ALPINE HIGH COUNTRY

The Alpine region of Australia encompasses the south east of New South Wales and the north and north east of Victoria. It is centred around Australia's highest peak, Mt Kosciusko, and has many ski resorts which open throughout the winter, depending on the the amount of snow although most major resorts now have snow-making machines to supplement light seasons which occur from time to time.
In Victoria the main resorts are at Mt Hotham, Mt Buffalo and Falls Creek off the Great Alpine Road, and Mt Buller, north east of Melbourne via Lake Eildon, and Mt Baw Baw east of Melbourne off the Princes Hwy at Moe. Equipment is available for hire and all resorts offer accommodation


The alpine village at Mount Hotham.

The High Country is spectacular all year around. Towering mountain peaks offer numerous walking trails and photo opportunities. The Great Alpine Road from Bairnsdale in the East to Wangaratta in the north offers a wonderful drive through small maountain villages and dense forest, past rivers and waterfalls, and along scenic valleys.
The main service towns for touring the Alpine region are Myrtleford, Bright and Mt Beauty in the north and Omeo in the east. A round trip from Melbourne requires at least one stopover along the way and these towns also have accommodation and other services.

LEFT: Skiers on the slopes at Mt Hotham and RIGHT: Snowbards are popular.

If you are travelling into the snow region during winter you will need to be equipped with chains for your vehicle and inspection points are set-up at either end of the Alpine National Park to ensure you are adequately equipped.
There is a well appointed bike trail along the disused railway line between Wangaratta and Bright for the adventurous and sky-diving, abseiling, scenic helicopter and plane flights are available from Bright, Mt Hotham and other places along the way.
The Alpine High Country is a beautiful and stimulating area to visit. Detailed information is available from the Bright Visitor Information centre. If you are visiting during the peak snow season you will centainly need to book accommodation in advance.