Aug 24 2010
Hiking In And Around Bright - What Places Dont You Want To Miss?
If you haven’t had the chance to go hiking in Bright and its surrounding National Parks, it truly is an unforgettable experience for young and old. Don’t let the term “hiking” convince you that you may not be able to do this though, there are many trails that are suited to people of all fitness levels. Set below the victorian high country, at the foot of Mt Hotham is Bright Victoria, the gateway to the Victorian High Country. Popular amongst bushwalkers and overnight hikers, this is an ideal place to base yourself.
Mt Buffalo National Park offers a unique perspective of the area, the main massif towers over the Ovens Valley, an imposing and impenetrable looking mountain that is easily accessed by car. Many short day walks are available in this national park, including the beautiful climb up The Cathedral, and the almost impossible but easy climb to the summit of Mt Buffalo, The Horn. Drastically different to the surrounding high country, the main plateau of Mt Buffalo is covered in granite litter, and is very family friendly for those who are wanting to give hiking in Bright a shot.
Across the other side of the Valley, a series of striking peaks strutting up from the Great Dividing Range form Alpine National Park. This area in particular containing the highest peaks in Victoria, Mt Feathertop and Mt Bogong. Due to these high altitude peaks, hiking in Bright is quite a popular, and at the same time, exhilarating activity.
A climb to the alpine summit of Mt Feathertop is a long haul, but fairly easy for those who have an average fitness level. Accessible from both Mt Hotham and Harrietville within the day (with the fit being capable of returning within the day), the climb is well worth the effort, and it quite an exhilarating climb, especially along the final summit ridge traverse, which is quite hair raising at the best of times.
Requiring a much higher fitness level, Mt Bogong is a long hard climb that is mainly uphill all the way. Involving a climb of over 1000 meters within six kilometers, this is truly a walk that is suited for those who have a good fitness level, and although it is shorter than the climb to Mt Feathertop, it is most definitely more strenuous. As this is the largest peak in Victoria, understandably, the views are tremendous, and the summit is relatively free of tourists, allowing you to enjoy a moment of serenity all to yourself whilst on the roof of Victoria.
There are so many places to go hiking in Bright, and I could go on telling you more and more about these beautiful and amazing places, but the truth of it all, is that these places are yours to discover. Anywhere from the open alpine meadows of the Bogong High Plains, to the quaint huts, this is simply one of the most exciting adventures that can be had when you see Bright Victoria.
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