Dramatic mountains, heritage and gourmet food
Mansfield, with a backdrop of the Alpine National Park, is the gateway to the Mt Buller-Mansfield region which combines adventure with heritage, great food and indulgence. The region is dominated by a strong mountain cattleman’s heritage and the mountain streams of the King, Howqua and Delatite Rivers.
Mansfield is about 2.5 hours to the north-east of Melbourne along the Maroondah Highway or Hume Freeway.
The region’s tourism office can help you find accommodation, plan your trip and tell you about upcoming events and activities: mansfieldmtbuller.com.au.
Great walks
The Australian Alps Walking Track
You can join the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) via Bluff and Lovick Huts to the Cross-Cut Saw; which would have to be one of the most spectacular sections of the Australian Alps Walking Track. Locations such as the Terrible Hollow, Mt Buggery and Mt Speculation say it all.
This long-distance walking track starts at Walhalla at the southern end of the Australian Alps and passes this half-way point through the Australian Alps national parks on its way to the outskirts of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.
For those looking for transport and advice about joining the Australian Alps Walking Track in the Mt Buller-Mansfield area, various tour operators can provide transport and pick-ups at many locations along this section of the AAWT.
Walks in Alpine National Park
There are companies which provide summer Alpine National Park walks into the Howqua River Valley and Crosscut Saw. Group support including 4WD transport, delivery of supplies etc for those wanting to adventure out on their own on foot or horse back.
Parks Victoria has a list of tour operators who provide guided tours in the park.
Driving
Driving around the mountains
For those with more time and a desire to explore further into the mountains, the Valleys and Escarpments Drive will enable you to take the winding mountain route across to Mansfield. You can either join the Drive at Licola, or take the gravel road north through Aberfeldy to meet the Drive near Mt Skene.
Winter snow
For some winter action hit the slopes at Mt Buller. The village is located in the heart of the ski area offering easy access to all the facilities from the slopes. Explore more than 300 hectares of runs, terrain parks and a toboggan park.
Mt Stirling offers a slightly different snow experience. While there are no lifts, the sky is the limit here. Cross-country skiing, back-country snowboarding and snowshoeing are among the popular activities at Mt Stirling.
Camping
There are several campsites within the south-western area of the Alpine National Park. Cobbler Plateau, Wonnangatta Homestead, Eaglevale, Horseyard Flat and Wellington River camping area are a few to explore.
For a more adventurous camping experience, try snow camping at Mt Stirling.
Adventure
Mountain biking and cycling
Bike Buller is your one stop shop for mountain biking at the resort. An interactive trail map will help you plan which trails you want to ride and they can help you with bike rental and chairlift tickets for the gravity-inclined downhill riders. For a taste of the action at Mt Buller, including trails from the rest of Victoria’s high country, see The Dirty Dozen get into it.
For a more sedate cycling experience, try the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail, starting in Mansfield and heading 134 kms west through Bonnie Doon to Tallarook.
Horse riding
A selection of tour operators are available to provide high country horseback experiences ranging from a short rides to overnight treks.