Victorian Alps: Difference between revisions

Victorian Alps
Victorian Alps
Victoria Alps, High Plains, High Country, The Alps
	Mount Feathertop and the Razorback
Highest point
Peak	Mount Bogong
Elevation	1,986 m (6,516 ft); AHD
Coordinates	36°43′56″S 147°18′21″E / 36.73222°S 147.30583°E
Dimensions
Length	400 km (250 mi) NE-SW (approx)
Width	200 km (120 mi) E-W (approx)
Area	5,199 km2 (2,007 sq mi)
Geography
	Victorian Alps Location of the Victorian Alps in Victoria
Country	Australia
Region	Victoria
Range coordinates	36°44′S 147°18′E / 36.733°S 147.300°E
Parent range	Great Dividing Range
Borders on	New South Wales
Geology
Age of rock	Devonian
Type of rock	Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic

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The Victorian Alps, also known locally as the High Country, is a large mountain system in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. Occupying the majority of eastern Victoria, it is the southwestern half of the Australian Alps (the other half being the Snowy Mountains), the tallest portion of the Great Dividing Range. The Yarra and Dandenong Ranges, both sources of rivers and drinking waters for Melbourne (Victoria's capital, largest city and home to three quarters of the state's population), are branches of the Victorian Alps.

The promise of gold in the mid-1800s, during the Victorian Gold rush led to the European settlement of the area.^[5] The region's rich natural resources brought a second wave of agricultural settlers; the foothills around the Victorian Alps today has a large agrarian sector, with significant cattle stations being sold recently for over thirty million dollars.^[6] The Victorian Alps is also the source of many of Victoria's water ways, including Murray and Yarra Rivers and the Gippsland Lakes.^[5] The valleys beneath the high plains are surrounded by wineries and orchards because of this abundance of water.^[7] The region is also home to Victoria's largest national park, the Alpine National Park, which covers over 646,000 hectares (1,600,000 acres).^[8]^[5] The establishment of the Alpine National Park has meant that economic activities such as mining, logging and agriculture are limited, to preserve the natural ecosystem for visitors.^[5] Tourism within the region centres around snow sports in winter and various outdoor activities during the summer months.^[7]

The Australian Alps is an Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia sub-bioregion of approximately 519,866 hectares (1,284,620 acres),^[3] and an administrative sub-region of Victoria bordering the Gippsland and Hume regions.

History

Indigenous heritage

The Victorian Alps were a significant meeting place for multiple Indigenous tribes from all-over South-east Australia.^[5] Seasonally Indigenous peoples from many tribes would meet at the highest peaks for trade, settling of disputes, marriage and initiation ceremonies.^[5] Whilst on the high plains the tribes would feast upon the Bogong moth, a moth that migrates from breeding grounds in Queensland to the Victorian Alps during the summer months.^[9]

European exploration and settlement

Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, Angus McMillan and Alfred Howitt were some of the first Victorian settlers to explore the Victorian Alps in the early 1850s.^[5] Gold was found in the region in 1852 and brought thousands to the high plains.^[5] In search of grazing pastures men such as John Mitchell, George Gray, James Brown and John Wells travelled from central Victoria in what is now the Hume region to the Bogong high plains, settling in the area because of its abundance of natural grass fields.^[5] These early settlements were often seasonal as the harsh winter made grazing and mining impractical.^[5] The communities in the Victorian Alps were disconnected from Australian civilisation, which bred a distinctive way of life epitomised in the famed poem by Banjo Patterson, "The Man from Snowy River".^[10] After the Second World War a growing population increased the demand for timber from the Victorian Alps.^[5] This added growth to the economy of the area with the building of a series of roads, train-lines and bridges,^[5] the most prominent of these being the Great Alpine Road, a 308 km fully paved mountain pass that connects Bairnsdale in East Gippsland, to Wangaratta in Central Victoria.^[7] The road reaches an altitude of 1,845 metres (6,053 ft) AHD at a site called the cross, which is the highest section of sealed road in Australia; the site was a popular tourist destination with motorists in the 1920s and 1930s.^[11]

The introduction of snow-sports to Victoria began in the 1910s, with the government-funded building of the Mount Buffalo chalet.^[9] The chalet is the largest wooden building in Australia and was for many years the only ski field in the Victorian Alps.^[9] In the decades following skiing in the Alps grew slowly, predominantly centred around ski clubs such as the University Ski club which was founded in 1929 under the name Melbourne University Ski Club.^[12] In the early 1960s skiing began to evolve as ski fields started to install tow ropes and Austrian immigrants like Hans Grimus at Mount Buller and Peter Zirknisker at Mount Hotham, opened ski rental businesses and lodges at their respected mountains.^[13]^[14]

Location and features

Comprising the Bogong High Plains, Bowen Range, Cathedral Range, Cobberas Range, and numerous other smaller ranges, the Victorian Alps include the Alpine Shire, parts of the East Gippsland Shire, and some parts of the Mansfield Shire local government areas. The Alps are sometimes called the High Plains or High Country. The 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics census showed that the Alpine Shire had 12,337 permanent residents with 49.2% male and 50.8% female, and a median age of 49.^[15]

The highest peak in the range is Mount Bogong at an elevation of 1,986 metres (6,516 ft) AHD, which is also the highest peak in Victoria.^[1] Other prominent peaks within the region are as follows; Mount Feathertop at an elevation of 1,922 metres (6,306 ft) AHD, Mount Hotham at an elevation of 1,862 metres (6,109 ft) AHD and Mount Buffalo at an elevation of 1,723 metres (5,653 ft) AHD^[16],.

Flora and fauna

Flora

The majority of unique flora is found above the timberline at 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) AHD, the region above the forest of Eucalyptus (ADH).^[17] The unique flora includes the largest range of Tussock Grasses (Poa spp.), Herbaceous Daisies, Eyebrights and Carexes (small sedges) in Australia.^[18] Many other small vegetation ecosystems appear on the High Plains, including but not limited to Tussock grassland, Alpine shrubby heathland, Subalpine woodland and Tall Alpine herb field.^[5] Important or notable species within the Victorian alps include:^[5]

Snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora)
Snow daisies (Celmisia spp)
Pineapple grass (Astelia alpina)
Alpine trachymene (Trachymene humilis)
Billy buttons (Craspedia spp.)
Leafy bossiaea (Bossiaea foliosa)
Grevillea (Grevillea australis)

Fauna

Mammals

The Victorian alps is home to a variety of small marsupials and mammals, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.^[5] The Mountain pygmy possum is a prime example of this as it can only be found within the alpine regions of Victoria and NSW.^[19] Thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in the 1960s at Mount Hotham, the Mountain pygmy possum is now on the critically endangered species list due to introduced predators like the fox, reduction in habitat and lowering number of the Bogong moth.^[19] The region is also home to echidna, common wombat, wallaby, kangaroo and bush rat.^[18]

Other vertebrates

Other vertebrates found within the region include common native woodland bird species such as Robins, Sparrows, Rosellas, Fantails, Currawongs and Honeyeaters; as well as six species of frog and several variants of skink.^[18] The Alpine she oak Skink is on the endangered species list due to the severe fires in the region over the past decades.^[19] The Baw Baw frog is critically endangered with estimated number being below 1,000, the major threat to this species is a disease from the fungus Amphibian Chytrid called Chytridiomycosis.^[19] Mountain streams are also populated by species of small fish such as the Mountain Galaxia.^[5] There is very limited fauna diversity within the Victorian alps, due to the climate, and exposed conditions.^[5]

