At a Glance
There's a beautiful free feeling that comes when walking in the Victorian High Country - with the vastness of Australia's highest mountain range all around you. This 5 day’s walking expedition traverses three of Victoria's best known alpine areas of Mount Buffalo, Falls Creek and the iconic Razoridge to Mount Feathertop. You'll experience the best that the region has to offer on this five day walking tour.
Departing from Melbourne, this mostly moderate to challenging graded walks traverses varied terrain through natural beauty of sweeping alpine vistas, classic mountain huts, picturesque snow gum meadows amongst fresh mountain air. For the more adventurous orienteers, there is ample opportunity to mission to the more remote areas of the region, taking you to next level breathtaking 360 degrees views. Be inspired each day with ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Two professional guides
- National Park entrance fees
- Return transfer from Melbourne to Bright
- All meals inspired by fresh Tasmania produce including morning tea, fresh picnic, packed lunch, fruit and snack out on the tracks
- 4 night’s accommodation on a twin share basis
- Tour transportation- comfortable air-conditioned mini bus
Itinerary
Walking distance: Approx. 5km (3.1 miles), easy grade Bright. Today’s highlight is uncovering the jewel of the region, Mt Buffalo. First enjoy a pleasant morning tea amongst a charming heritage town once famed of its National Bank robbed by infamous bushranger Ned Kelly. Fuel up with lunch before setting off in gentle and leisurely and walks through sheer cliffs, granite tors, serene waterfalls, stunning wildflowers and spectacular panoramic views that define the magnificent Mt Buffalo National Park. Immerse in nature as you meander through twisted snow gum forests and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Keep an eye for wombats, swamp wallabies and collide with other charismatic Australian wildlife. Discover the abundance of native plants, some found nowhere else on Earth. At this point, if the weather begs, enjoy a refreshing icy dip in one of the many mountain creeks. You’ll stay at the cozy country-styled Bright Alps Guest House. Conveniently located in the heart of Bright and an ideal stay for the curious explorers. Unwind in your heated and air-conditioned spacious rooms before a hearty dinner at a local restaurant inspired of local fare. |
Walking distance: Approx. 11km (6.8 miles), moderate to challenging grade Feeling inspired, exhilarated and ready for more, today see’s you returning back to Mt Buffalo to tackle ‘The Big Walk.’ It is the longest point to point walk on Mount Buffalo, ascending about 1000 metres to the spectacular views of the Gorge and Australian Alps. Delve deeper into this jewel as you uncover its more remote areas. Revel in fragrant eucalyptus forests, traverse creeks and bridges and stride across granite slopes. Climbing Mount buffalo, passes various terrain as the altitude increases while boasting some of the best staggering views of the Australian Alps. Follow the footsteps of Aboriginal people who climb the plateau to feast on Bogong moths. Feel the space around you and enjoy the remoteness across the face of open granite. You’ll be led to the breathtaking gorge an indication of the drama to come. Here, find granite walls drop 300 meters down to form a spectacular and jaw dropping sight. Catch your breath and enjoy a scenic drive to the top of Mount Buffalo to gain a different perspective. Be awed by the magnificent views of its unique rock formations and striking granite boulders that rise from the plateau, sheer cliffs and unforgettable alpine scenery. Relax back at your accommodation and enjoy a gourmet dinner of local Tasmanian delicacies prepared by your guides. |
Walking distance: Approx. 14km (8.7 miles), moderate grade Today, is a more relaxed adventure. You’ll walk through pockets of snow gum forests and picturesque alpine meadows exposing the beauty and majesty of the Bogong High Plains. It sits up at an altitude amongst the highest peaks in Victoria. With the Australian Alpine Walking Track as our constant, explore the High country’s undulating plains for the vibrant wildflowers. Walk in and out of rugged valleys, pass beautiful high-country huts, ford mountain rivers and take in uninterrupted views as you climb the summit of Mt Nelse. Breathe the clean air and relax to the sounds of calming creeks. You might also catch a glimpse of wild brumbies or the rare mountain pygmy possum. Along the way, pop by one of the famous mountains huts the Victorian High country is known for and learn about its historical significance to this unique region. |
Walking distance: Approx. 20km (12.4 miles), moderate grade Today you tackle one of the most iconic and appealing peaks in Victoria, The Razorback Ridge. The impressive trail see’s you walking from Mt Hotham to the summit of Mount Feathertop, the state's second highest mountain. As you traverse sharp, craggy spine of Razorback high above the tree line you are rewarded with jaw dropping panoramic views across the picturesque surrounding alps. The more adventurous explorers can opt to mission to the summit of Mt Feathertop, climbing a steep1922 meters above sea level. Be captivated by more breathtaking scenery as you feel on top of the world. Feel the space around you and enjoy the remoteness. Retuning back the same way, witness the Alps change their mood in the afternoon light. Tonight, enjoy a relaxed affair at the heritage listed Alpine Hotel as you indulge in a delicious feast of modern Australian dishes, some of the best in the region. |
Walking distance: Approx. 7km (4.4 miles), easy grade Today is a day of leisure at your own pace. Enjoy a peaceful morning at Bright, immersing yourself into its enchanting surrounds. Take a picturesque stroll on the Cherry Walk Bright track. A gentle walk traversing along the beautiful banks of the Overns River to the Bright Canyon boasting examples of the region’s gold mining area. A delight to walk along, passing an array of exotic trees, native forests, swimming holes and rock canyons. Those with a penchant for relaxation can forego the walking track and spend the day simply soaking up the quaint atmosphere of Bright in one of the many local cafes and artisan boutiques. Enjoy a delicious stop for lunch (at own expense) before transporting back to Melbourne, arriving around 5pm in the city. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings and private tours.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Melbourne, Victoria
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Melbourne
Average temperatures in High Country vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is somewhat temperate. The very warmest time to visit High Country, the hottest months are January, February, and then December. The warmest time of year is generally late January and early February where highs are regularly around 33 degrees celcius with temperatures rarely dropping below 14 degrees celcius at night.
Victoria’s High Country depends on your preferred activities as there are many on offer. July-August is ideal for peak ski season and romantic ski getaways due to snow. Summer is ideal for mountain biking and wine touring while Autumn are pleasant for hiking during April-May.
- Accommodation is in comfortable Bright Alps Guest House, set up perfectly for small groups like ours. Accommodation is twin share but single supplements are available, please enquire.
- Tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, you will be given a room with someone of the same sex. Sometimes, depending on the accommodation, it is possible to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have a room to yourself – please ask us if this option is available when you book. It is not always guaranteed your own bathroom and king/queen beds with a single supplement due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.