Things you can only do in the High Country

When it comes to natural wonders, you’re spoiled for choice in Victoria's High Country. Mount Buffalo is regularly referred to as one of the most beautiful national parks in the state – and when you visit, it’s not hard to see why. This all-seasons wonderland is a hot spot for hardcore adventurers, with hang-gliding, cross-country skiing, rock climbing and caving just some of the ways you can get your thrills. But there are also plenty of gentle walking trails that weave past waterfalls and rocky gorges. You’ll need to get off the beaten track to find Paradise Falls, which is hidden deep in the King Valley. Once you reach the viewing platform though, you’ll understand where the name comes from – this place really is paradise, especially after heavy rain leaves every surface glistening. Another waterfall well worth checking out is Steavenson Falls in Marysville. With a drop of 84 metres it’s one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls, and it’s also super accessible with gravel paths to all the best vantage points. The falls are floodlit between dusk and midnight, so visit in the evening for an added touch of drama.

Whether you fancy a fine-dining experience or a simple counter meal down at the pub, Victoria's High Country caters to your culinary needs (and budget) with plenty of feasting options. On the upmarket end of the spectrum is Provenance. Located in Beechworth, this renowned eatery has been an Age Good Food Guide two chef’s hat restaurant for the last nine years running. The menu reflects chef-owner Michael Ryan’s deep interest in Japanese cuisine, and if we had to pick one standout dish it would be the braised octopus with nori jam – order it and thank us later. For stunning views served with a side of fab food and even better wine, head to Delatite Winery in Mansfield. The brand-new cellar door is the perfect spot for a tasting, before you mosey on over to the outdoor deck to enjoy your favourite drop and a couple of share plates. Finally, we have Templar Lodge in Tawonga – a former Masonic lodge turned cosy restaurant. Every dish on this seasonal contemporary Australian menu is a knock-out, but it’s hard to resist the housemade gnocchi with Harrietville trout. It’s truly heaven on a plate.

Got some spare change burning a hole in your wallet? We know three places in Victoria's High Country where you can spend it. Gather and Harvest is a lifestyle boutique in Mount Beauty that sells a wonderful range of homemade products. Stock up on soy candles, soaps and bath bombs, or join one of the monthly workshops and learn how to make them for yourself. Everyone needs a good hat in their wardrobe, and Cat Leahy at Feather and Drum Custom Hat Co is the best in the millinery biz. At this exclusive Yackandandah boutique you can browse ready-made headwear, or design a custom, handcrafted piece. Foodies will want to make a beeline for Project Forty Nine in Beechworth, a providore and wine store with a focus on locally sourced goods by small-scale producers. From deli meats to pasta, cheese and organic vino, everything you need for a top-notch meal can be found here.

If you’ve got Victoria's High Country pigeonholed as some kind of outdoor lover’s playground littered with only hiking, biking and four-wheel driving tracks, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the scale of unique experiences on offer. Like the High Country Brewery Trail, a scenic route that links eight of the region’s best beer producers. Highlights include the picturesque Bright Brewery and historic Billson’s Brewery, but all offer lovely alfresco areas, a solid selection of snacks and, most importantly, ice-cold froffs. For the oenophiles, Pfeiffer Wines run the ultimate muscat masterclass. You’ll learn about what goes into making this complex fortified wine, taste it straight from the barrel and even blend your very own 200ml sample. Come winter, this should be top of your High Country to-do list: a sled dog tour on Mount Buller. Witness a magical new side to the alpine landscape as a team of (extremely cute) Siberian huskies pull you through the snow.

Is there anything better than walking into a country bakery after a long road trip, and breathing in that delicious aroma of straight-outta-the-oven bread? We don’t think so. At Valentines Artisan Sourdough Baker – a family-owned and operated business in Rutherglen – they specialise in crusty, robust breads with a well-baked appearance and chewy texture. Our pick of the loafs? You can’t go past the ciabatta sourdough – it’s the ultimate all-rounder. Over in Yackandandah, the Happy Baker is your go-to for flaky croissants, fudge brownies and fruit danishes. Just don’t wait until the lunchtime rush to get your pastry fix, because these goodies sell out quick. And then there’s Milawa Bakery Café, where you can load up on everything from gourmet pies to sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiches and wraps. Be sure to finish off with something from the cake cabinet, too.

While it’s no secret that Victoria's High Country has some epic off-grid camping spots (hello, Sheepyard Flat), sometimes all you want is a queen-size bed and a set of fancy linen sheets. Mount Ophir Estate in Rutherglen delivers on all this and more, with six different accommodation options: the original homestead, a French provincial-style tower and a couple of self-contained cottages. The estate also doubles as a winery, so don’t leave without sampling the award-winning shiraz. At BullerRoo in Mansfield, it's all about simple luxury and cosy vibes. This gorgeous alpine chalet boasts an atmospheric cast iron chiminea, spacious lounge and a rooftop terrace with insane views of the sweeping countryside. And if you still love the idea of camping, but aren’t ready to give up your creature comforts, the crew at Mansfield Glamping have got you covered. They have ten spectacular bell tents – complete with plush robes, solar-powered lanterns and contemporary furnishings – set up on a historic rural property.