SCENIC DRIVES AND MOTORCYCLE ROADTRIPS
DRIVING AUSTRALIA'S HIGHEST SEALED THROUGH-ROAD
VALLEY LOOP DRIVE
This 120km loop explores sections of the Ovens Valley, Kiewa Valley and Happy Valley as well as the towns of Porepunkah, Bright and Mount Beauty. Adding to the views along the way are three stunning lookouts over the Kiewa Valley and Mount Bogong. The drive skirts close to Myrtleford, which is well worth the short detour if you want to make a day of it. The loop can be driven in either direction starting at any point. From Bright, follow the Great Alpine Road northwest to Ovens and turn right onto Happy Valley Road. At the road's end, turn right onto the Kiewa Valley Highway to Mount Beauty. To return, take Tawonga Gap Road over the pass and turn right onto the Great Alpine Road back to Bright.
MOUNT BUFFALO DRIVE
The road into Mount Buffalo National Park makes for a lovely scenic drive. It's an 85km-return trip from Bright to the top at The Horn Picnic Area. Take the Great Alpine Road to Porepunkah and turn onto Mount Buffalo Road at the roundabout and follow it to the end, returning the same way. The road climbs up to panoramic views over the Ovens Valley before heading inward over the Mount Buffalo Plateau and its granite boulders. There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, most notably Ladies Bath Falls, the old Mount Buffalo Chalet and Lookout, Lake Catani and The Horn. A walking trail leads from The Horn Picnic Area to the summit with 360° views over the Australian Alps.
MOTORCYLE TOURING ROUTES
PREPARE FOR ANYTHING
From snow to bushfires, floods and gale-force winds, the weather in the High Country can be fierce and change rapidly. Always check conditions before venturing out. Importantly, download the VicEmergency and the Emergency Plus apps to your phone and notify someone of your plans before you set out. Many parts of the High Country have poor or no mobile phone coverage. In winter, it is mandatory to carry snow chains into alpine areas. Snow is prevalent from June to October but can fall anytime of year in the mountains.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Our region is sensitive to human presence. We are privileged to have endangered animals such as platypus, pygmy possums and alpine dingoes surviving in our environment. Your behaviour has a direct impact on our flora and fauna. When driving or riding, stay on formed roads. Protect our wildlife and the beauty of our environment by taking all rubbish with you. Never light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted, always extinguish it completely before leaving. Enjoy our outdoors, and remember, leave no trace.
DRIVE ITINERARY
ALPINE DISCOVERY LOOP
This two-day scenic drive loops around the tops of the Victorian Alps and down through the towns of the Ovens and Kiewa Valleys.
LOOKOUTS
THE VIEWS ARE BETTER UP HIGH
Lush green valleys and an alpine horizon as far as the eye can see. Here's where to find our greatest views.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
North Wall 300 Metre Abseiling Challenge
Are you up for a challenge? Want to test your mettle? This activity was listed at the top of ‘Wild’ Magazine’s bucket list adventures in Victoria for 2014. This is a serious adventure that is not for the feint hearted.…
Great Alpine Walk 7 Day – Self-Guided
Few places in Australia offer such a diversity of pristine scenery and hiking options as the Victorian Alps. This inn-to-inn walk traverses striking landscapes of alpine forests, grassland, snow-blanketed mountains, precipitous ridges and high plains. The alpine hiking trails cover…
Nature Trax
Nature Trax is a local eco-tourism organisation based in Albury-Wodonga, committed to connecting people with nature across the stunning Ovens Murray region of North East Victoria. They specialise in guided nature walks, hikes, and nature connection activities (including nature prescriptions…
Mount Buffalo Underground River Caving
The cave is full of waterfalls and rapids for your team to navigate. Crawl through holes, climb up waterfalls and squirm your way through the spectacular granite boulder infill cave. If you’re lucky, you will see the cavern ceiling glow…
High Country Horsemanship Clinic
Horsemanship clinic in a spectacular classroom, beyond the yard and stable. Advance your horse and rider relationship in a working environment. Great horses, beautiful camps, brumby country, experienced leaders. This five day travelling clinic combines the rewards of a remote…
Nordic BC ski touring
Forge fresh tracks through pristine snow on a Nordic ski adventure discovering the diverse backcountry of Hotham and Dinner Plain. Glide amongst gnarled snowgums, over alpine ridges and across open plains while learning about the alpine surrounds from our expert…
Experience Mt Buffalo – Starting from Bright/ Porepunkah
Escape to the stunning alpine wilderness of Mount Buffalo National Park on this rejuvenating full-day adventure. Perfect for nature lovers seeking scenic beauty, moderate hikes, and mindful connection with the environment. Immerse yourself in the park’s dramatic granite landscapes, cascading…
Ovens River Family Kayaking
This is a perfect way to see the Ovens River if you’d prefer a more relaxed trip. The tour runs for approximately three hours and we will paddle near Myrtleford taking in some great scenery with a couple of smaller…
Bright White Water Kayaking
Enjoy the scenery of Bright by paddling down the Ovens River. This white water adventure is a good introduction into white water kayaking, using sit-on-top kayaks or two seat inflatable kayaks to paddle down the grade one and two stretch.…