Things to do in Victoria's Alpine High Country
Anglers Rest • Benambra • Cassilis • Ensay • Omeo • Swifts Creek
Discover the magic of Victoria’s High Country with this curated list of must-do experiences.
From breathtaking scenic drives along the Great Alpine Road to outdoor adventures, immersive water activities, local heritage, and gourmet delights, this region offers something for every traveler.
Whether you crave adrenaline, serenity, or a taste of history, these top 20 highlights showcase why the High Country is an unforgettable destination.
1. An Exhilarating Journey
Drive the iconic Great Alpine Road, unparalleled for its stunning views and driving experience.
From Bairnsdale to Omeo, savour the high-country scenery and local hospitality on Australia’s highest altitude, year-round touring route. Or take the road all the way through the Alpine Resorts of Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham to Bright and the Alpine valleys of North East Victoria.
2. Walk on the wild side
The Alpine National Park is a bushwalker’s paradise.
From beginner’s bushwalking, to trekking and hiking, from short walks to extended walking adventures; immerse yourself in the amazing flora and fauna of the region.
3. Dip your toes in
Ramrod Creek is a secret swimming hole off the Great Alpine Road near Bruthen.
Take your car to the water’s edge and cool off in this beautiful section of the Tambo River.
Just don’t tell the locals we told you!
4. Cast a line
With much of the High-Country set against a backdrop of spectacular vistas, crystal clear rivers and alpine streams, you can easily lose a day or two fishing the pure waters.
Cobungra, Gibbo and Mitta Mitta Rivers all provide abundant opportunities.
The High Country is a mecca for fly fishing, with some of the best sites for brown trout in Australia.
5. Riding high
See the High Country as the pioneers did: from horseback.
Always an exhilarating experience, from beginners’ trail rides to advanced horsemen, horse riding is an activity the whole family will enjoy.
Lancaster’s Horse Rides, can take you on guided tours from half-day to 5 days immersed in the pristine wilderness.
6. A rich history
The Gippsland High Country is steeped in history; the heady days of the gold rush were responsible for the beautiful architecture in many of the towns.
Five heritage-listed buildings make up the Justice Precinct in Omeo; visit the historic log gaol which was built in 1858 and last occupied in 1981. Or the haunting Omeo Pioneer Cemetery, founded in 1857 where the original European and Chinese gold rush settlers are buried.
7. Paddle the day away
Whether you’re after a peaceful paddle or an adrenalin-pumping adventure, white water rafting is a unique way to enjoy the High Country.
Holding some of Victoria’s best sections of white water, the Mitta Mitta River is not to be missed! Rafting Australia offer a range from ‘float trips’ to adrenaline-pumping white water experiences on the Mitta Mitta.
8. Happy campers
Take your pick of some of the most tranquil and isolated camping areas in Victoria.
Nestled in a bend of the stunning Mitta River, Magorra Public Park, Mitta Mitta, offers powered and unpowered sites as well as a modern camp kitchen. If something more rugged is your style you can truly get away from it all at one of the bush camping sites including Joker’s Flat, Raspberry Hill and Buckety Plain.
9. On top of the world
The High Country is home to some of the most stunning wilderness in the world. At Kosciuszko Lookout just north of Omeo, you can gaze out towards Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko.
For a more rural view, visit McMillan’s Lookout near Benambra or Connor’s Hill Lookout between Swifts Creek and Ensay.
10. Gourmet delights
Take a culinary journey through the High Country; from the famous Bruthen Bakery and Tambo Valley Honey at the start of the Great Alpine Road to The Golden Age Hotel in Omeo.
Don’t miss the award-winning Junction Hotel in Swifts Creek or the Blue Duck Inn at Anglers Rest for fine food and wine.
Enjoy a light lunch and coffee on the vine-covered deck at the seasonal The Pressing Shed Cafe at the Nullamunjie Olive Groves.
11. A good drop
Sample and buy 100% estate-grown and made wines at the beautiful Ensay Winery where tastings and nibbles are on offer from the rammed-earth cellar door.
Call ahead to let them know you’re on your way.
Not just for wine lovers, the High Country’s Cassilis Estate offers superb wines and standout ciders. Sip their signature Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, and sample a Heritage Cider made from estate apples. Keep an eye out for small-batch releases like their Kingston Black Cyder—a unique treat from Cassilis.
12. Hinnomunjie history
Take a photo of one of the last remaining multiple truss bridges in Victoria.
The historic Mitta Bridge, affectionately known as the Hinnomunjie Bridge, was opened in 1910 and is made of hand-hewn timber in which the broad axe marks can be seen today.
13. Learn to cook
Your hosts at Payne’s Hut in Anglers Rest are expert cooks who offer a range of courses including breadmaking, pasta-making and bottling in a remote Australian bush setting.
14. Thrill seeker
From cruisy cross-country mountain bike tours to high-altitude adventure.
Combine a number of activities into one action-packed ride and see the High Country from another perspective.
15. Treasure hunting
There are art treasures dotted throughout the High Country.
The Great Alpine Gallery in Swift’s Creek, Ensay South Hotel and Petersen’s Gallery in Omeo are all home to rich and vibrant works by talented local artists.
16. On (and off) the road
The Great Alpine Road is just the start of your 4 wheel adventure through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia.
Whether it’s on-road or off-road, a day trip or a multi-day adventure, explore the High Country at your own pace on one of the many touring routes that traverse the region.
17. Play a few holes
Play 9 relaxing holes at the beautiful Tambo Valley Golf Course.
This hidden gem has an ACR of 70 so is a “must play”.
Soak up the sunshine at the Omeo Golf Club, with 9 holes set next to a gently-flowing stream you can enjoy the serenity while hitting a few balls.
18. Gold in the hills
The discovery of gold in 1851 left an indelible mark on the Omeo region; the cliffs left by the diggings reach more than 100ft high and are a breathtaking sight.
The Oriental Claims held some of the greatest riches in Victoria; and you can learn about this rich history via a trail of interpretive signs leading from Livingstone Park in Omeo or the Oriental Claims car park just north of town. The mining sites at Cassilis, Glen Wills and Victoria Falls are also well worth a visit.
19. Step back in time
As you enter by the small timber door, imagine the people who lived on the rammed-earth floor and sat by the rough-hewn table as they looked out the window at the wild and untamed landscape of the High Country.
Have this experience at the historic Wallace, Kennedy and Davies Plain Huts which were home to pioneers and cattlemen.
Enjoy a picnic and soak up the atmosphere of these amazing historic destinations.
20. Celebrate
The High Country is home to iconic horse events including the Omeo Rodeo, Tambo Valley Races, Hinnomunjie Bush Races and the Collar and Cuff Geebung Polo Match, taken straight from the pages of a Banjo Patterson classic.
More to explore
The 20 reasons to explore the High Country are just the start of what you’ll find in East Gippsland.
Visit the enchanting Buchan Caves or take a scenic drive around the beautiful villages on the Gippsland Lakes.
Find a beach to yourself in the spectacularly rugged Croajingolong National Park in the Coastal Wilderness or take an awe-inspiring walk to the Tulloch Ard Lookout across the mighty Snowy River.
Catch a bite to eat in the waters around Marlo and Cape Conran Coastal Park and boast about “the one that got away” in the Marlo Hotel. These adventures and more await you in East Gippsland.
