North East Tourist News by Provincial Press Group

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ABSEILING CAVING ROCK CLIMBING KAYAKING BUSHWALKING canyoning Oﬀering spectacular adventures in Bright, Mount Buﬀalo, Beechworth and surrounds. Ordinary People Achieving Extraordinary Things. Choose your own adventure.

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Photo: Ann Killeen

91 High Street, Mansfield Vic Australia. www.mansfieldsweets.com Ph: (03) 5775 3221

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AROUND THE REGION

Freedom at Falls Creek AFTER spending most of 2020 under lockdown restrictions, there is nothing better than pulling the bike out of the shed and heading to Falls Creek for a weekend of alpine single track. Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park is 40km of world class gravity trails, high in the rooftop of the Victorian Alpine National Park. Designed and built by World Trail, this series of tracks can be enjoyed by newbies to the sport through to the most experienced riders. Over 10km of the trail network is deliberately built friendly for those new to mountain biking. The Green Line, from the summit to the lake, is perfect to learn the ropes (and ﬁgure out the difference between a berm and a roller), and fully accessible by the shuttle service. Come as a family and have a picnic by the lake or cycle back to the village for a delicious gourmet lunch at one of the mountain vista cafes. This summer, Falls will also be stepping it up for the advanced riders, with a full-time trail crew regularly throwing in new features to keep you on your ‘pedals’. Blue Dirt shuttles will also

be there as usual to save your thighs and get you up the hill, albeit in a socially distanced manner (operations to be conﬁrmed soon). Falls Creek will be ready and waiting your visit when the time is right.

PERFECT OUTLOOK: Come and visit Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park and experience their range of trails from beginner to experienced. PHOTO: Matt Staggs

Albury - Shop 11, Myer Centrepoint Beechworth - 27 Camp Street Bright - 5 Ireland Street Yackandandah - 20 High Street North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

AROUND THE REGION

Revisit the Australian Gold Rush era in Beechworth ORIGINALLY built as the Beechworth Athenaeum in 1857, The Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum was named in honour of Robert O’Hara Burke, the famous explorer and former Beechworth Superintendent of Police, after his death at Coopers Creek in 1861 during the Burke and Wills expedition. The collection includes Burke’s own bible, inscribed revolver and saddlebags used in the ill-fated expedition. The museum boasts a fascinating and historically significant collection of more than 30,000 individual items, many dating back more than 150 years. The collection includes the significant R.E. Johns collection

of Aboriginal weapons and tools, a large collection of 19th century native animal and birdlife taxidermy, significant Gold Rush era artefacts, and the “Street of Shops”, a unique recreation of Gold Era Beechworth. A new section of the museum, the Ned Kelly Vault, opened in the former Sub Treasury building of the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct in 2014. This collection is the most comprehensive of its type in regional Australia and includes the original death mask of Ned Kelly and numerous original items relating to the bushranger and his gang. For information visit www. burkemuseum.com.au.

WALK BACK IN HISTORY: The Burke Museum is part of Beechworth’s famous historic precinct with buildings and contents dating back to the Gold Rush era.

Spring at The Burke Museum & Historic Precinct Exhibition Walk event Performances explorebeechworth.com.au

a celebration of

MUSIC IN

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

AROUND THE REGION

Light at the end of the tunnel

the vast array of activities and experiences found in Victoria’s tourist mecca. While there are many attractions in the North East ready and waiting for visitors, whether on day trips or extended holidays, travellers need to check with the relevant tourist centres or hospitality providers as to what is operational and what level of restrictions, if any are operating. What you can be assured of though is that there are thousands of businesses and hospitality staff ready and waiting to welcome you when you return to this wonderful part of the state to once again enjoy what the North East has to offer.

IT’S been a challenging time for many tourist destinations in Victoria over the last 12 months including the North East. Terrible bushﬁres over summer were followed closely by the coronavirus pandemic and almost six months later as we head into spring there remains uncertainty for many. Thankfully, the North East has been spared the worst of the virus with very few positive cases and day to day life continuing, albeit under various levels of restrictions. For many tourist destinations there is light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully, as restrictions ease, more visitors will be enjoying

North East Tourist News Est. 1979 Incorporating Mountain Country (1986) COVER IMAGE

WORLD OF WONDERS: Families will enjoy unforgettable experiences when they travel to the North East.

