HIGH COUNTRY
Victoria's High Country, tucked between the Murray River and Gippsland's thick coastal forest, strikes an unexpected counterpoint to the standard Australian sights like Surfer's Paradise or the Red Centre. Here, ancient forests display dazzling fall colors and rambling valleys nurture spring flowers that shame Crayola. In winter, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek offer the continent's best skiing, centered around the charming sub-Alpine village of Bright. And while people flock to the coast in summer, there's a ton to do here too, where Mt. Buffalo's gorgeous soaring peaks and warm thermal winds support some of the world's best paragliding in addition to eco-adventures like abseiling and mountain biking. For those who prefer tamer pleasures, the small town of Beechworth boasts a terrific concentration of gold rush era Australiana. All vehicles heading into the mountains must carry chains from June 8 (Queen's Birthday) until October 1.