Introduced species

Introduced species are considerably dangerous to the delicate ecosystem that is the Victorian Alps.^[18] Red foxes are the fourth most common species found in the area due to the abundance of other introduced species such as rabbit and hare.^[18] Brumbies/wild Australian horses are also a major pest in the Victorian High Plains. The horse's hard hooves trample the local flora, because of this the Victorian Government has extended efforts to cull the wild horses from the national park.^[20] However, Initiatives to block the culling of Brumbies claiming they are “national icons” gained traction in May 2020, seeing the 2020 seasonal cull being put on hold.^[21] A supreme court injunction led by Phillip Maguire has caused this halting of the cull, as petitions on "Change.org", led by OCEAN LEGAL have gathered over 100,000 signatures in support of preventing the cull.^[21]^[22]

Other introduced species within the region include Deer, pigs, goats, cats, trout and dogs.^[5] The Victorian Government's response to these pests in the national park involves extensive trapping and baiting programs ran by the Parks managers.^[5]

As well as wild pests, production animals such as Cattle and sheep were previously also found in the Victorian Alps.^[18] Cattle grazing can cause major disturbances to the natural flora and rare grass species found above the tree line 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) AHD.^[23] The effect the cattle have on the environment is amplified through the short growing season for alpine flora, which means that once they are disturbed it can take a long time to recover.^[23] Because of the severity of damage subdued to the Alpine national park flora the Victorian government banned cattle grazing in the park in 2015 as a part of the National Parks Amendment (Prohibiting Cattle Grazing) Bill 2015.^[24] Cobungra station however continues the heritage of alpine cattle grazing, without damaging the flora above the tree line as it nestled between 1500m and 1000m in the foothills below Mount Hotham.^[25] Cobungra station is a significant staple of the Victorian alpine region as it boasts the largest wagyu station in the state.^[26]

Geology

In the Victorian Alps, bedrock is exposed along the entire range.^[27] Because of the exposed bedrock, Geologists have been able to determine that the rock types at surface of the range today were formed in an ancient ocean, between 530 and 400 million years ago.^[27] The Mountains in the range are flat and round when compared other prominent ranges around the world, this is due to two main factors.^[5] Firstly the Victorian Alps originated through continental splitting; secondly the Victorian Alps were never tall enough to develop large glaciers, and it is the erosion from ice that produces jagged peaks.^[5] The Victorian Alps are still being influenced by plate tectonics today, as continental collision with New Zealand drives the range up each year.^[28] This contradicts earlier theories about the range, which assumed the mountains size was due to years of erosion, in fact it is now believed that the Australian Alps are a relatively young range, forming their current peaks in the last 10 million years.^[28]

Water catchment

The Victorian Alps receive some of the most rainfall in Victoria with locations such as Falls Creek elevation 1,765 metres (5,791 ft) AHD receiving an average of 12,273 millimetres (40.266 ft) annually from 1990 to 2020.^[29] The high volumes of water that fall within the region, feed waterways such as the Yarra river, and Gippsland lakes.^[5] The Murray River is also fed by the Victorian Alps, and although the region only accounts for 1% of the Murray's catchment area it is estimated to provide over 29% to the annual flow.^[5] This is due to the high amounts of snow, and the unique alpine vegetation which has the ability to hold water and regulate its release throughout the year.^[5] Water from the Victorian Alps is also used for power generation at the Kiewa Hydroelectric scheme, although not as extensive as the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the Kiewa scheme still provides Victoria with 241MW.^[30]

Recreation

Winter recreation

In the winter the main attraction in the Victorian Alps is the ski fields, the largest of which by number of lifts is Mount Buller and the largest of which by skiable terrain is Mount Hotham.^[7] Other Victorian ski fields include Mount Baw Baw, Mount Stirling, Lake Mountain, Falls Creek and previously Mount Buffalo.^[7] Ski touring within the Victorian Alps is also very popular with famed routes such as the Twin Valleys, Mount Bogong, Feathertop Ridge and other Mount Hotham side country routes. There are many converted cattleman's huts that litter the alpine landscape to accommodate such activities.^[31] On the whole the snow-sports industry brought over $911 million of gross state profit to the Victorian economy in the 2016/2017 financial year. Over the same period the region saw over 762,981 visitors across ski season which produced almost 1.4 million visitor nights.^[32]

Summer recreation

Summer recreation brings in lower annual visitor numbers as seen over the summer months in 2016/2017, when the region received 348,366 tourist for a total of 485,722 visitor days.^[32] Large events such as the Peaks Challenge which sees cyclists ride 235 km through the High Plains, contribute to these numbers.^[33] The Dinner Plain Polo is another yearly event that sees a rise in tourist numbers in the area.^[7] Founded 31 years ago, the Dinner Plain Polo is the longest, and highest in altitude running polo competition in Australia.^[26] Bushwalking is also a large part of summer recreation in the Victorian Alps.^[7] The recently finished Mount Hotham to Falls Creek overnight walking track, spans some of the highest regions of the Victorian Alps, with overnight stops at both Cope and Dibbins hut; the walk is 37 kilometres in total.^[34] Other summer activities that draw visitors to the Victorian Alps include mountain biking (at Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw, Mount Beauty, Mount Buller, Bright, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain amongst others) rock climbing (particularly at Mount Buffalo), trout fishing and horse riding.^[7]

References

^ ^a ^b "Mount Bogong, Australia". Peakbagger.com.
^ "Mount Bogong". Gazetteer of Australia online. Geoscience Australia, Australian Government.
^ ^a ^b "Australia's bioregions (IBRA)". Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Commonwealth of Australia. 2012. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
^ "Victoria Alps [sic]". Peakbagger.com.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w ^x "the Australian alps". Australian Alps national parks Co-operative Management Program 2020. 19 November 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
^ Carberry, Kirrily (7 February 2019). "Rural Funds Group buys beef farm Cobungra Station". Retrieved 26 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Jemison, C. "High Country Online". High Country Online. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
^ Visit Bright. "Alpine National Park". Visit Bright. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c Catrice, Daniel. "THE GARDEN OF THE GODS A BRIEF HISTORY OF MOUNT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK". www.visitmountbuffalo.com.au. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
^ Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. "National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves". National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
^ "The Cross - Great Alpine Road - Mt Hotham, Victoria". Waymarking. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
^ Sheridan, Lynnette (1988). University Ski Club 1929-1979. Melbourne: University Ski Club.
^ "Hotel Pension Grimus - About Us - Grimus Family". hpg-website. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "Quirky Zirky still king of mountain". www.heraldsun.com.au. 16 August 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "2016 Census QuickStats: Alpine (S)". quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ Slattery, D (2016). Australian Alps : Kosciuszko, Alpine and Namadgi National Parks. Canberra: CSIRO Publishing.
^ "Australian Alps | mountains, Australia". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Victorian Ecosystems - Alpine". viridans.com. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Local threatened species". www.zoo.org.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "'Running rampant': Victoria to remove 1,200 feral horses from high country". www.abc.net.au. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b "Parks Victoria says it won't start shooting brumbies until at least winter". www.abc.net.au. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "Sign the Petition". Change.org. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
^ ^a ^b Alpine Grazing Taskforce (May 2005). "Report of the investigation into the future of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park" (PDF). {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
^ "Cattle Banned From The Alpine National Park". Premier of Victoria. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "Cobungra Station - About Us". www.cobungrawagyu.com.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b "About". Geebung Polo Classic Is Back On For 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (30 May 2019). "The geology of eastern Victoria". Earth Resources. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ ^a ^b "Geoscience shows Victoria's high country starts with New Zealand". AuScope. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "Climate statistics for Australian locations". www.bom.gov.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "Bogong Hydro Power Station". Power Technology | Energy News and Market Analysis. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ Peace, Ray (1993). Ski touring Victoria and NSW. Melbourne: Lothian.
^ ^a ^b "Research shows increased visitor numbers across Victoria's alpine resorts - Australasian Leisure Management". www.ausleisure.com.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "Peaks Challenge Falls Creek | Sunday 7 March 2021". Bicycle Network. 31 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
^ "Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing". www.parks.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[pb-1] "Mount Bogong, Australia". Peakbagger.com.