DON’T FENCE ME IN: After being under travel restrictions for so long due to the coronavirus pandemic there will be thousands of families seeking escape to the wide open space of North East Victoria this spring - restrictions permitting. Of course, check with local tourist centres, councils and individual hospitality and event venues for updated information before you plan your holiday to avoid any disappointment. PHOTO: Visit Victoria.

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ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Kelly Purcell ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT (03) 5733 1106 Email: kpurcell@nemedia.com.au

Visit or contact Club Savoy Myrtleford today at: 252-254 Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford Vic 3737 Phone: 03 5751 1296 Email: info@clubsavoy.com.au We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. ZZZ FOXEVDYR\ FRP DX

GENERAL SALES ENQUIRIES (03) 5723 0100 Email: sales@nemedia.com.au NEXT ISSUE SUMMER 2020/21 ADVERTISING BOOKING DEADLINE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020 © Nor th East Media Pty Ltd. Published by Brian Higgins for Nor th East Media Pty Ltd, ABN 65 006 238 277 at the registered office, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677. Information in the publication is a guide only and believed to be correct at the time of printing. Every care has been taken, however no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies due to changed circumstances outside the control of the publisher. It is our legal obligation to advise that we accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided. All rights reserved. No par t of this publication may be reproduced by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without permission of the publisher. j/30d01637-v18/3620

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

North East caters for all tastes WINE Regions across Victoria are many and varied but in the North East of the state we are blessed with such diverse climates, soils and varietals you would be hard pressed (pun intended) to not find something you liked. From the cool climate sparklings of the King Valley to the heavy reds and fortifieds of the Rutherglen area and everything in between, the High Country and North East really has things covered. The granite soils of Glenrowan deliver Shiraz, Muscat and Tokays to die for while the Beechworth wine region has stamped itself as world class with Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. Mansfield, nestled in the Upper Goulburn area, produces aromatic whites, French-style sparkling and elegant, textural red wines with snow capped mountains as your

RUTHERGLEN: Campbell’s Winery

backdrop through the winter. And unusual styles like Strawberry wines are on offer too. Undoubtedly the wines

themselves are the star attraction but the maturity of our region means the cellar doors have also come along for the ride with a myriad

Lazy

of local produce and restaurant offerings set against spectacular landscapes in almost every corner of the North East.

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Bring this advertisement with you to our Cellar Door for a free Wine Flight Tasting, matching 3 of our wines to regional produce.

Award winners live here MERTON’S delectable liqueur Sassy Sister has taken out another prestigious award. Sassy Sister Blueberry Liqueur won at the 6th Annual Melbourne International Spirits Competition held in Melbourne in August, having won its ﬁrst silver at the 2018 awards. This year’s judging panel included buyers from top retail stores, sommeliers, distributors, and importers from Australia and the greater Asia Paciﬁc region. Only trade buyers are selected to be judges at this competition, ensuring that the brands submitted are tasted and judged by the true decision-makers of the beverage industry. “The judges were thrilled by the high quality of known spirits submitted as well as the large number of new spirit brands,” owner of Sassy Sister, Amanda Furlong, said. For the 2019 awards there were 200 submissions from more than 10 countries.

The spirits were rated on criteria including appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, ﬁnish and price. Sassy Sister Liqueur was awarded another silver medal with one mark away from the gold award. “We have been told that because she is a completely natural product without colour additives her appearance isn’t quite as clear as some mass produced spirits,” Ms Furlong said. “These two silver medals provide us with an opportunity to introduce our locally produced Sassy Sister Liqueur to the National and International Liqueur with the knowledge that she is as truly sassy and delicious as we thought. “It’s an exciting time for us with the awards, Melbourne buyers and interest from overseas buyers plus a groundswell of local followers who have encouraged us to keep up our high standards and attention to detail as small batch craft distillers - we live in such a rich vibrant community.”

