. Onwards towards the summit, the Granya Falls are an ideal place to take a brief respite. Then, after enjoying the views from the peak, you can mosey down to Georges Creek Lookout for even more views.
AN EVENING AT CRAIG'S
There aren't many landmarks in Victoria's High Country more famous than Craig's Hut. Perched atop Mount Stirling, this historic hut is known around the globe as the setting from iconic Australian film The Man From Snowy River. Visiting this attraction with the An Evening at Craig's experience means you won't have to beat around the bush to get there.
Departing from luxe Mansfield accomodation BullerRoo — at which two nights' accommodation is included as part of the Evening at Craig's Hut experience — you'll ascend on a guided hike through an alpine ash forest to reach your stunning dining destination. After exploring the dramatic plateau, you'll sit down to a gourmet dinner at dusk. Then, it's back to BullerRoo for nightcaps by the fire.
KING VALLEY GOURMET WALKING TOUR
Situated in the foothills of the Alpine National Park, King Valley is abundant with remarkable hiking experiences and wine- and food-fuelled adventures. A guided seven-day pilgrimage, the King Valley and Victorian High Country Gourmet Walking Tour invites you to discover the region's top walks and foodie experiences.
The cost of $3660 per person includes six nights in four-star accomodation on the edge of Milawa overlooking the surrounding vineyards; four guided walks through the stunning countryside; a day filled with wine and food; guided tours of the local towns, including Gold Rush era gems such as Beechworth and Yackandandah; and a private cooking classes to learn about the King Valley's celebrated Italian cuisine and heritage.
Swap home for Victoria's High Country and tap into your adventurous side this summer. To discover more epic walks and outdoor adventures, check out the Victoria's High Country website.
Top image: Keppel Lookout, Rob Blackburn/Visit Victoria