With National and State Parks and Heritage Rivers, the High Country is a natural playground for bushwalkers, mountain bikers, horse riders, fishermen, kayakers, canoeists and campers as well as four-wheel drive explorers. These parks are part of our shared heritage and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The High Country also boasts numerous State Forests, Scenic Reserves and historic areas. Many are criss-crossed by logging and mining tracks, bridle paths and, more recently, designated bike trails. For those who like a bit of history with their outdoor activities, signposted historic areas mark significant places like Power’s Lookout, where Harry Powers watched the road below for prey, or Stringybark Creek Camping Reserve, famous for the Kelly Gang gunfight.

To plan your trip, drop into the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre where you will find maps, information and up-to-date trail conditions.

Alpine National Park

The biggest park in Victoria, the Alpine National Park is also one of Australia’s finest preserved landscapes. The park offers ever changing scenery, a wide range of alpine sub-climates and plenty of opportunity for bushwalking, horseriding, four-wheel driving and mountain biking. There are camping sites and other facilities throughout the park. Consult the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre for maps and details. The Australian Alps Walking track, a classic long-distance trail, is a highlight and accessible from several High Country forestry tracks.

Lake Eildon National Park

With its many hidden bays and steep, wooded mountains, Lake Eildon National Park is a stunning setting for bushwalking, four-wheel driving, camping and wildlife spotting as well as water sports. The Candlebark Nature Trail is suitable for many levels of fitness while Keg Spur Trail is demanding but will reward the more rugged walker. There are plenty of camping sites throughout the park, some of which are accessible by boat.

Mt Samaria State Park

Tall eucalypt forests on top of a rugged plateau, huge granite boulders, carpets of wildflowers and pretty waterfalls make Mt Samaria a great destination for overnight camping, bushwalking and scenic drives. Highlights include Wild Dog Creek Falls, Samaria Well and Back Creek Falls all accessible along the Wileman Walking Track.

Taungurung people

The indigenous people in the area we call the High Country were the Taungurung. Some local, Taungurung speaking clans include the Yowungillum-balluk, stone-dwelling people who lived around the Mansfield area; the Waring-illum balluk, river-dwelling people who lived near Yea and Alexandra; the Niri-illum-balluk creek-dwelling people from around Kilmore and Broadford and the Yeerun-illumballuk who lived on the Broken River.

High Country stargazing

With almost no light-pollution, the High Country night-sky is a very showy affair. There are star charts available for all times of the year. Highlights include the Milky Way, Arcturus and Orion in spring and of course, the Southern Cross. Best thing about stargazing in theHigh Country? It’s free!

Want to know more? Ready to plan your trip?

We're ready to help. Talk to our trained team of locals for ideas, suggestions and bookings.
Mansfield-Mt Buller High Country Reservations
on 1800 039 049.