Summer at Falls Creek
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In late spring, as the snows melts
and recedes, the true glory of the high country is revealed. Vegetation
bursts through and the plains and valleys become blanketed with delicate wildflowers. |
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The whole
region is transformed into a living flora and fauna sanctuary, home to grey kangaroos, wallabies,
echidnas and wombats as well as the shy platypus plus some 130 different species
of birds. And fish
literally jump in the streams and reservoirs. |
This alpine wonderland is now the province not
only of the serious bushwalker, but casual visitors who come to soak up the
alpine atmosphere, to relax and enjoy
the fresh mountain air under an expansive clear blue sky. Fishing, walking,
mountain biking, sailing, horse riding are just some of the activities to be
enjoyed amidst the spectacular mountain scenery.
Walking
Best time is from November to May.
An extensive network of marked tracks around the Falls Creek Village and into
the surrounding Alpine National Park provides a variety of long and short walks
to suit all fitness levels. Download the brochure from Parks Victoria on
Walks around Bogong High Plains and Mountain Creek (4 pages) for descriptions of some of the local
walking trails. Guided walking tours are also offered by some
tour operators.
Nature rambles
Discover the alpine vegetation and wildlife via
escorted rambles conducted by Alpine
Nature Rambles.
Fishing
Rocky Valley Dam and Pretty Valley Pondage both hold good
populations of fish, mainly of small mountain trout. For those who enjoy a walk,
outstanding fishing can be had in the Bundarra River below McNamara's hut and
the Kiewa River.
For details of fishing in individual steams in the area see
A guide to
the Inland Angling Waters of Victoria.
Tour operators also provide fishing expeditions in
the region.
Sailing and canoeing
Rocky Valley dam is just
a few minutes by car, or a brisk fifteen minute walk from the Village.
Mountain Bike Riding
Bikes are available for hire at a number of lodges and several
tour operators provide organized rides with bike hire.
Public roads, parks management tracks, and aqueducts all provide various degrees
of challenge and enjoyment. A chairlift operates at specified times throughout
the summer to provide access to the summit.
Tennis
Supergrass tennis courts in the Village Bowl are available for hire.
Swimming
Take an exhilarating dip in the secluded rock pools at Pretty Valley pondage.
Horse Riding
Cross
the Bogong High Country by horseback. Download the
Alpine National Park - Horse Riding brochure (4 pages) for details of where
and when horse riding is allowed within the National Park. A number of tour
operators provide horse tours within the High Plains region.
Two
and Four Wheel Drives
Mt. McKay, the highest driveable point in Australia and only a short distance
away by car offers 360 degree views of the High Plains.
4 Wheel Drive Tours
Pyle's coaches
and other
tour operators offer several off road tours in air conditioned four wheel drive vehicles.
High
Country Dining
A number of excellent restaurants and coffee shops operate in Falls Creek
throughout the summer months.
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