[2] "Mount Bogong". Gazetteer of Australia online. Geoscience Australia, Australian Government.

[ibra-3] "Australia's bioregions (IBRA)". Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Commonwealth of Australia. 2012. Retrieved 21 January 2014.

[pb1-4] "Victoria Alps [sic]". Peakbagger.com.

[austalps3-5] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w ^x "the Australian alps". Australian Alps national parks Co-operative Management Program 2020. 19 November 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2020.

[6] Carberry, Kirrily (7 February 2019). "Rural Funds Group buys beef farm Cobungra Station". Retrieved 26 May 2020.

[highcountry3-7] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Jemison, C. "High Country Online". High Country Online. Retrieved 9 April 2020.

[visitbright-8] Visit Bright. "Alpine National Park". Visit Bright. Retrieved 26 May 2020.

[mountbuff-9] Catrice, Daniel. "THE GARDEN OF THE GODS A BRIEF HISTORY OF MOUNT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK". www.visitmountbuffalo.com.au. Retrieved 26 May 2020.

[agdept-10] Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. "National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves". National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves. Retrieved 26 May 2020.

[11] "The Cross - Great Alpine Road - Mt Hotham, Victoria". Waymarking. Retrieved 26 May 2020.

[12] Sheridan, Lynnette (1988). University Ski Club 1929-1979. Melbourne: University Ski Club.

[:0-13] "Hotel Pension Grimus - About Us - Grimus Family". hpg-website. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[:1-14] "Quirky Zirky still king of mountain". www.heraldsun.com.au. 16 August 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[15] "2016 Census QuickStats: Alpine (S)". quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[16] Slattery, D (2016). Australian Alps : Kosciuszko, Alpine and Namadgi National Parks. Canberra: CSIRO Publishing.

[17] "Australian Alps | mountains, Australia". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[:2-18] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Victorian Ecosystems - Alpine". viridans.com. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[:3-19] "Local threatened species". www.zoo.org.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[20] "'Running rampant': Victoria to remove 1,200 feral horses from high country". www.abc.net.au. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[:4-21] "Parks Victoria says it won't start shooting brumbies until at least winter". www.abc.net.au. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[22] "Sign the Petition". Change.org. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)

[:5-23] Alpine Grazing Taskforce (May 2005). "Report of the investigation into the future of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park" (PDF). {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

[24] "Cattle Banned From The Alpine National Park". Premier of Victoria. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[25] "Cobungra Station - About Us". www.cobungrawagyu.com.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[:6-26] "About". Geebung Polo Classic Is Back On For 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[:7-27] Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (30 May 2019). "The geology of eastern Victoria". Earth Resources. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[:8-28] "Geoscience shows Victoria's high country starts with New Zealand". AuScope. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[29] "Climate statistics for Australian locations". www.bom.gov.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[30] "Bogong Hydro Power Station". Power Technology | Energy News and Market Analysis. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[31] Peace, Ray (1993). Ski touring Victoria and NSW. Melbourne: Lothian.

[:9-32] "Research shows increased visitor numbers across Victoria's alpine resorts - Australasian Leisure Management". www.ausleisure.com.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[33] "Peaks Challenge Falls Creek | Sunday 7 March 2021". Bicycle Network. 31 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

