This Way North
Indie pop-rock duo This Way North have travelled all over the world, but when it came time to settle down, something drew them to Victoria’s High Country. Since the pandemic, the band put down roots in Yackandandah, alongside a thriving community of artists, musicians and creatives.
It’s been a big few years for Leisha Jungalwalla and Cat Leahy. This Way North have toured across New Zealand, Canada and Australia, supporting big-time artists like Ash Grunwald and Kate Cebrano. With their explosive on-stage presence and nostalgia-soaked reverb guitars, they also took out Best Regional Act at the 2018 Music Victoria Awards. You might know them from their stand-alone single, Night Terrors, which got play on ABC radio, or their 2020 EP ‘Vol 3’ (a follow-up to 2016’s break-out ‘Vol 1’ and 2018’s ‘Vol 2’).
We caught up with Cat and Leisha to get their take on the High Country. What are the best spots to visit, and who should we be listening to?
1. Feather and Drum Hat Shop
While the pandemic stopped live music, Cat took to making these incredible felt hats! The demand grew and grew so much that she opened a small shop in Yackandandah while we waited for the music industry to get back on its feet. Come say hello at Shop 2, 3 High Street Yackandandah.
2. Local Breweries
If you’re coming to the High Country, you have to make some time to visit the local breweries and distilleries in the area. This region has some incredible, award-winning places to grab a brew. Some of our favourites are Backwoods Distilling Co., Bright Brewery, Bridge Road Brewers in Beechworth, Yack Creek Distillery and Mitta Mitta Brewing Co.
3. Canoe or Kayak
The High Country is full of these amazing, pristine rivers, so if you’re into canoeing or kayaking, it’s well worth a trip. Some of these rivers are day-trips, some are overnighters, and others are bigger expeditions. There’s something for all levels of experience. We’d recommend starting with the Mitta Mitta, King, Ovens, Murray and Kiewa rivers.
4. Mount Buffalo National Park
You have to check out Mt. Buffalo if you’re up here. It’s an incredibly wild and beautiful mountain plateau with stunning views, skiing, bouldering, rock climbing and hiking trails. You can find some beautiful spots among the boulders for lunch! Highly recommend.
5. Camping
The best way to explore the High Country is to go camping. There are so many wonderful spots by rivers, in the valleys, on the mountains and in the forests. The High Country is the perfect spot in Victoria to get back to nature and enjoy being in the wild. We’re always out discovering new spots.
