The High Country encompasses the alpine areas and mountain valleys of Victoria, Southern New South Wales and the ACT.
Four Distinct Seasons
The High Country is a region of four distinct seasons. A popular destination in Summer, whether hiking through a meadow of alpine wildflowers, swimming or fishing in our clear mountain streams, water skiing or boating on our numerous lakes or watching the changing colours of an alpine sunset. Base yourselves in a High Country town in Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT or discover the growing appeal of our Alpine Resorts across the non-Winter seasons. Cool Summer nights across the High Country are perfect for an evening stroll or camping under our sparkling night sky. One of the highlights of Summer in the High Country is the abundance of local produce that can be sourced direct from the grower, with many farmers opening their gates allowing you to pick your own fresh berries. Gather an ample supply of stone fruit, apples, cherries and other fresh produce and take home the flavours of the High Country.
A Photographer’s Dream
Although a photographer’s dream destination at any time of year, the High Country in Autumn and Spring is when Mother Nature really shows off her brilliant colours. The chilly nights and dry sunny days we generally have in our mountain valleys through Autumn, result in our deciduous trees turning on a spectacular display of vibrant colour.
A classic Autumn morning will be cool and misty. The first warming rays of sun seem to take a little longer to rise above the surrounding mountains and creep into the valleys below as they send shafts of light through the mist and the overnight dew sparkles on departure from colourful leaves.
There’s still a gold rush in the High Country every Autumn, as visitors travel from afar in search of a different sort of gold to that of the pioneers. Ribbons of gold snake their way through High Country valleys as trees prepare for Winter along streams, across landscapes and avenues through our towns.
Spring sees a transformation into a stunning palette, from proud home gardeners and streetscapes to our National Parks and alpine wildflower displays. Preserved historic buildings throughout our towns and landscapes, century old shearing sheds and other relics of the pioneers, put the High Country on the bucket list of many photographers.
Love Letter To Autumn
Dear Autumn, we fall in love with you again, just the same every year, especially in the High Country. We miss you so much when you leave us and then you pop back into our lives and decorate the landscape with such vibrant colours and we’re smitten all over again! You thoughtfully arrive back in different areas at different times, which allows all of us to spend quality time with you, but not all at once, as you’ve got a vast area to transform. You often visit our cooler, higher valleys and open plains first and slowly wander down those valleys and through our towns, gradually making sure we all know you’re back. If we miss out on seeing you in one area, we usually don’t have to go too far to see you, at your best, somewhere else. Anyway Autumn, welcome back, we look forward to seeing you splash colour from Canberra to Healesville and all points in between.
Winter Wonderland
Winter in the High Country means snowfalls in the alps, creating a wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, snow play or simply a relaxing break in the snow at one of our many Alpine Resorts. It means crisp mountain air and our clear nights are the clearest of any season. Jack Frost visits the High Country on many clear Winter nights, quietly sneaking in while only the moon and stars are watching, with his frosty fingers reaching across the highest peaks and into our deepest valleys. The moonlight illuminates a snowy landscape and surrounding mountains are lit up from the valleys. Wander through our welcoming towns and villages, with an appetite, where there’s often a hint of woodsmoke in the air, almost luring you in to relax by a crackling open fire to enjoy a hearty meal accompanied by a glass of wine or locally crafted beer.
A Foodie Haven
The High Country is a ‘foodie’ haven offering an array of local produce from our historic towns, mountain villages and alpine resorts. Follow Gourmet Trails through cool climate valleys to wineries and boutique breweries, chef hat restaurants, produce stores and farm gates and discover the culinary delights of the High Country. Meeting the producers is always a memorable experience, from winemakers keen to share their latest offerings, apiarists passionate about the wellbeing of their bees, to orchardists and other produce growers on hand to discuss their unique and often heirloom varieties available. Local produce stores are a perfect place to stock up on everything local, from olive oils, cheeses, preserves, jams, wine and beer, to organic fruit & veg, nuts and teas.
Every season in the High Country has a variety of Festivals and Events waiting to be discovered. Whether they’re cultural, historical, nature based, entertainment or food Festivals and Events, there’s something for everyone.
Walk in the Footsteps of Our Pioneers
Walk in the footsteps of the pioneering mountain cattlemen and gold seekers as you explore our rich history. Uncover the fascinating past, from ghost towns and their colourful characters to the civil engineering wonder of the modern world that is the National Heritage Listed Snowy Hydro Scheme. Travel along scenic Touring Routes, Rail Trails & mountain tracks by car, bike or foot. Saddle up on a horse trail ride through snowgums and alpine plains or hike amongst unique flora and fauna to historic high country huts and enjoy a relaxing picnic in ‘Man From Snowy River’ country.
High Country Kids
The High Country offers wonderful experiences and entertainment for all ages and children are treated with endless options for fun and adventure! They can join the many kids programs in the Alpine Resorts and National Park Ranger activities. They can enjoy gold panning, horse riding, fishing in trout farms or mountain streams and lakes, snow sports/snow play, bike riding, easy bushwalks for families and exploring our hedge mazes. Our High Country Kids page is filled with colouring pages for kids (and grown ups), word searches and activity pages all with a High Country theme. You can print them for enjoying at home or pack them for your next trip up to the High Country, for those quiet evenings in front of a fireplace or on the road.