[34] "Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing". www.parks.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Mountains in Victoria, Australia}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
 {{Use Australian English|date=January 2014}}
@@ Line 6: / Line 7: @@
 | photo             = Mount Feathertop and Razorback.jpg
 | photo_alt         =
-| photo_caption     = [[Mount Feathertop]] and the [[Razorback]]
+| photo_caption     = [[Mount Feathertop]] and the Razorback
 <!-- Locator map; takes coordinates from "highest point" (and perhaps "range"; need to experiment and then correct this comment) -->
 | map               = Australia Victoria
@@ Line 49: / Line 50: @@
 <!-- Overall coordinates for the range; usually the center of the range -->
 | range_coordinates = {{coord|36|44|S|147|18|E|type:mountain_region:AU-VIC|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
-| range_coordinates_ref=<ref name=pb1>{{cite peakbagger |rid= 724 |name=Victoria Alps (''sic'')}}</ref>
+| range_coordinates_ref=<ref name=pb1>{{cite peakbagger |rid= 724 |name=Victoria {{sic|Alps|nolink=y}}}}</ref>
 }}
+The '''Victorian Alps''', also known locally as the '''High Country''', is a large [[mountain system]] in the southeastern [[Australia]]n state of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]].  Occupying the majority of eastern Victoria, it is the southwestern half of the [[Australian Alps]] (the other half being the [[Snowy Mountains]]), the tallest portion of the [[Great Dividing Range]].  The [[Yarra Ranges|Yarra]] and [[Dandenong Ranges]], both sources of [[river]]s and [[drinking water]]s for [[Melbourne]] (Victoria's [[capital city|capital]], largest city and home to three quarters of the state's population), are branches of the Victorian Alps.
-The '''Victorian Alps''' are the Southern part of an extensive [[mountain range]] that forms the [[Australian Alps]]. Located in the [[Australia]]n state of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] they are part of the [[Great Dividing Range]].  An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia [[Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia|(IBRA)]] sub-[[bioregion]] of approximately {{convert|519866|ha|acre}}.<ref name=ibra>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion-framework/ibra/index.html |title=Australia's bioregions (IBRA) |work=Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |year=2012 |access-date=21 January 2014}}</ref> An administrative [[Regions of Victoria|sub-region]] bordering the [[Gippsland]] and [[Hume (region)|Hume]] regions.Tourism within the region centres around Snow-sports in winter and various outdoor activities during the summer months.<ref name="highcountry3">{{cite web|title=High Country Online|url=https://highcountryonline.com.au|last1=Jemison|first1=C|website=High Country Online|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref> The promise of gold in the mid-1800s, during the [[Victorian gold rush|Victorian Gold rush]] led to the European settlement of the area.<ref name="austalps3">{{cite web|title=the Australian alps|url=https://theaustralianalps.wordpress.com/the-alps-partnership/education/|publisher=Australian Alps national parks Co-operative Management Program 2020|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref> The regions rich agricultural resources brought a second wave of settlers; the foothills around the Victorian Alps today has a large agrarian sector, with significant cattle stations being sold recently for over thirty million dollars.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carberry|first1=Kirrily|date=7 February 2019|title=Rural Funds Group buys beef farm Cobungra Station|url=https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/property/rural-funds-management-buys-beef-farm-cobungra-station/news-story/36b920a6fe237a62b985a71713a50818|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> The Victorian Alps is also the source of many of Victoria's water ways, including [[Murray River|Murray]] and [[Yarra River|Yarra]] Rivers and the [[Gippsland Lakes]].<ref name="austalps3"/> The valleys beneath the high plains are surrounded by wineries and orchards because of this abundance water.<ref name="highcountry3"/> The region is also home to Victoria's largest national park the [[Alpine National Park|Alpine National park]], which covers over 646,000 hectares.<ref name="visitbright">{{cite web|title=Alpine National Park|url=https://www.visitbright.com.au/alpine-national-park/|last1=Visit Bright|website=Visit Bright|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="austalps3"/> The establishment of the [[Alpine National Park]], has meant that economic activities such as mining, logging and agriculture are limited, in order to preserve the natural ecosystem for visitors <ref name="austalps3"/>
+The promise of [[gold]] in the mid-1800s, during the [[Victorian gold rush|Victorian Gold rush]] led to the European settlement of the area.<ref name="austalps3">{{cite web|title=the Australian alps|date=19 November 2013 |url=https://theaustralianalps.wordpress.com/the-alps-partnership/education/|publisher=Australian Alps national parks Co-operative Management Program 2020|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref> The region's rich natural resources brought a second wave of agricultural settlers; the [[foothill]]s around the Victorian Alps today has a large [[agriculture|agrarian]] sector, with significant [[cattle station]]s being sold recently for over thirty million dollars.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carberry|first1=Kirrily|date=7 February 2019|title=Rural Funds Group buys beef farm Cobungra Station|url=https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/property/rural-funds-management-buys-beef-farm-cobungra-station/news-story/36b920a6fe237a62b985a71713a50818|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> The Victorian Alps is also the source of many of Victoria's water ways, including [[Murray River|Murray]] and [[Yarra River|Yarra]] Rivers and the [[Gippsland Lakes]].<ref name="austalps3"/> The valleys beneath the high plains are surrounded by [[wineries]] and [[orchard]]s because of this abundance of water.<ref name="highcountry3"/> The region is also home to Victoria's largest [[national park]], the [[Alpine National Park]], which covers over {{convert|646000|hectare}}.<ref name="visitbright">{{cite web|title=Alpine National Park|url=https://www.visitbright.com.au/alpine-national-park/|last1=Visit Bright|website=Visit Bright|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="austalps3"/> The establishment of the Alpine National Park has meant that economic activities such as [[mining]], [[logging]] and agriculture are limited, to preserve the natural ecosystem for visitors.<ref name="austalps3"/> [[Tourism]] within the region centres around [[snow sports]] in winter and various outdoor activities during the summer months.<ref name="highcountry3">{{cite web|title=High Country Online|url=https://highcountryonline.com.au|last1=Jemison|first1=C|website=High Country Online|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref>
+The Australian Alps is an [[Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia]] sub-[[bioregion]] of approximately {{convert|519866|ha|acre}},<ref name=ibra>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion-framework/ibra/index.html |title=Australia's bioregions (IBRA) |work=Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |year=2012 |access-date=21 January 2014}}</ref> and an administrative [[Regions of Victoria|sub-region]] of Victoria bordering the [[Gippsland]] and [[Hume (region)|Hume]] regions.
 == History ==
 === Indigenous heritage ===
-The Victorian Alps were a significant meeting place for multiple indigenous tribes from all-over South-east Australia.<ref name="austalps3"/> Seasonally [[Aboriginal Australians|indigenous peoples]] from many tribes would meet at the highest peaks for trade, settling of disputes, marriage and initiation ceremonies.<ref name="austalps3"/> Whilst on the high plains the tribes would feast upon the [[Bogong moth]], a moth that migrates from breeding grounds in Queensland to the Victorian Alps during the summer months.<ref name="mountbuff">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitmountbuffalo.com.au/index.php?p=1_130|last1=Catrice|first1=Daniel|title=THE GARDEN OF THE GODS A BRIEF HISTORY OF MOUNT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK|website=www.visitmountbuffalo.com.au|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref>
+The Victorian Alps were a significant meeting place for multiple Indigenous tribes from all-over South-east Australia.<ref name="austalps3"/> Seasonally [[Aboriginal Australians|Indigenous peoples]] from many tribes would meet at the highest peaks for trade, settling of disputes, marriage and initiation ceremonies.<ref name="austalps3"/> Whilst on the high plains the tribes would feast upon the [[Bogong moth]], a moth that migrates from breeding grounds in Queensland to the Victorian Alps during the summer months.<ref name="mountbuff">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitmountbuffalo.com.au/index.php?p=1_130|last1=Catrice|first1=Daniel|title=THE GARDEN OF THE GODS A BRIEF HISTORY OF MOUNT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK|website=www.visitmountbuffalo.com.au|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref>
 === European exploration and settlement ===