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

Happy hour at home WITH so many cellar doors, local pubs, bars and restaurants affected this year from bushfire threats to the COVID-19 pandemic (and multiple lockdowns) we don’t really know when things will get back to ‘normal’. Thankfully, even in these unknown times, there are ways to support small wineries all over Victoria, without the need to leave your home or the restricted area you may find yourself confined to. Whether you’re after a glass of vino to enjoy with some takeaway or your depleted cellar needs to be restocked, connect with your favourite cellar door - many of who are offering delivery for their top drops. Visit Victoria has named a number of North East and High Country region wineries which include King Valley Prosecco Road’s Dal Zotto and Pizzini for those who enjoy ‘bubbles’, the world famous muscat from Rutherglen’s All Saints Estate and Stanton & Killeen, and Dinner Plain’s Blizzard Brewery, who are continuing to brew and retail online despite the challenges. So go online or phone your favourite local winery today and we’ll all get through this strange year.

CHOICES: Although we haven’t been able to visit our favourite wineries recently, many are offering home delivery. PHOTO: La Cantina Vineyard

Schmidt's Strawberry Winery Estab. 1975 Wineeur u & liqting Tas s a y 7 Da ek’ e W

Producing internationally award-winning strawberry wines and home of , a strawberry liqueur you must taste Winery located 10km north of Yackandandah on the Yackandandah to Wodonga road.

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am to 4pm Phone (02) 6027 1454

Cellar door is open 10am - 5pm 7 days a week

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

A All our wines have n no preservatives added aand are vegan friendly.

03 5729 3615 54 Honey’s Lane, King Valley VIC 3678 info@lacantinakingvalley.com.au www.lacantinakingvalley.com.au

Award winning wineries live here

NO GLAMPING: Activities like this have been off the menu for most of the year. THE 2021 Halliday Wine Companion Awards have been released after James Halliday and his team of tasters sampled more than 9000 wines from all over Australia. Only a handful of exceptional producers are chosen by the expert panel and awarded their highest accolades for the ‘best of’ the year. In Victoria, we are blessed with some truly perfect and unique regions for grape growing and wine producing and many of our regular advertisers in the North East, High Country and Goulburn Murray Tourist News magazine have featured in the list at one time or another. There are more than 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors in 20 wine regions across Victoria

which means you’re sure to find some of Australia’s best and most consistent top-quality wines right here in our own state. All wineries - large and small - have felt the impacts of the challenging first nine months of 2020. Over the Christmas/New Year period they fought to save their livelihoods which were threatened by the bushfires. Then the coronavirus pandemic arrived and put a halt to much of their normal operations. Lockdowns and gathering restrictions affected them from holding annual events like the Queen’s Birthday weekend celebrations, weekly classes and workshops, cellar door sales and onsite restaurant meals.

Still, most wineries have found a way to continue to supply their customers, offering home delivery, extending their existing delivery services and even offering home delivery or takeaway from the restaurant side of their businesses and have been heartened by the support they have received from locals. We know that our wineries will come back bigger and better in the months to come and we will celebrate and look forward to enjoying their pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, durif and nebbiolo, prosecco, Riesling, ﬁano and vermentino drops with friends and family, and with the winemakers themselves just as soon as we can.

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

Award winning wines on your doorstep AWARD-WINNING winery, Ros Ritchie Wines, is situated in a popular wine-growing region of Victoria yet lends its own unique variety to the wines produced year after year. Securing high quality white and red grape varieties from several growers of a like mindset in the region, who produce fruit from low cropping vines, with smaller, more open canopies and minimal requirement for water, the result is well balanced fruit with optimum ﬂavour and ripeness. Ros herself graduated from Roseworthy at the end of 1981 and returned home to Victoria to help establish and set up the Delatite winery where she was their winemaker for the next 25 years. But in 2008, Ros decided to strike out on her own, establishing her own winemaking enterprise with an independent label. Ros’ knowledge and experience

has ensured Ros Ritchie Wines excels in the local, national and international marketplaces. In the recently released 2021 James Halliday Wine Companion, six of Ros’ wines did exceptionally well and scored 90 points and over. These included the Dead Man’s Hill Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2018 with 95 points, Barwite Vineyard Riesling 2018 with 93 points, McFadden Vineyard Pinot Gris 2018, Baxendale Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and Baxendale Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 which all scored 92 points and their Timbertop Vineyard Merlot 2016 with 90 points. Coming in just under these with 89 points was the Aromatyk 2019, which Ros explained is an Alsatian white blend. To experience the splendour and uniqueness of Ros Ritchie Wines, contact them today and ﬁnd the ones that speak to your particular taste.

