Hedonistic Hiking

Food • Wine • Walking

hedonistic /,hed.en'is.tik/

Victorian High Country Journey - 7 Day trip Falls Creek, The Australian Alpine Walking Track, The Razorback, Mount Feathertop and Mount Buffalo

walking info

Gourmet Guided Walking holiday across the Victorian Alps

Hike the classic trails of the legendary High Country of Victoria: The Razorback, Mount Feathertop, Mount Buffalo and the Australian Alpine Walking Track. Follow in the footsteps of some of the early visitors to this area - the explorers, the gold diggers and the first European settlers. In the past, travellers stayed in huts - we stay in fabulous hotels and mountain lodges in Falls Creek, Dinner Plain and the Buckland Valley. Dine on the delicious cuisine and sample the wonderful wines of the Alpine Valleys of northeast Victoria.  

Opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve in the High Country

       

What is included?

• Services of experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life.
• All meals including wine.
• Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route.
• Dinner in a variety of superb restaurants.
• Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please.
• Transport to/from Albury in air-conditioned minibus.
• Comprehensive pre-trip information.
• Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.

Itinerary
Trip starts and ends in Albury, NSW. Direct flights and train services from Melbourne (300km), Canberra (350km) and Sydney (588km).

Day 1
Meet Albury (airport or train station) at 2pm. From Albury we drive (2hours) to the Alpine Resort of Falls Creek (1495m) where we stay in a comfortable Alpine lodge for two nights. The lodge has its own indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna. Time to relax before dinner.

Day 2
After a leisurely breakfast we head out onto the Bogong High Plains. Stretch your legs with an introductory walk past some of the historic alpine huts and be entertained by the legends of former cattlemen that once roamed these hills. See beautiful flora and maybe glimpse the wild brumby horses. Dine out in one of the Resort's fine restaurants. (11km)

Day 3
We leave Falls Creek and follow a section of the Australian Alps Walking Track, a magnificent 650km walk from Walhalla (near Melbourne) to Canberra. Our walk crosses the High Plains before descending through snow gums to the former cattle-grazing lands of the Cobungra River. In the afternoon we climb up to Mount Hotham. We stay in the heart of Dinner Plain Village for 2 nights. (21km)

Day 4

Time to unwind in the pretty alpine village of Dinner Plain. The village is situated in the Alpine National Park, on the highest freehold land in Australia. The architecture of the buildings has been inspired by the characteristics of cattlemens' huts. Guided walk through the snowgumsIn the afternoon there will be time to treat yourself to a relaxing massage or spa treatment.

Day 5

We leave Dinner Plain and walk the breathtaking Razorback Ridge to Mount Feathertop, the second highest mountain in Victoria at 1922m. Enjoy fabulous unbroken views across the High Country. Shortly beyond the summit we are met by 4-wheel drive vehicle and we descend to the Buckland valley. Stay for two nights in luxury accommodation with views to Mount Buffalo. Dinner tonight is at one of the region's top restaurants - Simone's of Bright - awarded 2 Hats by The Age Good Food Guide.

Day 6
Visit beautiful Mount Buffalo, the mountain named by the 19th-century explorers Hume and Hovell. Guided walk over the beautiful granite plateau with stunning views to the Buckland and Buffalo valleys. Enjoy your final gastronomic picnic whilst on top of the world. Return to the Buckland Valley and celebrate the end of the trip with a fabulous gala dinner at Villa Gusto.

Day 7
After breakfast we transport you back to Albury for 12 o'clock. 

Walking

Moderate - Hard Walking

Shortest day 11km
Longest day 25km

5 days of walking. Well-graded tracks on mountainous terrain. Significant ascents/descents.  Optional easy boulder-hopping on Mount Buffalo. The tougher days are balanced with easier days. The walking is fairly rugged in sections so sturdy walking boots, with good ankle support, are recommended. Walking poles would be an advantage, especially on steeper sections.

Dates

26th Dec 2008 - 1st Jan 2009
30th Jan 2009 - 5th Feb 2009

Weather

Below are the weather charts for the Alpine areas (Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain and Falls Creek) and the valleys (Bright, Buckland Valley). Expect sunny days with some rain showers. The weather in the mountains is significantly cooler and prone to sudden changes so you need to have suitable warm/waterproof clothing.

Cost:

26th Dec departure (including New Year's Eve): AUD $2995
30th Jan departure: AUD $2885

The price represents the fully-inclusive cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.

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Contact Us
info@hedonistichiking.com.au	(Australia) +61 (03) 5755 2307