9 family-friendly things to do in Victoria’s High Country
It’s time to shake off the city air and hit the road for a long weekend (or the whole week!), because Victoria’s High Country has stunning mountains, valleys and rivers perfect for family adventures!
Located in the north-east of the state, Victoria’s High Country forms a significant part of Australia’s Great Dividing Range. From Melbourne, the High Country is just a short hop into the foothills of the Range, and from Sydney the journey can begin with a 1.5hr flight to Albury.
As one of Victoria’s favourite playgrounds, the High Country region offers families plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, from kid-friendly swimming spots, cycling and mountain biking tracks, camping under the stars, beautiful hiking trails, and rafting expeditions.
The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to have a great vacation. Bring the bikes, pack an appetite and get set to explore this beautiful pocket of Victoria with these best budget-friendly activities for families:
9 budget-friendly, family-friendly things to do in Victoria’s High Country
Ride from Bright to Porepunkah: Year-round, Victoria’s High Country is Australia’s number one cycling destination. There are safe, off-road trails for leisurely pedalling, mountain peaks to conquer, 10 separate parks for MTB riders and back roads galore for gravel grinding.
An easy 6km journey, this leg of the Murray to Mountains trail is very kid-friendly with cafes and playgrounds along the way. Pack a towel and swimmers for a quick dip in the Ovens River.
Eurobin Falls/Ladies Bath Falls, Mt Buffalo: The North-East boasts beautiful landscapes and big blue skies, and nothing beats the misty spray of a waterfall to cool off on a hot day. Pack a picnic and towel, and enjoy a dip in Ladies Bath Falls, just 400m from trailhead.
High Grove Berries, Stanley: Pick your own fruit – including a large range of berries and cherries – or simply relax at the kiosk and enjoy a delicious snack or purchase the homemade produce on offer. The picking season is approximately open from mid-December until the end of January, and entry is fee.
Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, Glenrowan: Discover the heart of Ned Kelly Country at the Visit Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre, your gateway to an unforgettable adventure.
Benalla Splash Park, Benalla: Featuring the splash park, a rock-climbing wall, kids playground and outdoor dining pods, grab a picnic and enjoy time out with the kids. Open daily from 9.00am – 8.00pm during the summer months and entry is free.
Mitta Mitta River, Mitta Mitta: The surrounding creeks and streams are perfect for fishing enthusiasts, with a leisurely trip down the river accessible via hiring a kayak. If older kids are looking for more adventure, the region is known for its adrenaline pumping, world class white-water rafting.
High Country Maze, Mansfield: This two-hectare award-winning garden is perfect for families. Kids will have a blast hunting for gnomes in the maze and looking out for fairies and dragons hidden in the gardens.
Their garden café serves Devonshire Teas, and lunch straight from the garden made daily. Closed in February.
Bilson’s Soda Bar, Beechworth: Warm, genuine hospitality is a hallmark of the many buzzing cafes, pubs, and restaurants of the region. Billson’s Soda Bar brings back the best of times gone by, where you and the kids can enjoy frothy ice cream spiders, cool sodas, sophisticated mocktails, milkshakes and flavourful hot chocolate.
Lake Sambell, Beechworth: Swim in the shallows of the lake at this picturesque spot a short stroll from Beechworth’s town centre. Recent extensive work has been undertaken to provide walking trails throughout the reserve along with an adventure playground for children at the Sandy Beach swimming area.
When is the best time to visit Victoria’s High Country?
- Summers are long and hot and made for lazy picnics under shady trees or a paddle down the river or a dip in the cool waters of a mountaintop lake.
- Autumn and Spring are spectacular with warm sunny days, cooler nights, incredible autumn colour, blooming wildflowers and bountiful harvests.
- Winters are cold and perfect for rugging up and getting outdoors for a hike or a pedal on a rail trail lit with wattles in bloom. The alpine resorts are snow-covered winter playgrounds.
What’s on in Victoria’s High Country?
You can also plan your trip around one of the many family-friendly regional celebrations and festivals throughout the year, including:
Feastival: FEBRUARY
Falls Creek Village will come alive for FEASTIVAL. The three-day event boasts a full schedule with a collection of music, art, comedy, science and food for attendees.
High Country Hop: FEBRUARY
Beechworth’s High Country Hop is an open-air, family-friendly affair and literal ‘Music To Your Beers’.
Merrijig Rodeo: MARCH
Merrijig Rodeo is a family-oriented, APRA associated event, held annually on Saturday of the March Labour Day long weekend.
King Valley Balloon Fiesta: MARCH
The King Valley Balloon Fiesta is a hot-air balloon fiesta in the King Valley, North East Victoria. Part of the Fiesta is a Balloon Glow, held in the evening, an enjoyable family night out with entertainment, Food, drink, and of course balloons!
Bright Autumn Festival: MAY
This ten-day celebration of the wonderful autumn colours and autumn produce of the valleys ends with a Gala day on Saturday May 6, with a market, music in the streets and a grand parade.
La Fiera Italian Festival: MAY
La Fiera festival returns to Myrtleford in 2024 and is a celebration of Myrtleford’s Italian heritage and culture featuring a range of events at various locations and businesses.
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