LOOKOUTS
With a name like Mount Beauty, it's little wonder there are views to be found just about everywhere in this small town. But some vantage points are particularly rewarding. The fertile Kiewa Valley looks fabulously serene from up high, and it's almost impossible not to notice Mount Bogong – Warkwoolowler – Victoria's highest mountain at 1,986m. Come between June and October and you're likely to see its snow-capped peak presiding over the town. Here are a few of the most popular lookouts to visit.
MOUNT BOGONG LOOKOUT
The Mount Bogong Lookout – with its uninterrupted views of Mountain Creek, the Kiewa Valley and Mount Bogong – is located on the Kiewa Valley Highway between Tawonga and Mount Beauty. You will most certainly pass it in the car, or you can ride out to it along the Mount Beauty to Tawonga Trail.
SULLIVANS LOOKOUT
Just 10km from the centre of Mount Beauty along the sealed Tawonga Gap Road, Sullivans Lookout has the best outlook to take selfies with Mount Bogong.
TAWONGA GAP LOOKOUT
The Tawonga Gap Lookout on the road between Mount Beauty and Bright has expansive views across the Kiewa Valley to Mount Emu and Mount Bogong. There are picnic tables here if you plan to pack lunch.
BIG HILL LOOKOUT
At 1,067m, Big Hill offers great views over the valley and mountains. From Mount Beauty, take the Bogong High Plains Road east for 5km and turn right onto the dirt track at Cranky Charlie. Follow the signs to the West Kiewa Power Station. After about 6km, turn left up to the lookout. Recommended for 4WDs only.
LOOKOUTS IN THE ALPINE NATIONAL PARK
ROPER LOOKOUT
Roper Lookout in the Alpine National Park has excellent views over Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains. The 1.5km return walk starts at the 'Roper Lookout' sign at the eastern end of the Rocky Valley Dam wall.
MOUNT McKAY
At 1,842m, Mount McKay in the Alpine National Park is the highest drivable summit in Australia. From Falls Creek, it's a 7km drive along gravel track to reach the panoramic alpine views at the summit. Recommended for 4WDs only.
FAINTER FALLS LOOKOUT
It's a short 2km-return walk to see the cascades of Fainter Falls in the Alpine National Park. The falls are an 18km drive from Mount Beauty along the Bogong High Plains Road. From the carpark, an easy and well-formed track leads to three lookouts, the last of which involves a few stairs.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Soar high over the Kiewa Valley alongside Victoria's highest mountain on one of these scenic glider or helicopter flights from Mount Beauty.