-[[Ferdinand von Mueller|Baron Ferdinand von Mueller]], [[Angus McMillan]] and Alfred Howitt were some of the first Victorian settlers to explore Victorian Alps in the early 1850s.<ref name="austalps3"/> Gold was found in the region in 1852 and brought thousands to the high plains.<ref name="austalps3"/> In search of grazing pastures men such as John Mitchell, George Gray, James Brown and John Wells travelled from central Victoria in what is now the Hume region to the Bogong high plains settling in the area because of its abundance of natural grass fields.<ref name="austalps3"/> These early settlements were often seasonal as the harsh winter would grazing and mining impractical.<ref name="austalps3"/> The communities in the Victorian Alps were disconnected from Australian civilisation, which bread a distinctive way of life epitomised in the famed poem by [[Banjo Paterson|Banjo Patterson]], “[[The Man from Snowy River (poem)|the man from snowy river]]”.<ref name="agdept">{{cite web|title=National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves|url=https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/australia-alps|last1=Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment|website=National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> After the second world war a growing population increased demand timber from the Victorian Alps.<ref name="austalps3"/> This added growth to the economy of the area with the building of a series of roads, train-lines and bridges.<ref name="austalps3"/> The most prominent of these being [[Great Alpine Road|the Great Alpine road]] a now 308&nbsp;km fully paved mountain pass that connects [[Bairnsdale]] in East Gippsland, to [[Wangaratta]] in Central Victoria.<ref name="highcountry3"/> The road reaches an altitude of  {{convert|1845|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small> at a site called the cross, which is the highest section of sealed road in Australia; the site was a popular tourist destination with motorists in the 1920s and 1930s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMTRGD_The_Cross_Great_Alpine_Road_Mt_Hotham_Victoria|title=The Cross - Great Alpine Road - Mt Hotham, Victoria|website=Waymarking|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref>
+[[Ferdinand von Mueller|Baron Ferdinand von Mueller]], [[Angus McMillan]] and Alfred Howitt were some of the first Victorian settlers to explore the Victorian Alps in the early 1850s.<ref name="austalps3"/> Gold was found in the region in 1852 and brought thousands to the high plains.<ref name="austalps3"/> In search of grazing pastures men such as John Mitchell, George Gray, James Brown and John Wells travelled from central Victoria in what is now the Hume region to the Bogong high plains, settling in the area because of its abundance of natural grass fields.<ref name="austalps3"/> These early settlements were often seasonal as the harsh winter made grazing and mining impractical.<ref name="austalps3"/> The communities in the Victorian Alps were disconnected from Australian civilisation, which bred a distinctive way of life epitomised in the famed poem by [[Banjo Paterson|Banjo Patterson]], "[[The Man from Snowy River (poem)|The Man from Snowy River]]".<ref name="agdept">{{cite web|title=National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves|url=https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/australia-alps|last1=Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment|website=National Heritage Places - Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> After the Second World War a growing population increased the demand for timber from the Victorian Alps.<ref name="austalps3"/> This added growth to the economy of the area with the building of a series of roads, train-lines and bridges,<ref name="austalps3"/> the most prominent of these being the [[Great Alpine Road]], a 308&nbsp;km fully paved mountain pass that connects [[Bairnsdale]] in East Gippsland, to [[Wangaratta]] in Central Victoria.<ref name="highcountry3"/> The road reaches an altitude of {{convert|1845|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small> at a site called the cross, which is the highest section of sealed road in Australia; the site was a popular tourist destination with motorists in the 1920s and 1930s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMTRGD_The_Cross_Great_Alpine_Road_Mt_Hotham_Victoria|title=The Cross - Great Alpine Road - Mt Hotham, Victoria|website=Waymarking|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref>
+The introduction of snow-sports to Victoria began in the 1910s, with the government-funded building of the [[Mount Buffalo Chalet|Mount Buffalo chalet]].<ref name="mountbuff" />  The chalet is the largest wooden building in Australia and was for many years the only ski field in the Victorian Alps.<ref name="mountbuff" /> In the decades following skiing in the Alps grew slowly, predominantly centred around ski clubs such as the University Ski club which was founded in 1929 under the name Melbourne University Ski Club.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sheridan|first=Lynnette|title=University Ski Club 1929-1979|publisher=University Ski Club|year=1988|location=Melbourne}}</ref> In the early 1960s skiing began to evolve as ski fields started to install tow ropes and Austrian immigrants like Hans Grimus at [[Mount Buller, Victoria|Mount Buller]] and Peter Zirknisker at [[Mount Hotham]], opened ski rental businesses and lodges at their respected mountains.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Hotel Pension Grimus - About Us - Grimus Family|url=https://www.pensiongrimus.com.au/about_us|website=hpg-website|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Quirky Zirky still king of mountain|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/quirky-peter-zirky-zirknitzer-82-still-king-of-mt-hotham/story-fnpp4dl6-1227485916090?nk=af9907e4a60d6bfb70cd4afa8de8bb13-1590551591|date=2015-08-16|website=www.heraldsun.com.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
-=== History of recreation ===
-With most of the Victorian High Plains now under National park, previous economic activities have halted making way for a tourism industry.<ref name="highcountry3"/> The introduction of Snow-sports to Victoria began in the 1910s, with the government funded building of the [[Mount Buffalo Chalet|Mount Buffalo chalet]].<ref name="mountbuff" />  The chalet is the largest wooden building in Australia and was for many years the only ski field in the Victorian Alps.<ref name="mountbuff" /> In the decades following skiing in the Alps grew slowly predominantly centred around ski clubs such as the University Ski club which was founded in 1929 under the name Melbourne University Ski Club.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sheridan|first=Lynnette|title=University Ski Club 1929-1979|publisher=University Ski Club|year=1988|location=Melbourne}}</ref> In the early 1960s Skiing began to evolve as Ski fields started to install tow ropes and Austrian immigrants like Hans Grimus at [[Mount Buller, Victoria|Mount Buller]] and Peter Zirknisker at [[Mount Hotham]], opened ski rental businesses and lodges at their respected mountains.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Hotel Pension Grimus - About Us - Grimus Family|url=https://www.pensiongrimus.com.au/about_us|website=hpg-website|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Quirky Zirky still king of mountain|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/quirky-peter-zirky-zirknitzer-82-still-king-of-mt-hotham/story-fnpp4dl6-1227485916090?nk=af9907e4a60d6bfb70cd4afa8de8bb13-1590551591|date=2015-08-16|website=www.heraldsun.com.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>  Hans Grimus was recognised for his contributions to the Australian Ski industry in 2013 by the Austrian ambassador to Australia Dr Helmut Boeck, and Peter Zirknisker is a notable inductee of the ski industry hall of fame.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
 ==Location and features==
+[[File:Aerial panorama of Mount Donna Buang. Flurry of snow in early spring. Shot on 9 September 2023.jpg|thumb|Aerial panorama of Mount Donna Buang. Flurry of snow in early spring. Shot on 9 September 2023.]]
 Comprising the [[Bogong High Plains]], Bowen Range, [[Cathedral Range (Victoria)|Cathedral Range]], [[Cobberas Range]], and numerous other smaller ranges, the Victorian Alps include the [[Alpine Shire]], parts of the [[East Gippsland Shire]], and some parts of the [[Mansfield Shire]] [[Local government in Australia|local government areas]]. The Alps are sometimes called the [[High Plains (Australia)|High Plains]] or High Country. The 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics census showed that the [[Alpine Shire]] had 12,337 permanent residents with 49.2% male and 50.8% female, and a median age of 49.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2016 Census QuickStats: Alpine (S)|url=https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/LGA20110|website=quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
