High Country Escape

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Alpine Road as you set off on your adventure. Following the Ovens Valley, head to Bright, your destination for the evening. One of the region's most popular towns, Bright is known for its glorious autumnal displays of colour. Upon arrival, begin your exploration by visiting your choice of many outstanding cafes, bars, or cellar doors.

Nearby to your first station for the night is the Murray Mountains Rail Trail. This iconic sealed cycle trail takes you across the valley to Wangaratta. If you don't have your bike aboard the campervan, electric, standard, or tandem bikes are available to hire in Bright. Cycling to Porepunkah is the perfect, flat afternoon ride that will expose you to the glorious views of Mount Buffalo. After your cycle, head to a winery to unwind for the afternoon, then set up camp for the evening at NRMA Bright Holiday Park.

Beechworth is a gold rush town that has been wonderfully preserved to keep its stunning, historical architecture intact. During your visit to Beechworth, indulge in fabulous food and hand-crafted wine and beer, as well as relaxing and exploring heritage architecture and boutique shopping. Beechworth is full of heritage-listed trees, tumbling waterfalls, and nooks for the perfect spot to have a picnic whilst taking in the view. There are many secluded spots for you to enjoy a private picnic, make sure you stock up on supplies for a cheeseboard from the local shops and cellar doors.

Beechworth is also home to many roads and tracks to either explore by bike or by foot. Many short walks can be found around Beechworth, which takes you on a trip down historical avenues, out to spectacular views.

Head to Provenance for dinner – one of the best cafes regional Australia has on offer. Beechworth Holiday Park is only 1.5kms from the town center, with both powered and unpowered campervan sites – this is the perfect place to set up for the evening.

Only half an hour from your last stop, Milawa is a village overflowing with excellent food and wine. Take your day slowly here and fill it with visits to cellar doors and stocking up on produce fresh from the farms. The Milawa Cheese Company is the best place to get handmade cheeses from Victoria's High Country – worth a visit, explore and indulge in gorgeous dairy products from this longstanding family business. Brown Brothers is a well-known and loved cellar door in Milawa and worth a visit. Alternatively, there are a collection of wineries you can choose from to visit. Enjoy an afternoon lunch at Christmont, where you can enjoy your meal whilst surrounded by 180-degree views of the valley and ranges.

If wine tasting and fine dining aren't your things, there are plenty of other activities to do in Milawa, such as a day tour bike adventure, or a visit to the Muse Gallery.

Milawa Caravan and Tourist Park is only a stone's throw away from local restaurants, and the perfect place to spend the night whilst you continue to explore this quaint village.

Leaving Milawa behind, start day four by making your way to Mansfield, a paradise for nature lovers. Allow yourself to be immersed and inspired by the incredible Alpine scenery as well as the rich history this town has. To switch up the scenery from the past few days of wining and dining, opt for some exploration of nature. Follow the trails that cattlemen driving their herds have left behind to mountain pastures and take in the incredible views from Craig's Hut.

Mansfield has a range of all-season sports to kick your adrenaline up a notch – choose from rock climbing, mountain biking, and four-wheel driving. In the summer seasons, visit Lake Eildon and take part in a choice of water sports to cool yourself down. With a campsite that accommodates campervans, this is the perfect place to end your day of exploring Mansfield.

Before heading off on the journey home, stop at one of the many great cafes in Mansfield to fuel up for the road ahead. Make any last-minute shopping stops for wine, sweets from Mansfield Sweets, and Chocolaterie RenMar.

The drive to Melbourne is not too long, at 3 hours it is the perfect amount of time to catch up after your trip, with one-stop for indulging in some more food before you get home.