Remote ridgelines and river headwaters of the Cobberas

Overview

The Cobberas Range sits in the far north-east of Victoria within Alpine National Park, close to the New South Wales border. This is one of the most remote parts of the state’s alpine country, marked by high ridges, open saddles and long stretches of country that feel a long way from anywhere built up. The range forms part of a broader landscape that includes the headwaters of the Murray River, the Snowy River catchment and the Suggan Buggan Valley.

The Cobberas are best known for their elevated, rugged setting and for the sense of scale that comes with it. Mount Cobberas No. 1 reaches 1838 metres and stands as the highest peak in this part of the park, with neighbouring high country extending towards Tingaringy and Cowombat Flat.

Highlights

The big draw here is the shape of the country itself. Broad alpine ridges, rocky high points and open mountain country give the Cobberas a stark, spacious character that is quite different from the more forested parts of the Victorian Alps. Views stretch across the surrounding mountains and down into valleys including Suggan Buggan, with the range sitting near the divide between major river systems.

This area also stands out for its protected backcountry landscapes. The Cobberas forms part of a section of Alpine National Park where large wilderness areas remain essentially undeveloped, which helps preserve the feeling of isolation that defines the range.

Best Time to Visit

The warmer months are generally the most comfortable time to be in the Cobberas. In this part of the Alps, summer brings milder temperatures at higher elevations, while spring and summer are also when alpine wildflowers and open high-country vegetation are at their most noticeable. Winter can blanket the high country in snow and change the whole feel of the range.

Plants and Animals

The vegetation around the Cobberas reflects its elevation and exposure. Snow gum woodland is a defining feature, along with alpine and subalpine grasslands, heathlands and treeless high-country mosaics. Lower and more sheltered parts of the wider area also support taller mountain forests.

Animal life across this alpine country includes species adapted to cold conditions and open upland habitats. The broader park protects characteristic alpine fauna, and these high, relatively intact landscapes are important for maintaining habitat across connected mountain country.