Touring the North East

Explore the magic of Buckley’s Country

Our region is the perfect place to spend time touring either by car, bike or caravan. Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps we boast some of the best scenery in Australia. Then there’s the added bonus of quality locally grown, fresh produce and wine.

Top that off with first class restaurants and cafes, boutique breweries, historic and tourist attractions, thrill-seeking and adrenaline pumping activities, great shopping and some of the best natural escapes in the world, you won’t be bored for a minute. Spend a day, a weekend or a month meandering your way through spectacular countryside. You will be so glad you came.

16 things to do when visiting the region

Pedal to Produce - Bright to wandi

Starting in Bright this gentle cycling trail winds along Morse’s Creek through leafy valleys and past historic gold rush sites. It’s an easy ride the whole family can enjoy, with plenty of shady spots to stop and take in the view. Follow the trail to the charming village of Wandiligong, where you can visit Nightingale Bros orchard for a crisp apple cider, then wander up to Wandiful Produce for fresh chestnuts and a wood-fired pizza. It’s a relaxed, flavour-filled way to experience the beauty and bounty of Victoria’s High Country - all from the saddle of your bike.

Gold Rush walk - BEECHWORTH

Start your visit in the Historic Precinct, where the old Courthouse once heard over 40 trials linked to the Kelly family - including the events that shaped Ned Kelly’s path as a bushranger. Take a guided Ned Kelly or Echoes of History walking tour to bring the town’s colourful past to life. Don’t miss the Burke Museum, filled with fascinating relics, or the Telegraph Station, a stunning reminder of the Gold Era’s “internet of the day.” Wander the wide, tree-lined streets, browse the boutiques, then end your day with a romantic meal at one of Beechworth’s charming local restaurants.

room with a view - Dinner plain

The Room with a View Walk is a short and easy 3km return trail from Dinner Plain, winding through snow gum forest to an open plain with sweeping views of Mount Hotham, Mount Feathertop, the Bogong High Plains and the Cobungra River. Starting from Dinner Plain Hut, follow the signs to the Forest Walks trailhead. After about half a kilometre, it opens to a grassy plain and loops left through snow grass and gums to a small clearing - the famous “room with a view.” From here, the loop continues north to rejoin the main track back to the trailhead.

rollasons falls - mt buffalo

The Rollasons Falls Picnic Area is the ideal starting or finishing point for a visit to the falls. The Rollasons Falls Track is a short 3km return walk, leading to both upper and lower viewing points. From the picnic area, the well-formed trail winds to a T-intersection - turn left for the upper falls or right for the lower falls. Facilities at the picnic area include tables, toilets and fireplaces, making it a perfect spot to relax before or after your walk.

Riverside park - Porepunkah

This family-friendly park on Nicholson Street, Porepunkah has something for everyone. Enjoy river swimming, a children’s paddling pool, and a playground with slides, swings, a climbing wall and flying fox. Bring your own food or make use of the free barbeques and picnic tables. Facilities include toilets, shelter, car parking, and beautiful views of Mount Buffalo. The park is also just a short walk from local shops, a cafe, and a pub, with a lifeguard on duty at the river during summer.

Bike hire - rutherglen

Explore Rutherglen and Wahgunyah on two wheels and discover a worldclass wine region linked by 48km of scenic trails. Ride between historic cellar doors, the Murray River and Lake Moodemere, soaking up the charm of Victoria’s northeast. The Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre offers bike hire for all ages. All hires include helmets and maps - just bring your own water bottle and sense of adventure. It’s the perfect way to explore this beautiful wine region at your own pace.

Mosaic Trail

The Ovens River Trail is a scenic sealed loop that can be started right in Myrtleford or linked to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. The track follows the Ovens River between Rotary Park and Apex Park, winding through native bushland and crossing the river twice along the way. Also known as Myrtleford’s Mosaic Trail, this unique walk began in 2019 when two local artists - fondly known as “The Two Crackpots” - installed the first mosaic artworks along the path. Since then, it has grown into a delightful outdoor gallery, with new pieces appearing regularly for visitors to discover.

