King Valley + Victorian High Country gourmet walking tour (VIC)

Day 1: Sunday

Arrival at your 4-star hotel in Milawa.  An aperitivo and then dinner at our hotel’s excellent restaurant.

Day 2: Monday

The first walk is a loop that covers many of the Mount Buffalo Plateau’s most recognisable landmarks. The mountain was formed millions of years ago when volcanic activity created a highland almost triple the height of the current plateau.  Since then erosion and weathering have shaped the park’s granite spine that we see today.  12 kms, 4 hours.  After a cut lunch, we head back to base, stopping at a historic pub on the way.  Dinner will be in a small, family-run restaurant that specialises in local produce.

Day 3: Tuesday

This morning we continue our exploration of the King Valley, driving to the very south of the valley for an easy walk through forest to a spectacular waterfall 12 kms, 3 hrs.  We will have lunch in a marvellous café/bakery in a neighbouring village (all ingredient locally grown and produced).

After lunch we’ll back north, stopping visit Powers lookout, before heading to one of the most important wineries in the valley for our hands-on cooking class. The lessons are held in a purpose-built kitchen which overlooks the cellar door and vineyards.  After a lazy dinner, we will return to our base.

Day 4: Wednesday

After a short drive (30 mins) we come to the gorgeous goldrush town of Beechworth.  We’ll start our visit by taking a loop walk from the town into the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park past beautiful cascades and waterfalls, rocky granite outcrops and historical mining sites.  14 kms, 4 hours.  We’ll have lunch at a delightful main street bistro.  After lunch, we’ll be taken on a guided walk around the town.  On the way home, we’ll stop to visit lovely Yackandandah.  We’ll have a light dinner at our accommodation.

Day 5: Thursday

Taking advantage of a range of microclimates, from the warmer valley floors to the bracingly cool upper slopes, the King Valley has become known as Australia’s home of Italian wine varietals.  Neighbouring Milawa has been classified as Australia’s first ‘gourmet region’ for the equality and diversity of its produce.  More than enough to fill today’s wine and food tour, which includes a generous lunch at one of the Italian vineyards.  We’ll have a light dinner at our accommodation.

Day 6: Friday

The last walk is a spectacular finale: a loop walk around the summit of Mt Stirling, which meanders through different vegetation zones along cross country skiing trails, passing historic huts and refuges and experience classic alpine views from the top.  16 kms, 5 hours.  We’ll have a cut lunch along the way.  After driving back to base, the afternoon is free.  Dinner will be at our accommodation.

Day 7: Saturday

After breakfast, you’ll be free to continue your holiday.