As a complete contrast to our recent trip to the Top End we headed for the lush mountainous slopes of Victoria's alpine area. Leaving Melbourne & avoiding the busy Hume Hwy we travelled via Yarra Glen, Yea, Lake Eildon & Swanpool to a delightful free camp on the outskirts of Tatong (see free camps section). The next day after a relaxed pack up we travelled the back roads to Milawa, a popular gourmet destination. We visited the Cheese factory & stocked up as well as purchasing a few reds from a local winery. Milawa Mustards are also great. We were booked into Bright- Freeburgh CP for a week (travel auction $175 powered site) but needed to use a bit of time up as we couldn't arrive before 2pm so we stopped for a picnic lunch beside the Ovens River on the outskirts of Myrtleford. We had to dial 000 to prevent a very disturbed guy from committing suicide (see general discussion section).

Finally getting to the CP, booking in & setting up we kicked back & unwound with a glass of wine or three from what started as a very relaxed day & ended up an incredibly stressful experience.

The next 3 days were spent doing day trips, the first to Mt Buffalo National where were climbed The Horn (1725m) for a 360 degree panorama of the Victorian Alps. There was still a small amount of snow around. The next day we drove up to Falls Creek in the Alpine NP via Bogong & Mt Beauty. We were amazed how much snow was still around. On the third day we drove the Great Alpine Road to Mt Hotham & Dinner Plain which looked pretty much like Winter there was so much snow! We loved seeing the birdlife in the alpine area particularly the Flame Robins.

Back down in Bright the gardens are in full bloom & looking fantastic. We also went to the Harrietville trout farm & caught a few fish for a tasty gourmet dinner accompanied by a local drop. We're heading for the headwaters of the Murray River next via Corryong.

Here are a few photos.