-The highest peak in the range is [[Mount Bogong]] at an [[summit|elevation]] of {{convert|1986|m}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>, which is also the highest peak in Victoria.<ref name=pb>{{cite peakbagger |pid=11629 |name=Mount Bogong, Australia}}</ref> Other prominent peaks within the region are as follows; [[Mount Feathertop]] at an elevation of {{convert|1922|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>, [[Mount Hotham]] at an elevation of {{convert|1862|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small> and [[Mount Buffalo]] at an elevation of {{convert|1723|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small> <ref>{{Cite book|last=Slattery|first=D|title=Australian Alps : Kosciuszko, Alpine and Namadgi National Parks|publisher=CSIRO Publishing|year=2016|location=Canberra}}</ref>,.
+The highest peak in the range is [[Mount Bogong]] at an [[summit|elevation]] of {{convert|1986|m}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>, which is also the highest peak in Victoria.<ref name=pb>{{cite peakbagger |pid=11629 |name=Mount Bogong, Australia}}</ref> Other prominent peaks within the region are as follows; [[Mount Feathertop]] at an elevation of {{convert|1922|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>, [[Mount Hotham]] at an elevation of {{convert|1862|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small> and [[Mount Buffalo]] at an elevation of {{convert|1723|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small><ref>{{Cite book|last=Slattery|first=D|title=Australian Alps : Kosciuszko, Alpine and Namadgi National Parks|publisher=CSIRO Publishing|year=2016|location=Canberra}}</ref>,.
 [[File:Mount Buffalo.jpg|thumb|261x261px| View of [[Mount Buffalo]] from [[Mount Hotham]], in summer.]]
 [[File:Back Country Mount Hotham.jpg|alt=|left|thumb|[[Hotham Alpine Resort|Mount Hotham]] in winter]]
 [[File:Bogong above Mount Beauty - panoramio.jpg|alt=|center|thumb|305x305px| View of [[Mount Bogong]] above [[Mount Beauty, Victoria|Mount Beauty]], in summer.]]
+== Flora and fauna ==
-== Flora and Fauna ==
 === Flora ===
-The majority of unique flora is found above the timberline at {{convert|1500|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>, the region above the forest of ''[[Eucalyptus regnans|Eucalyptus]]'' (ADH).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Australian Alps {{!}} mountains, Australia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Australian-Alps|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>  The unique flora includes the largest range of Tussock Grasses (''Poa'' spp.), Herbaceous Daisies, Eyebrights and Carexes (small sedges) in Australia.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Victorian Ecosystems - Alpine|url=https://viridans.com/ECOVEG/alpine.htm|website=viridans.com|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Many other small vegetation ecosystems appear on the High Plains, including but not limited to Tussock grassland, Alpine shrubby heathland, Subalpine woodland and Tall Alpine herb field.<ref name="austalps3"/> Important or notable species within the Victorian alps include
+The majority of unique flora is found above the timberline at {{convert|1500|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>, the region above the forest of ''[[Eucalyptus regnans|Eucalyptus]]'' (ADH).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Australian Alps {{!}} mountains, Australia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Australian-Alps|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>  The unique flora includes the largest range of Tussock Grasses (''Poa'' spp.), Herbaceous Daisies, Eyebrights and Carexes (small sedges) in Australia.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Victorian Ecosystems - Alpine|url=https://viridans.com/ECOVEG/alpine.htm|website=viridans.com|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Many other small vegetation ecosystems appear on the High Plains, including but not limited to Tussock grassland, Alpine shrubby heathland, Subalpine woodland and Tall Alpine herb field.<ref name="austalps3"/> Important or notable species within the Victorian alps include:<ref name="austalps3" />
-·      ''[[Snow Gum|Snow gum]] (Eucalyptus pauciflora)''
-·      Snow Daisies (Celmisia spp)
-·      [[Pineapplegrass|Pineapple Grass]] (Astelia alpina)
-·      Alpine Trachymene (Trachymene humilis)
-·      [[Billy buttons|Billy Buttons]] (Craspedia spp.).
-·      [[Leafy bossiaea|Leafy Bossiaea]] (Bossiaea foliosa)
-·      [[Grevillea australis|Grevillea]] (Grevillea australis)
+* [[Snow gum]] (''Eucalyptus pauciflora'')
-<ref name="austalps3" />
+* Snow daisies (''Celmisia spp'')
+* [[Pineapple grass]] (''Astelia alpina'')
+* [[Trachymene|Alpine trachymene]] (''Trachymene humilis'')
+* [[Craspedia (plant)|Billy buttons]] (Craspedia spp.)
+* [[Leafy bossiaea]] (''Bossiaea foliosa'')
+* [[Grevillea australis|Grevillea]] (''Grevillea australis'')
 === Fauna ===
@@ Line 101: / Line 96: @@
 The Victorian alps is home to a variety of small [[marsupial]]s and [[mammal]]s, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.<ref name="austalps3" /> The [[Mountain pygmy possum]] is a prime example of this as it can only be found within the alpine regions of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] and [[New South Wales|NSW]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Local threatened species|url=https://www.zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/local-threatened-species/|website=www.zoo.org.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in the 1960s at [[Mount Hotham]], the [[Mountain pygmy possum]] is now on the critically endangered species list due to introduced predators like the fox, reduction in habitat and lowering number of the [[Bogong moth]].<ref name=":3" /> The region is also home to echidna, common [[wombat]], wallaby, kangaroo and bush rat.<ref name=":2" />
-==== Other Vertebrates ====
+==== Other vertebrates ====
 Other vertebrates found within the region include common native woodland bird species such as Robins, Sparrows, Rosellas, Fantails, [[Currawong]]s and [[Honeyeater]]s; as well as six species of frog and several variants of skink.<ref name=":2" /> The [[Alpine she-oak slender bluetongue|Alpine she oak Skink]] is on the endangered species list due to the severe fires in the region over the past decades.<ref name=":3" /> The [[Baw Baw frog]] is critically endangered with estimated number being below 1,000, the major threat to this species is a disease from the [[fungus]] Amphibian Chytrid called Chytridiomycosis.<ref name=":3" /> Mountain streams are also populated by species of small fish such as the [[Mountain Galaxias (species complex)|Mountain Galaxia]].<ref name="austalps3" /> There is very limited fauna diversity within the Victorian alps, due to the climate, and exposed conditions.<ref name="austalps3" />
-==== Introduced Species ====
+==== Introduced species ====
-[[Introduced species]] are considerably dangerous to the delicate ecosystem that is the Victorian Alps.<ref name=":2" /> Red foxes are the fourth most common species found in the area due to the abundance of other introduced species such as rabbit and hare.<ref name=":2" /> Brumbies/wild Australian [[horse]]s are also a major pest in the Victorian High Plains. The horse's hard hooves trample the local flora, because of this the [[Victorian Government]] has extended efforts to cull the wild horses from the national park.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Running rampant': Victoria to remove 1,200 feral horses from high country|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-02/victoria-to-remove-feral-horses-brumbies-alpine-national-park/9827936|date=2018-06-02|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> However, Initiatives to block the culling of Brumbies claiming they are “national icons” gained traction in May 2020, seeing the 2020 seasonal cull being put on hold.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Parks Victoria says it won't start shooting brumbies until at least winter|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-18/mountain-cattlemen-try-to-save-brumbies/12258774|date=2020-05-18|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> A supreme court injunction lead by Phillip Maguire has caused this halting of the cull, as petitions on "[[Change.org]]", lead by OCEAN LEGAL have gathered over 100,000 signatures in support of preventing the cull.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sign the Petition|website=Change.org|language=en-US}}</ref>
+[[Introduced species]] are considerably dangerous to the delicate ecosystem that is the Victorian Alps.<ref name=":2" /> Red foxes are the fourth most common species found in the area due to the abundance of other introduced species such as rabbit and hare.<ref name=":2" /> Brumbies/wild Australian [[horse]]s are also a major pest in the Victorian High Plains. The horse's hard hooves trample the local flora, because of this the [[Victorian Government]] has extended efforts to cull the wild horses from the national park.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Running rampant': Victoria to remove 1,200 feral horses from high country|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-02/victoria-to-remove-feral-horses-brumbies-alpine-national-park/9827936|date=2018-06-02|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> However, Initiatives to block the culling of Brumbies claiming they are “national icons” gained traction in May 2020, seeing the 2020 seasonal cull being put on hold.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Parks Victoria says it won't start shooting brumbies until at least winter|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-18/mountain-cattlemen-try-to-save-brumbies/12258774|date=2020-05-18|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> A supreme court injunction led by Phillip Maguire has caused this halting of the cull, as petitions on "[[Change.org]]", led by OCEAN LEGAL have gathered over 100,000 signatures in support of preventing the cull.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sign the Petition|website=Change.org|language=en-US}}</ref>
