CHRIS McLaughlin made his first visit to North East Victoria in November 1972.

He spent five days at the Mount Buffalo chalet and enjoyed it so much he became a regular visitor, not only to the chalet, but to other parts of the North East.

Chris and his partner Yve subsequently explored the area by canoe, kayak, on skis, mountain bike, and on foot.

In 1990, Chris decided to write a guide book to the area, and this was published in 1995 (North–east Victoria: an explorer's guide) and 10 years later he considered updating the guide book, but thought that a website would be a more modern approach.

Despite having written his first block of computer programming code in 1974, this was still a challenge – not so much the content, but that all important on–screen presentation.

The website was launched in 2007, and over the years morphed into the current website.

Like all travel–based websites, this one needs constant attention, and the research continues.

During 2022, Chris cycled the newly opened Bright–Harrietville Trail (24km), walked the Delatite River Trail at Mount Buller (14km) and started work on documenting a new project which he calls GLEWK (Great Loop East West Kiewa).

This is a multi–day bushwalk, starting/finishing at Mount Beauty; the route takes in Moncrieffs Gap, Mount Bogong, Edmonsons Hut, Wallace Hut, Pretty Valley Hut, The Fainters, Big Hill and the West Kiewa Gorge.

Chris and his partner owned a holiday house in Mount Beauty for many years and subsequently settled in Wangaratta in 2010.

They continue to enjoy all that the North East has to offer, particularly the bushwalking and wineries.

To learn more about the North East prior to visiting, visit Chris' website at northeastvictoria.online today.