UNIQUE: Ros Ritchie Wines have developed a nationwide reputation for its innovative wines.

REFER TO OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK FOR OPENING HOURS

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Celebrating 150 years of family winemaking The home of Bobbie Burns Shiraz & the worlds richest wine Rutherglen Muscat Enjoy a relaxing Cellar Door experience in a working winery Vineyard platters available all day

A PROUD MEMBER OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST FAMILIES OF WINE

0448 900 541

HALLIDAY WINERY

www.campbellswines.com.au North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

ALBURY / WODONGA

Jump back in time at the Jindera Pioneer Museum HISTORIC LANDMARK: Jindera Pioneer Museum stands in the Wagner’s Store building, which dates back to 1874.

THE Jindera Pioneer Museum, dubbed one of the best known in NSW, recreated the material culture of the early German settlers, using only local relics. Take a dive back in history and learn about the ﬁrst German settlers who arrived in the Jindera area in 1867, having trekked from Adelaide in horse drawn wagons. Prior to their arrival, a small wattle and daub hut was built just off the main track through town. This hut still stands at the site of the Jindera Pioneer Museum, and

is probably the oldest remaining cottage or house in the Albury District. In 1874 Johann Rosler and Peter Wagner built a store and three room residence on this same site; it became known as Wagner’s Store. Formed in 1967, the Jindera Pioneer Museum and Historical Society purchased the evolved Wagner’s Store, the residence, and the grounds around the wattle and daub hut. The Jindera Museum consists of several historic buildings centred

around the store, set within a sprawling, beautiful two acres of grounds that now feature not only the cottage, but an authentically furnished slab hut, a remarkable and extensive collection of farm implements, equipment and forge, an historic post office, a gallery and several other outhouses and structures. The Wagner’s Store and Residence was restored and painstakingly furnished so as to recreate its 19th-century appearance. The shop building is pre-eminent

in NSW for its original shop ﬁttings and furnishings and is stocked with authentic goods of the 19th century. The living area at the rear is also furnished in its original style. Within this amazing 16 room complex is another beautiful display gallery. The museum is also a Visitor Information Centre, providing regional maps and local information and a tea room which is now open until 4pm on Sundays. For a virtual tour of one of the Museum rooms, visit http://www. jinderamuseum.com.au/.

The Jindera Museum. 15k’s north of Albury, is said to be one of the best in regional NSW.

Over 25 stunning rooms and galleries in 7 heritage precincts, including the very special wattle and daub hut, Victorian-era shop and residence, and REXMSREPP] WMKRMǻGERX machinery collection.

116Urana Urana Street Street Jindera 116 Jindera

Look out for the museums popular events including High Tea and Heritage Dinners.

The gateway to NSW

A window to life over Heritage 150 years ago

A great museum for adults and children $4 to $7 (discount for groups) Open every day from 10 am – 4 pm (to 3 pm May – September)

Spread over 2 acres of lovely grounds.

A unique venue also available for wedding ceremonies and special occasions. www.jinderamuseum.com.au

0408 409 842

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

ALBURY / WODONGA

A tale of two cities

A BLOSSOMING food scene, full-on outdoor adventure and a thriving arts scene can all be found in the vibrant twin centres of Albury and Wodonga. On either side of the Murray River, the two cities provide a wonderful break on the Melbourne to Sydney drive. There are plenty of things to do in AlburyWodonga, from touring art galleries and enjoying regional produce, to recreational water activities at Lake Hume and visiting the beautiful Albury Botanical Gardens. The Murray River is a natural playground with swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and cycling at Noreuil Park. Cycle or walk the scenic Wagirra Trail, a sixkilometre journey along the riverbank features the Wonga Wetlands, and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. The sculptures tell the story of the cultural signiﬁcance of the Murray River to Aboriginal history. Those seeking more sedate leisure activities will be delighted with the shopping opportunities on offer, with not only major chain stores present but also independent stores and goods to tempt the ‘shopaholic’ in us all.

