Spring has sprung in the High Country. Golden wattles line the roads and riverbeds, camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias bloom in front yards, daffodils decorate the streets, and the fruit trees are in bloom. From now through to early next year is an endless procession of flowers, with the spring blooms of the valleys giving way to a burst of alpine wildflowers come summer. And what better way to see them than on a walk. Here are some of our top walks to catch a bloom or two:
Around Town
These town walks are a great option for a spring stroll and a chance to enjoy the gardens full of colourful flowers.
1. Murray to Mountains, Bright
The gardens lining the short section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in Bright are just lovely in spring. Start at the Old Station Museum on Railway Street, Bright and follow the rail trail 1.5km toward Porepunkah, stopping at the Bright Rotunda. Return the same way for an easy 3km walk.
2. Riverside Walk, Harrietville
Starting at the beautiful Tavare Park, this short 1.6km walk follows a section of the East Ovens River south before returning along the village’s main street.
3. Mosaic Trail, Myrtleford
Enjoy flowers and hidden mosaics on this fantastic walk that loops around the township of Myrtleford and the Ovens River. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled as there are about 100 mosaics to find.
4. Lake Guy, Bogong Village
Absorb the spring vibes on a gorgeous 3km circuit around the shores of Lake Guy, Bogong Village, then sit down for a picnic at the park.
5. River Walk, Porepunkah
Get the best of both worlds with the wattle in bloom along the Ovens River followed by a stroll past some of the village’s gardens on this easy 2.5km walk.
Alpine Wildflowers
As spring turns to summer, the mountaintops burst into a brilliant display of wildflowers and the best way to see them is on a walk in one of our National Parks.
1. Room With A View, Dinner Plain
This lovely 3km walk in the Alpine National Park takes you through a forest of dancing snow gums and fields of wildflowers to a ‘window’ across the ranges to Mouth Feathertop.
2. Wallace Cope Heritage Trail, Falls Creek
Pair your flower spotting with a visit to the oldest surviving Cattlemen’s Hut in the High Country, Wallace Hut, built in 1889. This enjoyable 6km walk is located in the Alpine National Park just past Falls Creek village.
3. Dicksons Falls Nature Walk, Mount Buffalo
A short 4km-return walk along a path bursting with alpine wildflowers during the summer months. Pack a picnic and enjoy this pristine mountain landscape.
4. The Razorback, Mount Hotham
This bucket-list hike near Mount Hotham follows a stunning ridgeline of alpine meadows across to the summit of Mount Feathertop in the Alpine National Park. It’s a hard 22km day hike, but exhilarating every step of the way.
5. Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
It doesn’t get anymore wildflower than this—a challenging 37km hike through the Alpine National Park from Falls Creek to Mount Hotham. Camp along the way for the ultimate mountain adventure.
Protect Our Wild Places
We love our bushland, and we hope you do too. Please stay on the trails, don’t pick the flowers, carry your rubbish out with you, and follow all safety warnings. Fire Bans and Danger Ratings are available on the CFA website.