4 Day High Country and King Valley Tour

Day 1 – Melbourne to Beechworth

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure and indulge in luxury as we take you on a thrilling journey through North East Victoria. Your day starts with a personalized pick-up service from your accommodation, where you will be greeted by your expert local guide.

The tour begins with a visit to the regional street art capital of Australia, Benalla, where you will be mesmerized by over 65 breathtaking street art murals. Next, prepare to be wowed by the larger-than-life North East Victoria Silo Art Trail, where you can immerse yourself in an incredible art experience that transcends traditional galleries.

Afterwards, we head to the heart of Victoria's bushranger country, the Benalla Art Gallery. This impressive modernist building boasts an extensive collection of Australian art spanning three centuries, including contemporary and Indigenous art by acclaimed artists such as Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin, Fred Williams, and Sidney Nolan.

Our next stop is the historic township of Glenrowan, where we will relive the captivating story of Australia's most notorious outlaw, Ned Kelly. Experience the town's attractions, museums, and historic walk, and don't forget to take a photo with the iconic six-metre-high Ned Kelly statue. Witness Kellyland's animated theatrical portrayal of the last stand and explore several notable sites on a guided tour along the Siege Site Walk.

As the day draws to a close, we arrive at the picturesque Beechworth, North East Victoria's best-preserved gold rush town. This charming village boasts over 30 National Trust-listed buildings and an eclectic mix of galleries, collectables, handcrafts, old pubs, cafes, provedores, restaurants, and more. Savor the acclaimed food and wine scene, set amidst lush green trees, boutiques, and renowned restaurants and cafes. Autumn is the perfect time to visit, with an explosion of colors as the leaves turn to golden yellows, rich reds, and vibrant oranges.

We end our day with a visit to Beechworth Honey, one of Australia's most famous honey brands. Indulge in some delicious honey tastings and learn about honey making and beekeeping. Then, retreat to your luxurious accommodations for a well-deserved rest, ready for the next exciting day of your adventure.

Day 2 – Beechworth to Bright

Begin our day in one of Australia's prettiest villages, Yackandandah. The village centre is classified by the national trust, and it is nestled in the foothills of Stanley State Forest and steeped in the legacy of gold. Today the town is home to many acclaimed artists, from potters to painters, sculptors to stitchers. Experience the stunning streets and discover unique artworks, crafts, music, and antiques in the eclectic mix of galleries, shops, and studios.

Our journey continues along the beautiful Kiewa Valley towards the picturesque town of Bright. Located on the Ovens River and surrounded by mountains, Bright has long been a popular getaway, offering something special in every season. Witness the deciduous trees in their colourful autumnal splendour, hit the slopes at Alpine resorts in winter, and return in the warmer months for inspired bushwalking and cycling action, from dizzying mountain bike challenges to meandering rail trails.

Upon arrival in Bright, we invite you to hop on a bicycle for a ride taking in scenic views on a rail trail from Bright to Porepunkah (e-Bikes available if preferred). Take in the mountain views, have a break at the quaint Rail Trail Café or a picnic lunch further down the trail at Feathertop Winery. Alternatively, embark on the easy one-hour Canyon Trail walk, which meanders along the banks of the Ovens River and takes in two swing bridges.

Bright boasts exquisite restaurants that take great pride in sourcing the best local produce for their menus. As a self-proclaimed foodie, you'll love exploring the township and its stunning riverside setting to choose a place for dinner later in the night. Experience award-winning dining at Tani Eat and Drink, also Thirteen Steps and Ginger Baker, just to name a few. Eating nooks abound all around Bright and surrounds from cosy cafes to "hatted" restaurants. Foodies may wish to sample locally made chocolates, enjoy an ale at the friendly Bright Brewery, or gin tasting at Reed & Co Distillery.

After a day of exploring, relax in luxury at one of the many high-end accommodations in the area, from stunning mountain lodges to boutique hotels. This is a tour you won't want to miss, combining adventure, luxury, and culinary delights.

Day 3 – Bright to Beechworth

This tour takes you on a scenic drive from Bright to Mount Buffalo, where you'll witness dramatic rock formations, sheer cliff faces, imposing granite tors and tumbling waterfalls for which the park is famous. The Gorge Day Visitor Area offers several good vantage points, in particular Bents Lookout and Echo Point which give stunning views of the sheer 300 metre North Wall and surrounding valleys. Just above the Gorge precinct and Bents Lookout stands the majestic Mount Buffalo Chalet, which was built in 1910 and is often referred to as The Grande Old Dame of Victoria's Alpine region. Although the building is only open for occasional guided tours, you can appreciate the grandeur of the building from the outside and explore the terraced European Garden which in spring time is a mass of stunning colour.

After the visit to Mount Buffalo, you'll head to Myrtleford, the centre of the region's once thriving tobacco farming industry, which has evolved into a modern town that caters to a wide variety of visitors. If it's food and wine you're interested in, Myrtleford has you covered with a range of culinary options. From the Moroccan-inspired Cafe Fez, the Indian influences of Cafe Chakra, through to the strong Italian bent of Bastoni Pizzeria or Lupos, your taste buds will be well catered for. Add in a cool climate wine from one of the local wineries, including Michelini Wines or taste innovative varietals like Petit Manseng and Saperavi at Gapsted Wines, and you're set for a rewarding foodie experience!

Finally, you'll head back to Beechworth, where you'll have a chance to explore the beautiful town before a well-earned night's sleep.

Day 4 – Beechworth to Melbourne

Today takes you through the gourmet region of Milawa and King Valley, where Italian migrant history meets natural beauty. You will get a chance to taste uncommon Italian varietals like prosecco, nebbiolo, sangiovese, and barbera at family-run wineries such as Pizzini and Dal Zotto Estate. You can also take an optional cooking class at Pizzini Wines Cooking School to learn traditional recipes.

As you travel through the welcoming villages, you will see stunning alpine vistas and acres of vineyards. Don't forget to stop at local hotspots and fill your basket with cheeses, nuts, trout, honey, wine, and olives from dedicated small producers such as Milawa Cheese Factory, Milawa Mustards, Brown Brothers, and The Olive Shop.

On the way back to Melbourne, enjoy the beautiful drive through the forest landscapes of the lush Yarra Ranges along the Black Spur. Admire the immense mountain ash trees scattering sunlight on the cool understorey of green ferns below. From here, it is just over an hour's drive to central Melbourne, where your journey of the High Country ends.

ROOMS ARE BASED ON TWIN SHARE ACCOMMODATION.