The Holiday and Travel Magazine: Long weekend on a budget – free & low-cost High Country activities in Victoria

The best budget hidden gems are to be found in the High Country of Victoria.

Set in the picturesque town of Porepunkah near Bright, the Porepunkah River offers plenty of scenic strolls and swimming. Enjoy a walk down the rivers edge and across the suspension bridge over the Ovens River before settling on the verdant grass for an afternoon picnic or BBQ at the free facilities.
Swim in the river, which is dammed over summer to create long, cool river swimming pools that are patrolled by lifeguards.
Head to the Punkah Pantry for a coffee and ice cream, or a bite to eat.
Try one of the tasty platters from Ringer Reef, a small family owned and operated vineyard, winery and cellar door, available from $25, best paired with a wine tasting tray from $15.
Stop at Bright Organics for a selection of local produce, teas, and a huge range of herbs and spices.

Explore the King Valley’s famous prosecco on two wheels with the Pedal 2 Prosecco tour, from $60pp. With the help of e-bikes, you’ll pedal your way down Prosecco Road from cellar door to cellar door on this self-guided tour.
Stop in at King Valley Fine Foods in Whitfield and pick up a selection of their cheeses, wines, relishes and pestos.
Get off the beaten track and explore Paradise Falls in Alpine National Park outside of Cheshunt. With the cascading falls tumbling down 31metres and set in a peaceful park, Paradise Falls lives up to its name!

Mitta Mitta

The charming hamlet of Mitta Mitta is renowned for its world-class white-water rafting, but visitors can also enjoy fishing in the surrounding creeks and streams and reel in rainbow trout, carp, river blackfish and more from the pristine waters.
Just an hour away from Albury/Wodonga, independent brewery Mitta Mitta Brewing Co serves up a range of local single origin, small batch beers alongside a menu of small and large plates as well as pizzas served up on Friday and Saturdays.

This bustling country town is loaded with hidden gems. Hire a bike and kick off on the Great Victorian Rail Trail, which stretches 134km from Mansfield to Tallarook, with the option to cycle the entire track or pick short sections and ride from town to town.
Try a cellar door tasting experience ($20pp) at Swiftcrest Distillery, home to the Dutch Apple Pie Moonshine, which tastes like Christmas in a glass.
Order a coffee and enjoy the al fresco seating at Mansfield Coffee Merchant, which features house-roasted beans and unique blends.

Explore the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre before heading out to explore the 32 hectare floodplain that's home to many unique Australian native marsupials, birds, amphibians and aquatic animals.
Then enjoy lunch at Marmalades of Yea Cafe and Produ ce Store

The Holiday and Travel Magazine