Going From River Deep To Mountain High

The Sunday Age

Sunday January 3, 1999

ROBERT UPE

AUSTRALIA'S high country has come of age as a year-round holiday destination.

Summer in the mountains has become a mind-boggling choice of activities, from adrenalin-pumping pursuits such as abseiling, whitewater rafting and mountain biking, to more serene picnics among the wildflowers, fly fishing and canoeing.

And the resorts and mountain towns are staging an unprecedented number of festivals and events this summer. Mount Buffalo has Opera in the Alps later this month, there are wine and food festivals, and special music weekends.

Falls Creek, especially, has an extensive special events program that includes a Midsummer Singles Week, Mile High Tennis Tournament and Cajun Blue Weekend.

But all the other resorts and high country towns are getting into the act with their own unique activities.

Mount Buffalo, for example, has underground river caving expeditions, Mount Hotham has just staged the longest and highest gourmet lunch in Australia, and Mount Buller is geared for heart-pumping mountain bike riding.

The resorts will operate chairlifts throughout summer to provide access for mountain bikers and visitors wishing to take a scenic ride. Many high country activities, such as horse riding, are based at Bright, Mount Beauty, Myrtleford, Mansfield and Omeo.

One of the best ways to see the high country is on the back of a horse. You can amble, or gallop, through Man From Snowy River country.

The country towns also offer a wide range of accommodation. Best of all, accommodation rates, on and off the mountains, are a fraction of the winter rates.

More and more places are now staying open for summer and offering packages. You can choose from a romantic escape in a five-star hotel at Mount Buller to a beautiful guest house in Marysville.

But high country activity is by no means restricted to Victoria. Across the border in New South Wales, Thredbo has an extensive and excellent summer program that should be considered along with the Victorian options. Another reason to consider a high country holiday is to beat the heat, because temperatures are much milder in the mountain.

A word of warning: mountain weather can change quickly, so if you're going out on a walk it is best to go properly prepared and let someone know before you go.