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

Taylah Darnell 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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

    There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

    The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

    From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

    1. Warburton

    Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
    Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

    The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

    If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

    2. Yarra Glen

    Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

    A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

    Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

    If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

    3. Healesville

    One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose.
    Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

    To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

    Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

    4. Olinda

    Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties.
    Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

    The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

    The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

    Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

    5. Emerald

    A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park.
    Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

    You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

    The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

    Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au