Experience winter beauty in the mountains: the crisp air, warm drinks by the fire, outdoor snow adv
Experience winter beauty in the mountains: the crisp air, warm drinks by the fire, outdoor snow adventures amid the mountain tops, the spectacular scenery and the extensive history. Here is why you should book a superb winter getaway in Victoria’s High Country:
1. Mansfield hot air ballooning
Catch the thrill of sunrise OR afternoon sun – we’re running BOTH hot air ballooning options for flights from May to September. Whether you’re on the way to Mt Buller or coming home, book your ballooning experience to take on route your drive through Mansfield. You’ll take flight with 8 people total on board, plus your experienced pilot – Georgia who will show you the highs of the Mansfield area, the snow-capped mountain scape and surrounding magnificence for approximately an hour.
2. High Country Hiking Tours
Enjoy a guided three-day snowshoe hike around the wonderful Mt Stirling and Clear Hills.
Adventure through well-maintained cross-country ski trails of Mt Stirling to the unmaintained backcountry trails of the Victorian High Country.
Enjoy gorgeous Alpine Ash forests, majestic Snow Gums, breathtaking views and high-country huts, including Craig’s Hut, which was a movie set built especially for the film ‘The Man from Snowy River’ in 1982.
You will be required to wear snowshoes and carry an overnight backpack (weighing 25kgs) for the entire hike.
Fitness level: Good – this is a physically and mentally demanding hike.
Book one of Victoria’s most iconic place to visit HERE
3. Snow adventures
Find joy in one of the many alpine ski resorts at Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and Mt Buffalo.
Hit the slopes and suit up for a day of skiing or snowboarding or tobogganing. If you’re looking for something a little different, book a dog-sled tour!
4. The Paps Lookout
Lace up your hiking boots and get exploring! Scenic views from more stable ground makes this trip to The Paps Lookout a MUST DO. Cast your eyes out to 360 views of the snow-capped mountains of Buller, Stirling and Timbertop, the sweeping farmland and Lake Eildon & Mansfield.
Fitness level: beginner – some experience.
5. Explore King Valley
King Valley’s wineries sit along what has become known as ‘Prosecco Road’. It’s a wine lover’s paradise, specialising in Italian varietals & of course, prosecco.
Relax with a tasting at Dalzotto.
Pay a visit to King River Brewing with incredible views of the Valley. Reflecting the area’s heritage, their taproom is set in a traditional tobacco kiln.
Get another feel for the history with vintage corrugated iron tobacco sheds on site at Pizzini winery. Indulge in a cooking lesson at ‘A Tavola Cooking School’ run by matriarch Katrina Pizzini. Learn the tricks and family secrets to incredible pasta sauce, fluffy gnocchi and a multitude of other Italian masterpieces.
OR book lunch at Brown Brothers hatted restaurant, Patricia’s Table – one of Australia’s oldest wineries. The winery was established all the way back in 1889 and has been a family-owned company throughout its history. With more than 50 varieties to try at their cellar door, there is a good chance you’ll find something you love!
Visit one of the state’s highest waterfalls with a 255-metre drop – Dandongadale Falls.
Once you’re wined and dined, turn to the best cheese tasting in the area – Milawa Cheese Company. Host to free tastings daily with a full range of cow and goat cheese on offer. You may also like to buy your own cheeseboard accompaniments to take back to your accommodation for a pre or post dinner delight.
6. Experience Beechworth:
Learn some more about Ned Kelly country – this famous bushranger spent a bit of time in the historic Beechworth jail and courthouse. Hear a recreation of important trials in the courthouse, with expertly positioned speakers playing sounds of actors. The telegraph museum/Telegraph Station is worth a visit if you’re interested to learn about the communication throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Did you know that the telegraph was the only way anyone knew about the Darwin bombing during World War II?
Enjoy a tour at the 160-year-old Old Beechworth Gaol. This complex was in operation up until 2004! Plentiful interesting facts are shared by local, knowledgeable guides.
Take a ghost tour of the Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum, surrounded by eleven hectares of heritage gardens. Let expert guides tell you the secrets of the place during the day, a ghost experience during the night or take part in an investigation to find out the stories behind the spirits.
The 1850s gold rush period left a legacy of over 30 National Trust-listed buildings for you to see throughout the area!
For other ideas, visit the official Mansfield Mt Buller site.
Visit Mansfield Information Centre when you arrive – details above.
Snow trip tips via the Mt Buller site.
