Falls Creek - summer
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.
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.
For more detailed
descriptions on walks in the area, we suggest the guide book 70 Walks in Victoria's Bright and Falls Creek
Districts
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
Falls Creek Coach Services and other tour operators offer several off road tours in air conditioned four wheel drive vehicles.
