FROM hiking and walking to mountain biking and exploring any number of small townships in the area, Mansfield is perfect for your next getaway.

At the base of Mount Buller, Mansfield is surrounded by natural beauty with not only mountains but streams and rivers and a number of historical sites to be explored.

As the weather begins to turn warmer, a day at Lake Eildon or Bonnie Doon might be on the agenda where you can pack a picnic and sit by the water's edge.

Or strap on your backpack and hiking shoes and take the family up into the natural wilderness to explore the 'snowfields' in spring.

Small hamlets like Jamieson offer a step back in time to visitors as you wander their historic streets and learn what it was like during the height of the gold rush. Shady trees provide shelter for picnics beside the riverbank, or try your hand at fly fishing in the Goulburn and Jamieson Rivers.

For those who want to don the lycra or tire the kids out, why not explore some (or all!) of the 134km of Great Victorian Rail Trail which stretches from Mansfield and the foothills of Victoria's High Country to Tallarook.

With rolling pastures, wetlands, friendly local communities, historic landmarks, bridges and majestic gum-lined rivers, it's the perfect activity that the whole family can enjoy whether you walk or ride your bike, or ride your horse.

Put Mansfield and district on your 'to-do' list this spring.