Wangaratta & Yackandandah, Victoria
Wangaratta
Choose from a wide range of accommodation including contemporary country guest houses and hotels, bed and breakfast establishments with unique charm and style, caravan parks and camping spots by gently flowing rivers and motels with country hospitality.
There are a myriad of things to see and do in the Wangaratta region of North East Victoria. The region is at the foothills of the Alpine High Country and boasts spectacular scenery affording a wide variety of activities for you to while away the hours. These are just a few of the activities you can indulge in:
- Take in the beautiful vistas at many vantage points in the Warby Ranges or King Valley.
- Play some golf at the Jubilee or Waldara Golf Courses – watch out for the wildlife!
- Enjoy the food and wine of the region, visit some farmgates and meet the makers of some truly delicious specialty cheeses, mustards, wines, sour dough breads, olives, berries and honey as well as jams, pickles and preserves!
- Explore the gold rush township of Eldorado and take a walk around the dredge – one of the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, its massive hulk is truly amazing!
- Visit cellar doors in King Valley and Glenrowan areas and sample some memorable wines, meet the characters of the region.
- Take a drive out to Glenrowan and walk in the foot-steps of Ned Kelly and his gang.
- Bring your bike or hire one and explore the region from the saddle.
- Find a shady spot near a river for a picnic and relax to the gentle sounds of water gently passing by.
Things to do
Rail Trail The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is Australia’s foremost rail trail experience. Following historic railway lines that take you through the breathtaking scenic beauty of the Ovens and King Valleys, Everton Hills and Alpine High Country areas – there is 94km of bitumen sealed track well suited to both cycling and walking. The Trail has a gentle gradient that makes it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and is a must do for visitors. It links the townships of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Bright, all offering their own unique character and style.
Bikes can be hired from numerous outlets in Wangaratta, Beechworth and Bright.
Follow up the Ned Kelly story
In 1854, the same year gold was discovered in El Dorado, Australia’s most infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, was born. No other piece of Australian history has the capacity to polarise people like that of the Kelly Legend. Murderer or hero, opinions about what really happened are many and varied.
Glenrowan is situated on the Hume Freeway just south of Wangaratta and is the site of the Kelly Gang’s last stand. On 28 June 1880 Ned led Joe Byrne, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart against a formidable police force. With the townsfolk kept hostage in the local inn, Ned’s plan to upset the establishment and form the Republic of North East Victoria came unstuck when he was duped by the local school teacher.
During the dramatic shoot out, bullets bounced off the Gang’s ingenuous armour made from the shears of mould-board ploughs. The sight of the Gang in their imposing suits amidst the foggy moonlit night struck the fear of the unnatural into the police and it took several hours to bring Ned down. Ned was hung for his crimes while the other members of the Gang perished during the siege.
Kelly’s shadow still looms large over the North East. The siege at Glenrowan brought about a climactic end to the Kelly uprising.
The Ned Kelly museums at Glenrowan explain the whole story and are a must see whilst in the region. You can also visit the actual sites of the Gang’s last stand as part of the Ned Kelly Touring Route.
King Valley Wines
The King Valley wine region in north eastern Victoria spreads from the Primerano and Ciccone wineries at the extreme southern end where it touches the boundaries of the Alpine National Park, through to the northern cluster around the more familiar townships of Oxley and Milawa. In between lies an array of vineyards, cellar doors, cafes and restaurants set against the backdrop of the Australian Alps, creating one of the most beautiful wine regions in the country.
The region’s winemakers have a culture of embracing grape types from Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Russia. This blend of traditional and rare varieties has always been the region’s main point of difference, along with the region’s taste signature -style and character. Here is why you try Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Prosecco, to name just a few of the remarkably diverse wines on offer.
Touring the King Valley is one of the great wine experiences. The winemaking families welcome you to their cellar doors, where you can talk with the winemakers and other family members. You’ll find there’s no shortage of good conversation or enthusiasm about their wine or their region. Salute!
The King Valley wine region in north eastern Victoria spreads from the Primerano and Ciccone wineries at the extreme southern end where it touches the boundaries of the Alpine National Park, through to the northern cluster around the more familiar townships of Oxley and Milawa. In between lies an array of vineyards, cellar doors, cafes and restaurants set against the backdrop of the Australian Alps, creating one of the most beautiful wine regions in the country.
The region’s winemakers have a culture of embracing grape types from Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Russia. This blend of traditional and rare varieties has always been the region’s main point of difference, along with the region’s taste signature -style and character. Here is why you try Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Prosecco, to name just a few of the remarkably diverse wines on offer.
Touring the King Valley is one of the great wine experiences. The winemaking families welcome you to their cellar doors, where you can talk with the winemakers and other family members. You’ll find there’s no shortage of good conversation or enthusiasm about their wine or their region. Salute!