TWINS: There’s so much to enjoy on either side of the Victoria-NSW border so visit Albury or Wodonga today. PHOTO: Wodonga Council festivals, exhibitions and markets. The Kiewa Street Market is held every Sunday. Other events include the garden and flower show Gardenesque in October, and the five-day reading, writing and storytelling festival Write Around the Murray in September. Travellers will always find plenty of hotels, apartments, B&Bs and holiday parks, to use as their home away from home while touring the twin cities.

A wide variety of specialist shops operate in both centres featuring fashion, interior decorating, entertainment and sporting goods along with delights for the home chef. Visit Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), and you’ll be delighted by contemporary art and important indigenous works - you can even book a free guided tour. An exciting calendar overﬂows with shows,

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Cooked breakfast and more

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Phone (02) 6024 1248 57 Hovell Street Wodonga (Buses welcome)

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

BEECHWORTH

HISTORIC & ECLECTIC: Step back in time in Yackandandah.

PHOTO courtesy Visit Victoria

Come and visit Indigo Shire

SITUATED in Victoria’s picturesque North East, Indigo Shire borders the Murray River and the Australian Alps. Dreams of striking it rich brought thousands of hopeful miners to the region following the discovery of gold at Beechworth in 1852. Gold fever quickly spread to Yackandandah, Chiltern and ﬁnally to Rutherglen. Today the area is renowned as one of Victoria’s premier tourist destinations with a rich history and beautifully preserved towns, stunning natural attractions, superb food,

wine and craft beer, nature pursuits such as cycling and walking and an excellent range of accommodation options. t #FFDIXPSUI Indulge and discover fabulous food, hand-crafted wine and beer in Australia’s ﬁnest historic gold-mining town. Wander among elms and oaks, heritage architecture and boutique shopping as you recharge your batteries and reconnect with the body, mind and soul. t $IJMUFSO A peaceful haven and perfectly

preserved gold-rush era town, built in the late 1850s when diggers tried their luck on the goldﬁelds and fortunes were made and lost. Their legacy is a streetscape of wide verandas and historic buildings that tell the stories of European settlers and gold miners nestled in the hills of the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park. t 3VUIFSHMFO One of Victoria’s ultimate wine and food destinations, it boasts over 20 award-winning wineries, outstanding restaurants and cafes

and world-class local produce. Home to some of the most picturesque camping, ﬁshing, cycling, swimming and boating locations in Australia. t :BDLBOEBOEBI One of Australia’s prettiest villages with a centre classiﬁed by the national trust, Yackandandah is nestled in the foothills of Stanley State Forest and steeped in the legacy of gold. Home to many acclaimed artists, from potters to painters, sculptors to stitchers. Wander the stunning streets and discover unique artworks, crafts, music and antiques in the eclectic mix.

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BEECHWORTH

Beechworth - well worth it

BEECHWORTH is more than a village, it’s a foodie’s paradise, set amid stunning architecture of the gold rush era. Beechworth has an impressive legacy of more than 30 National Trustlisted buildings for visitors to enjoy. Walking the streets of Beechworth is to literally walk back in history. The town’s buildings, some over 160 years old, are a tribute not only to the builders and architects but also a reminder of the hopes of the population of the time of the gold rush that Beechworth would become a powerful, wealthy and inﬂuential centre for trade and the gold economy. This scenic postcard township, ﬁlled with lush trees and gardens, boutiques and renowned restaurants and cafes, welcomes visitors from around the world every year to sample the best that Beechworth has on offer.

WELL WORTH THE TRIP: Delighting in the history present round every corner, visitors to Beechworth can shop until they drop, eat their ﬁll or simply revel in the architecture of a bygone age. Consider visiting Beechworth during spring as the local trees and plants blossom into life following their slumber.

The Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct including the gaol that hosted bushranger Ned Kelly, the 1850s Telegraph Station

and for those who dare a ghostly tour of the Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum, give an educational and poignant understanding of life in the goldﬁelds. The Burke Museum and Historic Precinct are the heart of historic Beechworth and tell the stories that made this town famous. Visit the ‘Street of Shops’ at the Burke Museum and walk the streets of Beechworth in the 1850s, sit in the judge’s chair in the courthouse and look to the dock where the ﬁrst woman ever hanged in Australia was trialled and observe the haunting death mask of Ned Kelly at the Vault. Few locations are so beautifully preserved as Beechworth. With stone gutters and charming little shops, almost an identical facade to that of the Gold Rush days, the tangible history Beechworth lures those with a passion for the history of yesteryear. Beechworth has it all.

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

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BEECHWORTH

Gorge-ous outlook on high THE cascading waterfalls at Beechworth Gorge have attracted visitors since ancient times. Natural rock pools shaped by years of erosion paired with spectacular views of the Woolshed Valley have rendered the area a peaceful retreat since its first Aboriginal inhabitants. The overhanging rock shelters were once used by the Dhudhoroa, Bpangerang, Jaitmathang and Minjambuta people, who lived by Spring Creek thousands of years ago. Indigenous wildlife found in the gorge includes kangaroos, wallabies, possums, parrots, cockatoos, wombats and the occasional sleepy koala spotted in the fork of a tree. Flora includes lilies, orchids and other wildflowers, as well as bush peas, Grevilleas, Wattles, Beechworth Cypress Pines, Stringybark and Blakely’s Red Gums. The Beechworth Gorge served as a dreamy refuge for centuries, but the peace and quiet was not destined to last. Just 11 months after gold was discovered at Spring Creek in February 1852, an influx of over 8000 hopeful miners had quickly populated the region with dreams of striking lucky. It wasn’t long before the wealth of the gold rush transformed the sleepy town of Beechworth into

HISTORIC WATERWAY: The spectacular gorge which has been a refuge for centuries is home to a wide range of indigenous ﬂora and fauna. PHOTO: Marc Bongers a heaving regional centre, home to more than 20,000 people from all over the world by 1857. While the prospect of ﬁnding gold nowadays is unlikely, the Beechworth Gorge has retained a natural beauty that continues to attract visitors to this day. A network of trails in and around the gorge allows visitors to explore the natural

features of the park, discovering historical points of interest along the way. Lookouts around the gorge have views into New South Wales and some even show Mount Buffalo. Find out more about walking the Beechworth Gorge at www.victoriashighcountry.com.au or visit www.beechworth.com.

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

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BEECHWORTH

Lakeside destination is calling

LOCATED on the banks of Lake Sambell, and only minutes from the Beechworth town centre, Lake Sambell Caravan Park is perfectly placed to base yourself for the weekend, a week or even longer. Offering fully self-contained ensuite cabins, all of which maximise views of the lake and park grounds, and on-site caravans as well as powered and unpowered campsites, Lake Sambell provides accommodation to suit every budget. For those who’d prefer to camp out among the grand trees or sit beside a campfire and toast marshmallows, you can do just that when you secure one of the powered or unpowered sites - your hosts will even provide the firewood. Pets are welcome all year round except over the Easter break and are accepted in guests’ own accommodation (caravan or tent), as well as in the two new specific

PICTURESQUE: Lake Sambell Caravan Park’s fully self-contained cabins and powered campsites maximise stunning views of the lake. pet-friendly cabins. The park boasts a clean amenities block with laundry, clothes dryer and baby bath, undercover BBQ areas, playground, mini golf, volleyball court, LPG bottles and a well-stocked kiosk. There is also access to a number of walking trails including the ﬁve kilometre walk to Lake Kerferd, the path around Lake Sambell and the 15 minute walk to the centre of town

where you can enjoy the charming old-world granite buildings and wide tree-lined streets. There is plenty of room for the kids to ride their bikes inside the park as well as around the streets of Beechworth, along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail or out to the Mountain Bike Park. Lake Sambell itself has a sandy beach area with a playground and BBQ

areas and you can enjoy swimming or fishing in the lake or hire a canoe or kayak from the caravan park. Beechworth is surrounded by beautiful forests and streams where you can fossick for precious stones or flakes of gold, explore the Beechworth Gorge, Woolshed Falls and family-owned vineyards or enjoy scenic drives and National Parks. The thriving town of Beechworth has a number of highlights including daily walking tours, galleries, antiques, gift shops and a busy arts precinct with many specialty shops open seven days a week. For food lovers, cafes, pub meals, picnics, fine dining and of course the famed Beechworth Bakery awaits you. Your hosts, Roger and Sue Humphris, look forward to welcoming you to Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park soon so visit www.caravanparkbeechworth.com. au today.

