Mansfield Destination-Information Listings
High Country
The High Country in north-east Victoria is a special place with scenic alpine landscapes, a host of outdoor activities, gourmet food and wine and a fascinating heritage of bushrangers, horsemen and gold.
Whatever the season, there's indulgence to be had in delectable cool-climate wines and innovative cuisine prepared by passionate local chefs in the gourmet villages of Beechworth and Milawa. The Muscat Trail leads to Rutherglen's wineries while smaller Bright and King Valley villages are perfect for a leisurely cycle to stock up on just-picked local produce.
During the winter, the High Country is home to Victoria's best snowfields, such as Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek with their excellent skiing, snowboarding and accommodation options.
When the snow disappears the outdoor opportunities increase, from four-wheel driving, mountain biking and horse riding to hiking on the high plains. Rock climbing, river rafting and fabulous freshwater fishing on the Delatite, Jamieson and Howqua rivers also beckon.
There is stunning scenery year-round in the High Country. The alpine villages are crowned in pristine white during winter and cloaked with wildflowers in summer. Bright's majestic tree-lined streets are alight with colour during autumn.
The region's fascinating gold rush and bushranger heritage can be uncovered in its historic towns and villages. Beechworth boasts grand nineteenth century buildings while Glenrowan is awash with historical sites and attractions documenting the last stand of Australia's most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly. The proud and enduring spirit of cattlemen and rugged adventurers is on display in Mansfield.
The Great Alpine Road, one of Australia's great touring routes, winds between Wangaratta, Bairnsdale and the Gippsland showcasing stunning alpine landscapes, heritage towns, and local food and wine.
The High Country is easily accessible from Melbourne on the Hume Highway and the all-weather sealed Great Alpine Road.
Mansfield
The Victorian High Country town of Mansfield seems a million miles from city life with its walking trails over plains of wildflowers and views of Lake Eildon, the Howqua Valley, Mount Buller and the peaks of the Alpine National Park.
Vibrant in the summer and spring, Mansfield is a hugely popular winter destination, with nearby Mount Buller boasting an impressive lift network and a variety of skiing terrains from beginner to some of the more challenging runs in Australia. Nearby Mount Stirling provides excellent cross-country skiing, with many well-marked trails through beautiful, sheltered forests of alpine ash, snow gum woodlands and open plains.
Adrenaline-pumping summer adventure activities include mountain biking, abseiling or rock climbing on Mount Buller, and canoeing, kayaking or white water rafting on the Howqua and Delatite Rivers. Take to the waters of Lake Eildon or Lake Nillahcootie for waterskiing, sailing or fishing.
Four-wheel drive tours are an exhilarating way to explore the High Country, or relive moments from The Man from Snowy River by horse riding over the mountain pastures.
Mansfield's altitude has a dizzying effect on regional vineyards,which produce rich, weighty chardonnay, crisp Riesling and superb sparkling wines. Nearby King Valley features unforgettable food and wine experiences.
Raise your glass to the Upper Goulburn Wine Region at the the Tour de Flavour in March, the Upper Goulburn Vintage Celebrations in April, and the High Country Harvest Festival in May.
Mansfield is 185 kilometres north-east of Melbourne or about two hours from Melbourne, via the scenic Melba, Goulburn Valley and Maroondah highways.