Milawa Gourmet Region
The Milawa Gourmet Region is Australia’s first proclaimed ‘gourmet region’ and was conceived in 1994 by a dedicated group of food and wine producers passionate about their region. This ‘culinary crossroads’ is home to family owned and operated wineries where you can meet the winemakers at the friendly cellar doors or the growers at their farm gates. Centred around the townships of Milawa and Oxley and encompassing Tarrawingee, Everton, Markwood and Whorouly, the Milawa Gourmet Region is easily accessed from the Hume Freeway on the Snow Road. The Region is home to numerous fresh and processed food producers, a number of Victoria’s leading wineries, including Brown Brothers and their famous Epicurean Centre. The Milawa Cheese Factory and Milawa Mustards are also located in the area and are a must-do when you visit.
Visitor Information
For more information and a guide to accommodation in the area go to www.visitwangaratta.com.au
The Visitor Information Centre is located at 100 – 104 Murphy Street, Wangaratta and can be contacted at:
- freecall: 1800 801 065
- email: tourism@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Yackandandah
These days the town is home to many artists and craftspeople who draw inspiration from the beauty of their surroundings, including ceramic artist, John Dermer, whose beautiful work is sought after by collectors around the world and talented sculptor, Ben Gilbert, whose amazing stainless steel creations grace the public spaces of many Australian towns.
The town features fascinating antique shops bursting with local treasure as well as boutique shops and great cafes.
The natural beauty of the area surrounding Yackandandah is breathtaking. Visitors can take a host of forest and valley drives to places like Mount Big Ben and Allans Flat, taking in the early gold mining villages along the way.
A must-see local attraction is Karr’s Reef Gold Mine. Visitors can walk the length of the hand-dug tunnel with its narrow-gauge railway line extending 150m into the side of a hill where the gold-bearing quartz reef can still be viewed. For 17 years the mine yielded an average of six to 10 ounces of gold to the ton.
Historic Underground Gold Mine Tours
Yackandandah is bursting with mystery from the early gold rush days and there are many discoveries to be made. Now the ultimate gold experience is here at your doorstep in North East Victoria. There is a guided tour of an underground gold mine dating back to 1867.
The tour departs from the Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre in High St where you travel by 4WD bus into the mountains to the historic mine site.
Your tour guide will share the stories and history of many sites along the way and then deep into the amazing Karrs Reef Goldmine – which still has many original pieces of machinery and tools used during this goldmining era on display.
Tour times: Saturday and Sundays at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Weekdays by appointment.
Visitor Information
Located at the Athenaeum, High Street, Yackandandah. The Centre is operated by the Yackandandah & District Tourist Association and is open seven days per week from 9am to 5 pm. The Centre offers visitor information, souvenirs and accommodation assistance and can be contacted at:
- telephone: (02) 6027 1988
- website: www.yackandandah.com
Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
From our comprehensive shopping precinct featuring national retailers to specialty shops, beautiful lakeside bike and walking tracks to our award-winning Botanic Gardens and historic Victory Memorial Gardens – it’s easy to get into the swing of life in Wagga Wagga.
With its temperate climate, Wagga Wagga is ideal to visit all-year-round – from arts and culture enthusiasts to food and wine lovers, and adventure-seekers – there’s something here for everyone.
From traditional to contemporary – Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is an innovative public art gallery and incorporating a stand-alone gallery to exhibit the National Art Glass Collection, two museums, three theatres, two outdoor amphitheatres and leading-edge conservatorium – the diversity of our galleries and museums is unparalleled in regional Australia.
With more than 400 events every year, Wagga Wagga is fast developing a reputation as regional Australia’s events capital. From the smooth sounds of the Wagga Wagga Jazz and Blues Festival, to the hugely popular Food and Wine Festival, and glittering Gold Cup – there’s always something on our calendar!
Visit www.visitwaggawagga.com to read more about the attractions in Wagga Wagga and the Riverina. Accommodation can be arranged on-line through this link or contact the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre by phone on 1300 100 122.
Cooma, New South Wales
Cooma is a town of around 7,000 people and is the gateway from the east to the Snowy Mountains. Cooma may well have been just another quaint country town had it not been for the creation of the ambitious Snowy Mountains Scheme in 1949. This drew thousands of workers from around the world and lent the town an international appeal.
Today, Cooma still has many reminders of the Snowy Scheme, some great museums and is the gateway to the State’s alpine area. Nearby Wadbilliga National Park boasts spectacular scenery, including the Brogo Wilderness Area, Tuross Falls and Tuross River Gorge.
History
The area was first explored by Europeans in 1823. As the rich grazing land was taken up, Cooma was established in the late 1840s. The discovery of gold near Kiandra saw the town experience boom times but this was short-lived. Growth occurred with the opening of the railway line in 1889, bringing holiday-makers to the snowfields.
Things to do
- Wander along Lambie Walk, a self-guided tour past Cooma’s historic sites.
- See the work of local artists in one of the town’s art and craft galleries.
- Learn about the history of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme as well as the impact on the region’s cultural heritage.
Don’t miss
- The Gothic Revival Christ Church of England, the oldest church in the Monaro district.
- Local art at Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre or the Little Gallery.
- The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme Information Centre.
- Good coffee and warm pies at The Lott Foodstore, Bakery and Cafe.
- A tour at historic Cooma Gaol.
For more information and a guide to accommodation in the area go to www.visitnsw.com/town/Cooma.aspx
or
contact the Cooma Visitors Centre at:
- email: info@visitcooma.com.au
- website: http://www.visitcooma.com.au/
