Why Australia's highest mountains are surprisingly young and still growing today

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Victorian Alps, a vast mountain system in southeastern Australia, defy expectations. Unlike jagged ranges carved by ancient glaciers, these peaks are rounded and relatively young. Driven by ongoing continental collisions with New Zealand, the range continues to rise, serving as a vital water tower for the state of Victoria.

Geological analysis of exposed bedrock reveals that the materials forming the surface of the Victorian Alps originated in an ocean environment between 400 and 530 million years ago. Despite this ancient foundation, the mountains themselves are considered a young formation, having developed their current elevations only within the last 10 million years. Their characteristic rounded appearance stems from two primary factors: the region experienced continental splitting rather than massive volcanic upheaval, and the peaks never reached heights sufficient to sustain the large-scale glaciers that typically carve jagged mountain profiles.

The range acts as a critical hydrological engine for the region. Although it accounts for only 1% of the Murray River's total catchment area, the Alps contribute an estimated 29% of its annual flow. This efficiency is due to the unique alpine vegetation and snowpack, which capture and regulate water release throughout the year. This water supports significant economic activity, including the Kiewa Hydroelectric scheme, which generates 241MW of power, and provides essential drinking water for Melbourne, home to three-quarters of Victoria's population.

Beyond its physical geography, the region holds deep cultural and ecological significance. Historically, the high plains served as a seasonal meeting place for Indigenous tribes who gathered for trade, ceremonies, and to feast on migrating bogong moths. Today, the area faces complex environmental challenges, including the management of introduced species like brumbies and red foxes, and the protection of endangered wildlife such as the Mountain pygmy possum. Balancing these ecological needs with the demands of a tourism industry that generated over $911 million in the 2016/2017 financial year remains a central tension in the management of the Alpine National Park.

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