Mount Beauty accommodation from AU$163

Mount Beauty is in north-eastern Victoria, four hours’ drive from Melbourne. In 1949, the State Electricity Commission of Victoria established it to house construction workers. These days it’s a popular destination for those who want to take on Mount Bogong. At 1986 metres tall and taking its name from the Aboriginal word for ‘big fella’, the mountain is a tough but achievable day-long walk for the fit! You’ll start in the Alpine National Park and make your way up Staircase Spur, made up of steep tracks mixed with flat green plains. As birds sing and colourful flowers line your path, you’ll be treated to a staggering view of the mountainous horizon. Be sure to take lunch to eat at the summit, where a giant pile of rocks mark the spot.

Not into mountain climbing? Luckily there are other things to do in Mount Beauty. Take your bike to Big Hill Mountain Bike Park, home to downhill thrills and forest tracks. Dedicated cyclists can tackle the Dirty Dozen cycling trails, 12 trails that will take you through Victoria’s High Country past rivers, parks and breweries. Between Mount Beauty and the small town of Glenrowan there are 17 wineries waiting for wine buffs to explore. Alpine National Park is beautiful even if you keep your feet on the ground, with wildflower-covered plains in summer and snowfields in winter, when skiing is the main event. You can also chill out in Hollonds Street in town where tree-lined streets offer speciality stores and cafes.

Every April for three days, the Mount Beauty Music Festival brings the streets of this town to life. Blues musos, poets and other acts perform on stages set up around town from local parks to the community centre and football club. Check out the food and craft stalls around during the festival too!

Wot do you reckon? Sound like a fun getaway? Whether you want to reach the height of the mountain or just the height of relaxation, our Mount Beauty hotels will help you hit your peak!