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

BRIGHT & DISTRICT

A place to heal and rejuvenate Myrtle St, Myrtleford Call Bastoni (03) 5751 1478 Open Wednesday to Sunday www.bastoni.com.au

08D03126/3619

Traditional Wood Fired Pizza

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GROWING up among the stunning mountains, rivers and lavender fields in France, Mariane Riffart, a qualified massage and aromatherapy practitioner, has always known the power of plants and essential oils and their positive impact on human wellbeing. Now, just minutes from Bright’s town centre, Mariane can be found at her brand new store ‘Botanic Alps’, formulating and selling unique botanical skincare products that offer eco-friendly, cruelty-free, toxic free benefits, inspired by the spectacular Alpine region. “I started with the Bright markets in September 2019 but when this building came up, I made the decision to open a store of my own,” Mariane said. “I started preparing for the opening during the bushfires and I moved in 10 days before COVID started. “It has been a rough start but I have had amazing local support.” Mariane said people have turned to essential oils more during the COVID-19 pandemic than ever before. “People are really looking at looking after themselves better right now,” she said. “Essential oils have amazing antiviral and anti-bacterial properties so they are perfect to diffuse in a room and help with lung functions.

LOCAL CHOICE: Mariane’s products are all made onsite and sourced locally. PHOTO: Ashleigh Piles “People mostly use them for skin related conditions or stress related conditions like sleep issues but they also help with immunity.” All of Mariane’s products are made onsite at her shop with most of the herbs collected from her Wandiligong property or other local producers. By purchasing essential oils or a massage from Botanic Alps, locals and visitors alike can show their support for the region and Mariane, along with a number of other businesses, who have got together to create products together. “It’s so much more authentic to be buying products made in Bright by people you probably see every day,” Mariane said. To make your appointment, call 0474 833 355 or book online https:// brightbotanicalps.com.au/.

L O C A L LY H A N D C RA F T E D I N O U R A R O M A A P O T H E C A RY I N B R I G H T

Massage Therapy

Aromatherapy & Herbal Remedies

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SHOP 20A WILLS STREET, BRIGHT, VICTORIA 3741 | 0474 833 355 j/25d11809/36-20

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

BRIGHT & DISTRICT

Spring adventures ADVENTURE Guides Australia are open for business after the recent bushﬁres and COVID-19 emergencies so come and visit them this spring. All activities have been redesigned to be COVID safe and all staff have had training in working in a COVID environment so everyone can all stay safe. Spring is an amazing time to adventure at Mount Buffalo, Beechworth and across North East Victoria with the plants, animals and insects bursting to life. Adventure Guides have been providing adventure activities in the region since 1985 and their experienced and competent leader team can facilitate private family or group adventures or regular advertised activities on selected weekends and school holidays. At Mount Buffalo, participants can challenge themselves with abseiling adventures, some suitable for smaller children, or challenge yourself with

beginner and adventure abseil sessions. For the serious adventurer, they have extra adrenaline at the 250m South Wall multi pitch abseil half-day expedition or the challenging full-day 300m multi pitch journey on the North Wall of the Mount Buffalo Gorge. At Beechworth they offer spectacular beginners’ abseiling and rock climbing plus nature-based and historical tours. An even higher challenge level is the Underground River cave expedition. Crawl through holes, climb up waterfalls and squirm your way through this spectacular granite boulder inﬁll cave where you may see a spectacular variety of glow worms. Other adventures on offer include rock climbing, white water kayaking/ pack rafting, guided hikes and canyoning. For information or bookings contact David Chitty on 0419 280 614, via email agati@netc.net.au or visit www. adventureguidesaustralia.com.au.

ADVENTURE: Guides have COVID-safe practices in place for all of their activities.

