Victoria’s High Country
The high country of Victoria is a magical place. If you've been there, you'll already know this, and if not, then this episode of Trail Towns will surely tempt you to make plans and get up there.
This region is probably the first in Victoria to really understand the lure, beauty, and excitement in taking a bike holiday with friends. Immersing yourself in the environment allows a real sense of calm and joy to the soul. We began our adventure in Wangaratta, the main regional town at the dead of the Ovens Valley. It's a town that perfectly encapsulates the change occurring right across the country in terms of bicycle tourism. It's where the epic Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail Starts and has so much to offer for a weekend away and as a starting point for our road trip. Places to stay and great places to eat are just the start of why Vandy and I really loved this town.
Vandy rides with local kids at Wangaratta's newest pump track
This is a special episode as it's Vandy's home country. As much as I pretend to be bored by him droning on, it's actually fascinating to hear what it was like growing up in this area. It really is the home of mountain biking in Australia, with the first trails being built in Mount Beauty in the mid-eighties—coinciding with the first trails in Marin County, California. From Wangaratta, we head up the King Valley for some gravel, road, and winery tours. I rode an awesome gravel loop that took me to Paradise Falls—a truly mind-blowing waterfall up the back of King Valley, one which I didn't know existed. I've seen nothing remotely like this in Victoria...so stunning. My personal highlight was interviewing Otto Dalzotto on the Prosecco Tour. Such a gentleman, such a legend.
Paradise Falls in the King Valley
Vandy and I then ride the rail trail to Porepunkah with his parents, and I get to understand a little more about the history of the area. Once tobacco, now hops, the booming industry of bikes seems to dominate every town, from Myrtleford to Bright, with the rail trail giving us the chance to see the valley at a pace that allows us to absorb the ridiculous beauty of Mount Buffalo and the rolling hills around. There are so many surprises and delights to enjoy, things that I never knew existed, such as the intriguing Mosaic Trail in Myrtleford.
View of the mountains riding along the Rail Trail between Myrtleford and Porepunkah
Bright is simply going off with bikes, and the town is bursting at the seams with bikes and trails, so we head for Mount Beauty, where Vandy gives us a guided tour of his home town. The trail networks are incredible and are on par with anything I've ever ridden. But it's not just the riding that makes Mount Beauty so cool. There is so much more to check out in the gorgeous hamlet.
Dieter flying in a glider and enjoying Mount Beauty from a new perspective
Kirsty, producer and camera operator, filming at Mermaid Beach, Mount Beauty
We finish our adventure at Falls Creek, my old stomping ground. I used to teach skiing in the '80s here...and boy has it changed. So many trails, places to stay, and with a majestic sunset finish to our adventure on the summit of Mount McKay, a place I reckon everyone must put on their bucket list to have a Trail Towns holiday.