Lady Bath Falls - Mt Buffalo N/Park

At Ladies Bath Falls, water tumbles into a crystal-clear pool, while nearby Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls see Crystal Creek spill dramatically over a granite escarpment. With only a short walk to visit all three, it’s a perfect half-day outing near Bright and an ideal first stop on the way up Mount Buffalo. Once a cooling stop for travellers to the Mount Buffalo Chalet, it remains a scenic picnic spot. Take care on slippery rocks and always follow water safety advice.

Paradise Falls - King Valley

Paradise Falls is located in the Upper King Valley region below the Alpine National Park. The falls are most spectacular in spring, early summer or after rain, so plan your visit accordingly if you’re keen to see the water at its most impressive. A pleasant 500m walk from the car park takes you to the falls viewing platform, where you can watch the falls drop from a breathtaking conglomerate rock ledge formation. It is a great place for the whole family to explore.

The Big Walk - Mt. Buffalo

This is a challenging 5 hour walk that is breathtakingly beautiful. The scenery changes from typical bush trail through a tall gum forest at the bottom to open rock-hopping escarpment at the top with endless views over the Ovens valley. It is 8.75km long and is rated as Very Hard but don’t let that put you off. It starts at Eurobin Creek picnic area and finishes at the famous Chalet and lookout. If you don’t feel like walking, you can drive to the lookout. It is a must do when visiting this beautiful region.

Woolshed Falls - Beechworth

The falls are a ten minute drive north from Beechworth, where you can view the cascading falls, enjoy a leisurely picnic or take a self-guided walk around the alluvial gold workings. An observation deck provides views to falls and the valley below, which is particularly spectacular after heavy rainfalls. Please be very careful on the rocks as they are slippery and children should not be left unsupervised in this area. Suitable, sturdy footwear is advised.

White Water Rafting - Mt beauty

In summer you can experience an enjoyable and exciting 3 to 3.5 hour whitewater packrafting adventure starting at Mount Beauty Pondage and following the Kiewa River down to the picnic area at the Ryders Lane bridge. You will experience over 15 grade one and two rapids while the river travels through some spectacular scenery. Suitable for 13 years plus (a basic swimming ability is required).

Bike Trail - Rutherglen

A romantic gourmet cycling adventure made for two. The Rutherglen leg of Pedal to Produce is the ideal way to while away an afternoon in the countryside. Take in the gentle ride at your own pace, stopping at iconic landmarks, historic cellar doors, and secluded pit stops. Be sure to start with empty baskets and bags as you’ll be picking up delicious treats and treasures along the way.

Picnic on the Ovens - Bright

When the weather is warm there is no better place to spend the day than sitting by the banks of the Ovens enjoying a picnic with family or friends. Taking a plunge in the crystal clear gently flowing river is very refreshing and just the ticket when the temperature soars into the 30’s. Make sure you bring a hat and sunscreen. Children must be supervised at all times around the river.

Mt Feathertop - Harrietville

The Razorback Walk is one of the most iconic walks in Victoria traversing a high alpine ridge to Victoria’s second highest but arguably most spectacular peak Mt Feathertop (1922m). The walk to Mt Feathertop along the Razorback should be treated with respect and walkers should be fit and prepared for the sudden onset of bad weather. In winter only experienced parties should attempt to ski in the area. Duration approx. 7 hours out and back.

Skiing @ Falls Creek - Tawonga Sth

Pick up your snow gear from Kiewa Valley Snowsports and get a 10% discount on everything if you mention you saw their ad in the Buckley’s Guide then hit the slopes. Winter in Falls Creek is a must for all the family. Stay in Mount Beauty and ride the bus to the top. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding, making a snowman with the kids or just sitting by the fire enjoying the alpine vibe. Falls Creek caters for all abilities from the very elite to the beginner. You won’t be disappointed.