One of the many great things about Melbourne is its proximity to a diverse range of regional gems to explore. Take Victoria’s High Country, just three hours’ drive north-east of the capital. This is truly a destination for all seasons and all tastes – from the action-packed winter snowfields and exhilarating hikes to its rich history, delicious local produce and fine wines. A three-day trip is the perfect way to sample all the high notes, and what better vehicle to take the journey in its stride than the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
 

Day 1: Melbourne to Milawa and King Valley
 

Start the way you mean to continue, with a stress-free morning’s freeway drive of about three hours. Head north out of the city and put the GLE into cruise control once you hit the Hume Freeway, then relax and enjoy the journey to Milawa via Benalla.
 

Allow a leisurely couple of hours to follow the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail, a breathtaking collection of public art on a grand scale. The trail links the small towns of Goorambat, Devenish, Tungamah and St James and features towering artworks created by street artists including Adnate, Jimmy Dvate, Guido van Helten, Cam Scale and Benalla local Tim Bowtell.
 

Along the trail, the Winton Wetlands offers some gentle off-road action along a well-graded dirt road. The road, flanked by the silvery ghosts of spindly, desiccated trees, is a breeze for the GLE, which purrs through this almost dystopian landscape to an otherworldly soundtrack of cawing crows and ravens.

By Sally Feldman