July–August 2015 99OU T BACK
TR AVEL & DESTINATIONS, YOUR SOCIETY, YOUR AG
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A DAY AT THE R ACES
The ladies of Broken Hill don
their fi nest hats and frocks.129
FROM THE FIELD
Go behind the scenes on assignment with
our photographers and writers.100
HIGH COUNTRY
HORSE TR EK
Explore the plains and peaks of the Alps.Natural highs
Whether on foot, wheels or horseback, it’s a place for
archetypal Australian experiences.T
HE NATION’S PIONEERING spirit
remains strong in Victoria’s
High Country. It can be seen in
the dilapidated mountain huts built by
cattlemen on summertime drives to
fresh alpine pastures. And it’s evident in
the gold rush legends and the bushrang-
ers celebrated in towns and hamlets.
The first Europeans here were
explorers Hume and Hovell, in 1824.
But evidence of Aboriginal occupation
stretches back at least 20,000 years.
These days Victoria’s High Country is
most appreciated as a location for
indulging the senses and experiencing
the outdoors. It’s famed for clean crisp
mountain air, sparkling unpolluted
streams, and scenic beauty. There’s a
wide range of well-marked walks,
notably in the Alpine National Park and
adjacent villages, such as Falls Creek.DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT: VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY5 OF THE BEST
VICTORIAN
HIGHLAND SPOTS(^1) HIGH COUNTRY
RAIL TRAIL
Walk, ride or cycle along Lake
Hume. The 43km route uses a
historic railway line running from
Wodonga to Old Tallangatta.
(^2) HIGH COUNTRY
BREWERY TRAIL
Combine a walk or cycle through
stunning alpine scenery with a tour
of some fine breweries. You’ll sample
four along the route, which takes you
from Glenrowan to Mount Beauty.
(^3) THE GREAT ALPINE ROAD
Take in the High Country’s most
beautiful scenery along
this 339km, five-hour
drive on the Great
Alpine Road from
Wangaratta to
Bairnsdale.
4 MT BOGONG
VIA STAIRCASE
SPUR TRAIL
Reach the summit of
Mt Bogong, the highest mountain
in Victoria. The Staircase Spur
trail takes you on foot through a
peppermint gum forest, alpine
scrub and snow gums, and out
onto the summit plain at 1986m.
(^5) HISTORIC HUTS
RUN AT FALLS CREEK
While tough road races for cyclists
are held in the High Country, there
are also family friendly trails. This
14km route is suitable for most riders
and takes in historic mountain huts.
Early November to late May is the
best time for walking; for much of the
rest of the year snow-covered ground
provides opportunities for snow-
boarders and skiers.
Late spring and summer are also
popular for trekking on horseback,
and for the experienced this can be
enjoyed through to early winter.
Cycling, both on roadways and
mountain-bike tracks, is hugely
popular year-round. Although the
region has a reputation for some of
cycling’s toughest road climbs, there
are also a lot of options for less
accomplished cyclists. For a more
leisurely exploration of Victoria’s
High Country from the comfort of
a car, the area offers many beautiful
drives that wind through picturesque
hills and valleys.
View from the top.
Looking down from
the Great Alpine
Road, above Bright.