Mountains and ranges
While the Swiss Alps are off the table, why not investigate Australia’s alpine regions? You’ll even be able to see snow in the right season. As well as some truly mountainous places, there are fantastic tablelands to explore. Whether you’re into walking, biking or skiing, or simply eating, drinking and great views, there’s somewhere here to suit.
HIGH COUNTRY
Northeast Victoria’s High Country brings together the Victorian Alps, valleys, vineyards, national parklands and Ned Kelly territory. This diverse terrain facilitates all sorts of getaways throughout the year, each as enticing as the next. Beechworth’s cult wineries and destination restaurants offer a backdrop of fiery leaves in autumn. The Alpine Valleys’ cellar doors are at the foothills of Mount Hotham’s snowy slopes. King Valley’s Prosecco Road and Italian hospitality offer loads of charm. And Rutherglen and Glenrowan have rich histories and rich red wines. Intrepid activities, great food and a range of wines combine in this region.
WHAT TO DRINK: Dal Zotto’s trailblazing prosecco, Sorrenberg’s sought-after gamay, small-scale chardonnay from famed producers such as Giaconda, and Rutherglen’s rare fortifieds – to name a few.
TUMBARUMBA
This alpine country in New South Wales is part of the Snowy Mountains, with the Mt Kosciusko National Park and Snowy River within reach. If you have the scope, travelling via Canberra and its wine district is an excellent option. If venturing to Tumbarumba alone, though, you won’t be short of activities. Its glistening streams, fields of green and rows of vines, all in the shadow of Australia’s highest mountain, offer walking, skiing, horse riding, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking and more. Connect with country through tours, and history at museums. And when you need to refresh and re-energise, there’s everything from cafes to awarded dining, breweries, distilleries, cideries and crisp, cool wines.
WHAT TO DRINK: Exceptional chardonnay and pinot noir.
MACEDON RANGES
When it comes to idyllic wine trails, the Macedon Ranges is one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets, with elegant wines, destination dining, charming bluestone architecture, and huge swathes of forested parklands. Whether you want to strike out to the wineries from Daylesford’s hot springs, spas and lavender gardens, or set up camp in character-filled towns like Kyneton and Trentham, packed with top restaurants, bars, produce shops and cafes, you’re guaranteed a good time. To work up an appetite, climb Mount Macedon, scramble around Hanging Rock, or take a longer, more challenging walk that rewards with sweeping vistas along the Great Dividing Trail, with sections to hike throughout the region.
WHAT TO DRINK: Chardonnay, pinot noir and bubbles, with cult producers including Curly Flat and Bindi Wine Growers.
GRAMPIANS
The Grampians is one of Victoria’s great destinations for lovers of the outdoors. Rocky mountain ranges, rich Aboriginal heritage, plus historic cellars and fine wines await. It has the Grampians National Park at its heart, with trails ranging from easy bushland circuits to climbs culminating in panoramic views, and the surrounds offer diverse areas to discover at each point of the compass. Visit the underground cellars of Seppelt, enjoy award-winning dining and wine from the 28,000-bottle collection at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, or learn about the region’s gold-mining past in Ararat.
WHAT TO DRINK: For a treat from the region, pick up Best’s beautiful Old Vine Pinot Meunier.