One race, two worlds: Ski the Kangaroo Hoppet and hike with kangaroos
Kangaroo Hoppet registration is now open! Be sure to get in quick to take advantage of the early bird prices. It is never too early to start planning your trip to the Southern Hemisphere.
For your visit to the Kangaroo Hoppet there is plenty on offer to explore at Falls Creek and surrounds. Of course there is skiing, the moderate climate at Hoppet time of year makes for some awesome snow conditions. It is not unusual for the weather to settle into a freeze-thaw cycle, which means blue skies and fast snow, enabling the ability to ski just about anywhere you like across the beautiful Bogong High Plains.
If the weather is not cooperating, it is just a short trip down to the valley where the sun could be shining and the flowers blooming. The town at the base of the mountains is called ‘Mount Beauty’ for a reason. There is plenty on offer in the local area: picturesque walking trails, mountain bike parks, golf courses (including a resident mob of kangaroos), breweries & wineries, cafes & coffee roasting.
Some suggestions for scenic walks include:
Fainter Falls Track is a 1.4km trail located on the way to Mount Beauty from Falls Creek. It contours above the course of the Pretty Valley branch of the East Kiewa River with two lookouts along the route. The lookouts have great views of the river and Fainter Falls. For the more adventurous, a further 200 metres of steep track with stone steps takes you to the base of the falls. Great photo opportunities await.
Kiewa River Walking Trail is a four kilometres-return walk from the town of Mt Beauty, tracing the eastern bank of the lovely Kiewa River. This sealed path follows the Kiewa River (west branch) as it threads through the north end of town. A highlight of the walk is the Upper Kiewa Arboretum which is a fantastic location to learn about the unique plants of the Upper Kiewa Catchment, including alpine areas of Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain.
Mount Beauty Gorge Walk is approximately 4kms through tranquil bushland to the entrance of a small canyon on the Kiewa River’s west branch. When the river is low enough, it is possible to walk, wade and swim upstream from the end of the defined trail to an impressive canyon. Please be aware, at any time there may be unannounced increases in water flows/levels in the Mount Beauty Gorge as it is part of the working Snowy Mountain power system. It is not advisable to wade into the river if you are not a strong swimmer or if the rocks are wet and slippery.
For information on these walks and other things to do around Mount Beauty, stop into the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre conveniently located next door to the Hoppet Shop and Registration.
