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.

At the head of the Ovens Valley itself, Alpine National Park rises up sharply fromt he valley floor to the highest peaks in Victoria. Including Mt Feathertop, often noted as the queen of the Victorian Alps, and the “Big Fella”, Mt Bogong, standing 1098 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Victoria.

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.

Mt Bogong, the highest peak in Victoria, rises steeply from the floor of the Kiewa Valley, towering 1986 meters in elevation. The name, Mt Bogong, is an Aboriginal term meaning “Big Fella”, no doubt that anyone standing under the peak in the township of Mt Beauty would agree. The climb to the summit is a long one, and much more arduous than its neighbor, Mt Feathertop, with an elevation gain of nearly a thousand meters within six kilometers. Understandably, the views from the summit are incredible, and are a welcome reward for a hard day climbing.

Hiking in Bright is truly something that will stay with you forever. Whilst there are many peaks to scale, there is also the open alpine terrain on the Bogong High Plains, where many huts, such as the famous Wallace Hut, can be visited in an easy day walk from the Bogong High Plains road. Of course, the huts are not the only attraction, with well graded tracks such as the Heathy Spur track in the near vicinity, there is always going to be something new to see when you see Bright Victoria.

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