 Other introduced species within the region include Deer, pigs, goats, cats, trout and dogs.<ref name="austalps3" /> The Victorian Government's response to these pests in the national park involves extensive trapping and baiting programs ran by the Parks managers.<ref name="austalps3" />
-As well as wild pests, production animals such as Cattle and sheep were previously also found in the Victorian Alps.<ref name=":2" /> [[Cattle grazing]] can cause major disturbances to the natural flora and rare grass species found above the tree line {{convert|1500|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last=Alpine Grazing Taskforce|date=May 2005|title=Report of the investigation into the future of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/notices/assessments/victoria-alpine-national-park/pubs/b6-alpine-grazing-taskforce-2005.pdf}}</ref>  The affect the cattle have on the environment is amplified through the short growing season for alpine flora, which means that once they are disturbed it can take a long time to recover.<ref name=":5" /> Because of the severity of damage subdued to the Alpine national park flora the Victorian government banned cattle grazing in the park in 2015 as a part  of ''the National Parks Amendment (Prohibiting Cattle Grazing) Bill 2015''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cattle Banned From The Alpine National Park|url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/cattle-banned-from-the-alpine-national-park/|date=2015-03-17|website=Premier of Victoria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Cobungra station however continues the heritage of alpine cattle grazing, without damaging the flora above the tree line as it nestled between 1500m and 1000m in the foothills below [[Mount Hotham]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cobungra Station - About Us|url=http://www.cobungrawagyu.com.au/About-Us|website=www.cobungrawagyu.com.au|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Cobungra station is a significant staple of the Victorian alpine region as it boasts the largest [[wagyu]] station in the state.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=About|url=https://www.geebungpolo.com.au/about|website=Geebung Polo Classic Is Back On For 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
+As well as wild pests, production animals such as Cattle and sheep were previously also found in the Victorian Alps.<ref name=":2" /> [[Cattle grazing]] can cause major disturbances to the natural flora and rare grass species found above the tree line {{convert|1500|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small>.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last=Alpine Grazing Taskforce|date=May 2005|title=Report of the investigation into the future of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/notices/assessments/victoria-alpine-national-park/pubs/b6-alpine-grazing-taskforce-2005.pdf}}</ref>  The effect the cattle have on the environment is amplified through the short growing season for alpine flora, which means that once they are disturbed it can take a long time to recover.<ref name=":5" /> Because of the severity of damage subdued to the Alpine national park flora the Victorian government banned cattle grazing in the park in 2015 as a part  of ''the National Parks Amendment (Prohibiting Cattle Grazing) Bill 2015''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cattle Banned From The Alpine National Park|url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/cattle-banned-from-the-alpine-national-park/|date=2015-03-17|website=Premier of Victoria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Cobungra station however continues the heritage of alpine cattle grazing, without damaging the flora above the tree line as it nestled between 1500m and 1000m in the foothills below [[Mount Hotham]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cobungra Station - About Us|url=http://www.cobungrawagyu.com.au/About-Us|website=www.cobungrawagyu.com.au|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Cobungra station is a significant staple of the Victorian alpine region as it boasts the largest [[wagyu]] station in the state.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=About|url=https://www.geebungpolo.com.au/about|website=Geebung Polo Classic Is Back On For 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
-== Geology of the Victorian Alps ==
+== Geology ==
-In the Victorian Alps, [[bedrock]] is exposed along the entire range.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=The geology of eastern Victoria|url=https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/projects/eastern-victoria-geoscience-initiative/the-geology-of-eastern-victoria|last=Department of Jobs|first=Precincts and Regions|website=Earth Resources|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Because of the exposed bedrock, Geologists have been able to determine that the rock types at surface of the range today were formed in an ancient ocean, between 530 and 400 million years ago.<ref name=":7" /> The Mountains in the range are flat and round when compared other prominent ranges around the world, this is due to two main factors.<ref name="austalps3" /> Firstly the Victorian Alps originated through continental splitting; secondly the Victorian Alps were never tall enough to develop large glaciers, and it is the erosion from ice that produces jagged peaks.<ref name="austalps3" /> The Victorian Alps are still being influenced by [[plate tectonics]] today, as continental collision with [[New Zealand]] drives the range up each year.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=Geoscience shows Victoria's high country starts with New Zealand|url=https://www.auscope.org.au/posts/gsv-seismic-results-2019|website=AuScope|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> This contradicts earlier theories about the range, which assumed the mountains size was due to years of erosion, in fact it is now believed that the Australian Alps are a relatively young range, forming their current peaks in the last 10 million years.<ref name=":8" />
+In the Victorian Alps, [[bedrock]] is exposed along the entire range.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=The geology of eastern Victoria|url=https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/projects/eastern-victoria-geoscience-initiative/the-geology-of-eastern-victoria|last=Department of Jobs|first=Precincts and Regions|website=Earth Resources|date=30 May 2019 |language=en-AU|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Because of the exposed bedrock, Geologists have been able to determine that the rock types at surface of the range today were formed in an ancient ocean, between 530 and 400 million years ago.<ref name=":7" /> The Mountains in the range are flat and round when compared other prominent ranges around the world, this is due to two main factors.<ref name="austalps3" /> Firstly the Victorian Alps originated through continental splitting; secondly the Victorian Alps were never tall enough to develop large glaciers, and it is the erosion from ice that produces jagged peaks.<ref name="austalps3" /> The Victorian Alps are still being influenced by [[plate tectonics]] today, as continental collision with [[New Zealand]] drives the range up each year.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=Geoscience shows Victoria's high country starts with New Zealand|url=https://www.auscope.org.au/posts/gsv-seismic-results-2019|website=AuScope|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> This contradicts earlier theories about the range, which assumed the mountains size was due to years of erosion, in fact it is now believed that the Australian Alps are a relatively young range, forming their current peaks in the last 10 million years.<ref name=":8" />
-== Water Catchment ==
+== Water catchment ==
-The Victorian Alps receive some of the most rainfall in Victoria with locations such as [[Falls Creek, Victoria|Falls Creek]] elevation {{convert|1765|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small> receiving an average of  {{convert|12273|mm|ft|abbr=}} annually from 1990-2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Climate statistics for Australian locations|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_083084.shtml|website=www.bom.gov.au|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> The high volumes of water that fall within the region, feed waterways such as the Yarra river, and Gippsland lakes.<ref name="austalps3" /> The [[Murray River]] is also fed by the Victorian Alps, and although the region only accounts for 1% of the Murray's catchment area it is estimated to provide over 29% to the annual flow.<ref name="austalps3" />  This is due to the high amounts of snow, and the unique alpine vegetation which has the ability to hold water and regulate its release throughout the year.<ref name="austalps3" /> Water from the Victorian Alps is also used for power generation at the [[Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme|Kiewa Hydroelectric scheme]], although not as extensive as the [[Snowy Mountains Scheme]], the [[Kiewa]] scheme still provides Victoria with 241MW.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bogong Hydro Power Station|url=https://www.power-technology.com/projects/bogong-station/|website=Power Technology {{!}} Energy News and Market Analysis|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
