The Sydney Morning Herald logo

High Country

Advertisement
Police Air Wing vision as they approached the area where the two bodies were located on Mount Bogong.

Hiker sent final message to mum before dying with friend from exposure

Two university students found dead near Mount Bogong likely became disorientated in severe weather after taking on a hike they were inexperienced for, according to a coroner.

  • Katie Bice

Latest

Part of the set menu at Provenance.

The Age Good Food Guide 2026: Best places to eat and drink in Beechworth

The jewel of the High Country and a one-time hangout for Ned Kelly, Beechworth today boasts crisp air, abundant produce and breathtaking autumn leaves.

  • Frank Sweet
Police in the High Country during the search for Dezi Freeman.

Man, 61, arrested during alpine search for suspected gunman Dezi Freeman

Officers said they located and seized weapons and a quantity of cannabis inside the home while arresting the 61-year-old.

  • Alexander Darling
Dezi Freeman remained on the run as darkness fell on Friday.

Police opted against SOG role in arresting alleged Porepunkah gunman

An internal police email on Friday said the slain officers would be farewelled with full honours at the Victorian Police Academy in Glen Waverley.

  • Lachlan Abbott and Cameron Houston
The manhunt at Porepunkah stretches into a third day.

Porepunkah police shooting as it happened: Victoria police provide update on search for ‘sovereign citizen’ Dezi Freeman as thick brush around Mount Buffalo hampers progress

Alleged gunman Dezi Freeman remains on the run, heavily armed and with nothing to lose as tributes flow for the two officers shot and killed in Porepunkah. Follow our live coverage.

  • Angus Delaney, Alexander Darling and Daniella Miletic
Special operations police leaving the property at Porepunkah.

Porepunkah police shooting as it happened: Accused gunman remains on run as slain officers named

Dezi Freeman remains the target of a major manhunt after allegedly executing two policemen and injuring a third in an ambush attack in Porepunkah. Follow our live coverage.

  • Angus Delaney, Alexander Darling and Daniella Miletic
Advertisement
Composite image of the two Victoria Police officers killed in this week’s Porepunkah shooting tragedy. Senior Constable Vadim de Waart, 35, and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59.

Neal was two weeks from retirement. Vadim was one week into a bush stint. Then they were gunned down

Neal Thompson was nearing the end of a lifetime of service, the prospect of hunting trips and rest awaiting him. Vadim de Waart was a new face in the alpine region.

  • Cameron Houston, Broede Carmody, Carla Jaeger and John Silvester
The property where police gathered after the shooting on Tuesday.

Porepunkah, a peaceful village with a history of violence and cultists

Porepunkah, a quiet tourist town in Victoria’s alpine area, has a nearly forgotten history of violence and cult activity.

  • Tony Wright
A high-res image of a property where a police officer has been shot and two others are missing near Porepunkah.

Porepunkah shooting as it happened: Two Victoria Police officers shot dead and one injured after ambush in High Country

Two officers are dead and another wounded after a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.

  • Angus Delaney, Cameron Houston, Carla Jaeger, Daniella Miletic and Alexander Darling
A history lesson while hanging 1700 metres off the side of Mount Buller.

No climbing experience needed for Australia’s first ‘vertical playground’

Hanging 1700 metres off Mount Buller, novices can now enjoy an Italian-inspired climb that brings a whole new perspective to sightseeing.

  • Justin Meneguzzi