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This new multi-day alpine hike turns into a festival each night

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
This isn’t just any walk, it’s an outdoor adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Global trekking company HIGHLANDER is known for its unique approach to hiking and camping, hosting numerous multi-day adventures around the world. Launched out of Croatia in 2017, it has guided groups into the Himalayas, through San Bernardino National Forest in California, along Costa Rica’s El Camino and all across Europe.

Now, HIGHANDER is officially heading Down Under for its first-ever Australian series. Unlike other popular Aussie hikes, these aren’t the kind you’ll find in the guidebooks. They’re long, challenging and demand you dig deep. But they’re also full of after-hours magic that ordinary treks can’t offer, going well beyond just clocking kilometres and sleeping under the stars.

A look at Australia’s first HIGHLANDER

Mount Hotham in Victoria
The new HIGHLANDER hike will journey through Mount Hotham.

Coming to Australia in 2026, HIGHLANDER’s inaugural hike will run from 18–22 March in Mount Hotham, Victoria. And while it may seem geared towards experienced adventurers only, HIGHLANDER is all about making multi-day hikes accessible, enjoyable and stress-free for all.

Guests can join for just one, two or three of the full five days, tailoring the trip to match personal experience and fitness levels. The one-day pass is perfect for beginners, while the two- and three-day options provide deeper immersion in nature and a stronger sense of connection with the group, as well as a taste of HIGHLANDER’s evening experiences. Opting for the entire five days gives hardcore hikers the chance to truly push themselves and test their endurance.

Mount Hoham hike with HIGHLANDER
Participants can tailor the length of their trip to match experience levels.

The guided trek will unfold across Victoria’s Alpine National Park, where you’ll explore multiple trails, historic huts, old mines and mountainous peaks, taking in some of the region’s most breathtaking views along the way. The exact route is only available upon registration, but one thing is certain – guests are in for the adventure of a lifetime.

A hiking experience with a twist

Mount Hoham hike with HIGHLANDER
Embrace the spirit of adventure with like-minded adventurers.

With HIGHLANDER, the adrenaline doesn’t drop when the day of hiking ends – and that’s what sets it apart. Camping out isn’t just about rest and recovery, it’s about connecting, reflecting and celebrating. It’s a form of passion travel, where like-minded individuals can come together, disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, immerse themselves in nature and embrace the spirit of adventure.

After a long day on foot, the communal campsite turns into a mini festival, with live music, wellness classes, educational workshops and interactive activations for all. Daily group activities can include everything from nature talks and stargazing to yoga and breathwork, all designed to help you learn something new and establish connections within the community.

Mount Hoham hike with HIGHLANDER
Join a stargazing session around the campfire come evening.

By day, participants focus on the physical side of the journey, while evenings are dedicated to nurturing the mind and spirit – an act of wellness that prioritises personal investment and self-improvement. Whether you choose to partake in every session or simply swap stories around the campfire, you’ll wrap up each day feeling refreshed and restored, ready for a well-earned rest in your private tent.

The fine print

The real magic of a HIGHLANDER experience lies in the smaller details. While you’re busy soaking up the adventure, the team handles everything else. Logistics like food and water, safety and camp set-up, transport and storage, are all taken care of behind the scenes.

Mount Hoham hike with HIGHLANDER
Logistics like food and water are managed by the team so you can enjoy the adventure.

However, guests will need to pack some of their own gear beforehand. Items such as hiking boots, tents, sleeping bags, a backpack, water bottle, torch, bowl and cutlery, clothing, compass and first-aid kit are all mandatory.

Safety remains a top priority on all HIGHLANDER hikes, so injury insurance, public liability coverage and access to 24-hour medical staff are all included. Participants are also given a hiker tag, which tracks location, and sweepers close the track each day to ensure nobody is left behind.

Registration for the Mount Hotham multi-day hike with HIGHLANDER is open now. Prices range from $129 for a one-day pass to $1165 for the full five days, with costs set to rise as spots fill up.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.