+The Victorian Alps receive some of the most rainfall in Victoria with locations such as [[Falls Creek, Victoria|Falls Creek]] elevation {{convert|1765|m||abbr=}} <small>[[Australian Height Datum|AHD]]</small> receiving an average of  {{convert|12273|mm|ft|abbr=}} annually from 1990 to 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Climate statistics for Australian locations|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_083084.shtml|website=www.bom.gov.au|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> The high volumes of water that fall within the region, feed waterways such as the Yarra river, and Gippsland lakes.<ref name="austalps3" /> The [[Murray River]] is also fed by the Victorian Alps, and although the region only accounts for 1% of the Murray's catchment area it is estimated to provide over 29% to the annual flow.<ref name="austalps3" />  This is due to the high amounts of snow, and the unique alpine vegetation which has the ability to hold water and regulate its release throughout the year.<ref name="austalps3" /> Water from the Victorian Alps is also used for power generation at the [[Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme|Kiewa Hydroelectric scheme]], although not as extensive as the [[Snowy Mountains Scheme]], the [[Kiewa]] scheme still provides Victoria with 241MW.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bogong Hydro Power Station|url=https://www.power-technology.com/projects/bogong-station/|website=Power Technology {{!}} Energy News and Market Analysis|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
-== Recreation in Victorian Alps ==
+== Recreation ==
-=== Winter Recreation ===
+=== Winter recreation ===
-In winter the main attraction for the Victorian alps is the ski fields, largest of which by number of lifts is [[Mount Buller, Victoria|Mount Buller]] and largest by skiable terrain [[Mount Hotham]].<ref name="highcountry3"/> Other Victorian ski fields include [[Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort|Mount Baw Baw]], [[Mount Stirling]], [[Lake Mountain (Victoria)|Lake Mountain]], [[Falls Creek, Victoria|Falls Creek]] and previously [[Mount Buffalo]].<ref name="highcountry3"/> [[Ski touring]] within the Victorian alps is also very popular with famed routes such as the Twin valleys, Mount Bogong, Feathertop ridge and other Mount Hotham side country routes. There are many converted cattleman's huts that litter the alpine landscape to accommodate such activities.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Peace|first=Ray|title=Ski touring Victoria and NSW|publisher=Lothian|year=1993|location=Melbourne}}</ref> On the whole the Snow-sports industry brought over $911 million of Gross State Profit to the Victorian economy in the 2016/2017 financial year. Over the same period the region saw over 762,981 visitors across ski season which produced almost 1.4 million visitor nights.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|title=Research shows increased visitor numbers across Victoria's alpine resorts - Australasian Leisure Management|url=https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/research-shows-increased-visitor-numbers-across-victorias-alpine-resorts/|website=www.ausleisure.com.au|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
+In the winter the main attraction in the Victorian Alps is the ski fields, the largest of which by number of lifts is [[Mount Buller, Victoria|Mount Buller]] and the largest of which by skiable terrain is [[Mount Hotham]].<ref name="highcountry3"/> Other Victorian ski fields include [[Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort|Mount Baw Baw]], [[Mount Stirling]], [[Lake Mountain (Victoria)|Lake Mountain]], [[Falls Creek, Victoria|Falls Creek]] and previously [[Mount Buffalo]].<ref name="highcountry3"/> [[Ski touring]] within the Victorian Alps is also very popular with famed routes such as the Twin Valleys, Mount Bogong, Feathertop Ridge and other Mount Hotham side country routes. There are many converted cattleman's huts that litter the alpine landscape to accommodate such activities.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Peace|first=Ray|title=Ski touring Victoria and NSW|publisher=Lothian|year=1993|location=Melbourne}}</ref> On the whole the snow-sports industry brought over $911 million of gross state profit to the Victorian economy in the 2016/2017 financial year. Over the same period the region saw over 762,981 visitors across ski season which produced almost 1.4 million visitor nights.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|title=Research shows increased visitor numbers across Victoria's alpine resorts - Australasian Leisure Management|url=https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/research-shows-increased-visitor-numbers-across-victorias-alpine-resorts/|website=www.ausleisure.com.au|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref>
-=== Summer Recreation ===
+=== Summer recreation ===
-Summer recreation brings in lower annual visitor numbers as seen over the summer months in 2016/2017, when the region received 348,366 tourist for a total of 485,722 visitor days.<ref name=":9" /> Large events such as the [[Peaks Challenge Falls Creek|Peaks challenge]] which sees cyclists ride 235&nbsp;km through the High Plains, contribute to these numbers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Peaks Challenge Falls Creek {{!}} Sunday 7 March 2021|url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/peaks-challenge/|date=2017-05-31|website=Bicycle Network|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> The [[Dinner Plain, Victoria|Dinner Plain]] [[Polo]] is another yearly event that sees a rise in tourist numbers in the area.<ref name="highcountry3" /> Founded 31 years ago, the Dinner Plain [[Polo]] is the longest, and highest in altitude running polo competition in Australia.<ref name=":6" /> Bushwalking is also a large part of summer recreation in the Victorian alps.<ref name="highcountry3" /> The recently finished [[Mount Hotham]] to [[Falls Creek, Victoria|Falls Creek]] overnight walking track, spans over some of the highest regions of the Victorian Alps, with overnight stops at both Cope and Dibbins hut; the walk is 37 Kilometres in total.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing|url=http://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alpine-national-park/things-to-do/falls-to-hotham-alpine-crossing|website=www.parks.vic.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Other summer activities that draw visitors to the Victorian Alps include mountain biking (at Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw, Mount Beauty, Mount Buller, Bright, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain amongst others) [[rock climbing]] (particularly at Mount Buffalo), [[trout fishing]] and [[Horse Riding|horse riding]].<ref name="highcountry3" />
+Summer recreation brings in lower annual visitor numbers as seen over the summer months in 2016/2017, when the region received 348,366 tourist for a total of 485,722 visitor days.<ref name=":9" /> Large events such as the [[Peaks Challenge Falls Creek|Peaks Challenge]] which sees cyclists ride 235&nbsp;km through the High Plains, contribute to these numbers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Peaks Challenge Falls Creek {{!}} Sunday 7 March 2021|url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/peaks-challenge/|date=2017-05-31|website=Bicycle Network|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> The [[Dinner Plain, Victoria|Dinner Plain Polo]] is another yearly event that sees a rise in tourist numbers in the area.<ref name="highcountry3" /> Founded 31 years ago, the Dinner Plain Polo is the longest, and highest in altitude running polo competition in Australia.<ref name=":6" /> Bushwalking is also a large part of summer recreation in the Victorian Alps.<ref name="highcountry3" /> The recently finished [[Mount Hotham]] to [[Falls Creek, Victoria|Falls Creek]] overnight walking track, spans some of the highest regions of the Victorian Alps, with overnight stops at both Cope and Dibbins hut; the walk is 37 kilometres in total.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing|url=http://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alpine-national-park/things-to-do/falls-to-hotham-alpine-crossing|website=www.parks.vic.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Other summer activities that draw visitors to the Victorian Alps include mountain biking (at Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw, Mount Beauty, Mount Buller, Bright, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain amongst others) [[rock climbing]] (particularly at Mount Buffalo), [[trout fishing]] and [[Horse Riding|horse riding]].<ref name="highcountry3" />
 ==See also==
 {{Portal|Australia}}
-*[[Australian Alps]]
-*[[Alpine National Park]]
 *[[Skiing in Australia]]
 *[[Geography of Victoria]]
-* [[Regions of Victoria]]
 ==References==
@@ Line 142: / Line 134: @@
 [[Category:Great Dividing Range]]
 [[Category:East Gippsland]]
-[[Category:Hume (region)]]
+[[Category:Mountains of Hume (region)]]
 [[Category:IBRA subregions]]