Itching for your stay at Stella the Stargazer? Make your getaway unforgettable, with a jaw-dropping hot air balloon ride, wine that’s in a class of its own, and views so good they’ll give you chills. And that’s just the beginning – check out these 10 incredible things to do on your Stella-style escape.
1. Traverse Prosecco Road
Image: Brown Brothers, King Valley
Get a taste of northern Italy right here in Victoria, with a journey along Prosecco Road in the King Valley. First, second and third generation migrant families have brought Mediterranean-inspired wines, like pinot grigio, verduzzo, sangiovese and barbera, and of course, prosecco, to the region, making this slice of the High Country a haven for wine lovers. For a prosecco journey like no other, make pit stops at Brown Brothers, Dal Zotto, Chrismont, Pizzini and Sam Miranda.
2. Go to cloud 9 in a hot air balloon
Image: Ballooning over King Valley with Global Ballooning
Start your day with spectacular sunrise views of snow-capped Mount Buller, with a hot air balloon ride high above Mansfield with Global Ballooning. Not a morning person? From May to September you can soak up views of the Victorian Alps in the afternoon as well.
3. Dine on Victoria’s finest
Follow the smell of freshly roasted coffee to Merchant Coffee Roasters or Mansfield Coffee Merchant, where you can enjoy a spot of brekky made from tasty local produce, and of course, a coffee made in true Victorian style. If coffee isn't your thing, opt for a cheeky hot choccy or a spicy chai.
For a hearty feed, try modern Mexican at Honcho, pan-Asian dishes and flirty cocktails at The Fields, or try your hand at fine dining at Delatite Winery, where the food is expertly crafted from produce grown in the kitchen garden.
4. Enjoy a bev
Taste handmade vanilla bean vodka, alpine spring gin and delicious Dutch apple pie moonshine at Swiftcrest Distillery or down a refreshing beer from the beer garden or rooftop at Anvil Brewing Co. Head to Jamieson Brewery on the banks of the Goulburn River for a refreshing brew with a side of hospitable country charm.
5. Bask in the scenery
Image: Hiking Mount Buller (all seasons except winter)
Victoria’s High Country is a sight to behold, with green fields, vast mountain ranges and rivers aplenty. Take in the scenic surrounds on the Delatite River Trail. Perfect for mountain bike riders, the trail traverses the base of Mount Buller and ends at Mirimbah Park. Before the snow falls, you can hike to the summit of Mount Buller on the Mount Torbreck Summit Walk or skip the cardio and drive to the summit for snow-clad views during winter.
In Mansfield, walk to the top of the Paps Lookout and stare in awe at rolling green hills and Lake Eildon in the distance. Or discover the hideout of a notorious, yet gentlemanly bushranger from the 1860s on the rocky escarpment of Powers Lookout above the King Valley.
Chill out by the water at Lake William Hovell, the perfect spot for a relaxed barbeque, lakeside strolls or a morning spent fishing. If you’re willing to brave the cold waters, you can swim in the lake year-round or hit the water in a kayak or canoe.
6. Hit the slopes
Image: Skiing at Mount Buller
Get your thrills at Mount Buller as you whiz down the slopes on skis, a snowboard or a toboggan. Your winter wonderland can include everything from adrenaline pumping snow sports and husky-led dog sled tours, to scenic chairlifts and indulgent spa packages at Australia’s highest day spa.
Refuel after a long day on the slopes with your pick of over 30 restaurants and bars, where you can dine 5-star, tuck into a pub feed or get amongst the buzzing nightlife until the wee hours.
7. Cycle the Great Victorian Rail Trail
Image: Art along the Great Victorian Rail Trail
Conquer all 134 kilometres of Victoria’s longest rail trail and claim bragging rights eternal for your spectacular feat. Start in Tallarook and cycle the banks of the Goulburn River, past granite-boulder strewn hillsides and through cute towns and abundant farmland until you reach the end of the trail in Mansfield.
Stop along the way to admire the collection of seven artworks from numerous local artsists which have been installed along the path, as well as a series of 20 scar trees by Taungurung artist and elder, Mick Harding. The trail is split into easily accessible sections, so you can tackle the whole ride, or meander sections by bike or foot.
8. See art around town
Image: Street art by Robyn Grove in Benalla
Head into Benalla for a spectacular show of public art, cladding street walls, old wheat silos and gallery walls across town. Embark on a colourful self-guided walk of the town’s local street art, including renowned artist, Adnate’s powerful portrait ‘Burmese Girl’, or ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ by Robyn Grove. You can collect a map of all the top spots to visit from the local visitor’s centre, or download the Storytowns – Benalla Street Art app, for a map and history of the town and its street art.
While in town, visit the Benalla Art Gallery in the Botanic Gardens to see work that spans three centuries of Australian art and grab a bite to eat at the gallery’s café, which boasts views of Lake Benalla. Finally, jump in the car and drive approximately 20 minutes to Devinish to see the Graincorp Devinish Silos, which depict the changing roles of women in the military.
9. Check out local festivals and events
Time your ‘Stella’ getaway with some of the hottest events happening in the region. In May, Myrtleford hosts the La Fiera Italian Festival, while Pizzini Wines hosts the Three Italians Lunch, which includes everything from Italian cuisine, Italian-inspired wine and Italian opera.
The June long weekend will see Glenrowan overtaken with the Trails, Tastings and Tales Food and Wine Festival, a three-day celebration of the town’s heritage and local talent. Late June will also see Mansfield aglow with golden light at the Mansfield Lantern Festival.
10. Shop local at a market
Image: Mansfield Farmers' Market
Browse stalls of fresh produce direct from the farm, homemade baked goods and preserves and handmade wares at farmers’ markets across the region, which happen on weekends throughout the year.
Some of our favourites include the Euroa Farmers’ Market, the Mansfield Farmers’ Market and the Mansfield Bush Market, as well as the Grant Street Monthly Market in Alexandra or the Nagambie Farmers’ Market at Tahbilk.