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

AROUND THE REGION

The forgotten beauty of Glenrowan

PHOTOS KIEREN TILLY/LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

HISTORY is rich in the small town of Glenrowan. It is preserved in the buildings, weaved through the stories told and stands tall with the statue of Ned Kelly watching the town. Glenrowan was named after James and George Rowan who ran farms in the area between 1846 and 1858. The township was settled in the late 1860s; the ﬁrst grape vines were planted in 1866, the Post Office opened on February 22, 1870, the local railway station opened in 1874 and bushranger Ned Kelly made his last stand and was captured there after a siege and shootout with police in 1880. For some, the history of the Kelly Gang is what drew them to the town. Mark McFarlane moved to Glenrowan in early 2012 from Sydney, where he'd been for 10 years, to look after his mum, be closer to his birth town of Melbourne and pursue Ned Kelly. "I love the valley views, the mountainous ranges on both sides with the Warby Range and Mount Buffalo and I'm really into bird life; we have rosellas, king parrots and wedge tailed eagles that visit us often," he said. "I also love the serenity and the peace here, with just enough civilisation as well; particularly coming from cities, and the train that rolls by is nice for me because when I ﬁrst came here it was too quiet. I'm a musician and that helped me get to know people through the pubs, playing with people and various bands; a high point is the local music fraternity here and other surrounding areas so meeting musicians was great. I couldn't focus on that in the big city as everyone was doing their own thing, but here people get together more and collaborate. There is a variety of music, I'm an 80s guy and there are a lot of people here who love the 80s sound; it's not just blues or country there's a good variety." ...continued page 21

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

BEYOND: Apart from the town’s history, it’s also the natural beauty and character of Glenrowan which attracts the locals who call it home.

AROUND THE REGION

The forgotten beauty of Glenrowan

...continued from page 20

Mark also has a big interest in Ned Kelly and his history in the town. "I recently did a bit of a study on Ned; when you ﬁrst come to Glenrowan you hear both sides of the story; he was a villain, he was a hero and I ﬁnd it really intriguing how he was originally a really nice

person growing up and he just fell in with the wrong people and wrong people came his way and he got too mixed up in his own way," he said. "I think Ned's history is going to be hard to live down in this town; it has to play a major part because there's a message in it for

everyone; for people who struggle with the law, for people who work within the law and try and interpret that in a community. We've got bikies who like Ned who come into town and the God Squad in town so he spring boards into other things. Sure we have our little boutique wineries which are nice

but they'll never outlive Ned. "I do often think about where Ned used to be, imagine him walking through the Warby Range and he probably walked across our property some time. The Warby Range is such a beautiful backdrop to Glenrowan and it gets a bit forgotten about."

...continued page 22

LOCAL CHARACTER: While Mark McFarlane (above left) enjoys Glenrowan’s peace and serenity, Colin Scott (above right) describes it as community-minded. North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

AROUND THE REGION

The forgotten beauty of Glenrowan

...continued from page 21

For others, like Chris Gerrett, Glenrowan and its history have been a lifelong experience. Chris and husband Rod have lived in the town all their lives and have always been interested in the history; especially of Ned Kelly. “My dad used to tell tall stories;

I didn’t realise they were tall until we bought the shop, and we grew up going to local dances with descendants of the Kellys - the Dinning boys,” said Chris. “We built the North Cedars Caravan Park and had that for 11 years but we sold that and began

looking for something else. After a chance conversation with a solicitor friend in the street we bought Kate’s Cottage before it even got listed. “It was in a pretty terrible state but we cleaned it up and we’ve been living the history because

people come in with their stories, their family connections and people donate items for the museum which keeps it going.” Kate’s Cottage is a replica of the ramshackle hut that the Kellys lived in as described in the royal commission.

...continued page 23

ROD GERRETT lives the history every day, running Kate’s Cottage - a replica of the Kelly family hut - with his wife, Chris. North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

AROUND THE REGION

The forgotten beauty of Glenrowan

...continued from page 22

“You’ve got the people who live at Glenrowan because they love a bit more space than Wangaratta, you’ve got Morgan’s lookout (Mount Glenrowan) and it’s quite beautiful, you’ve got lovely gum trees and walking areas,” Chris said. “A lot of people have been going through talking to the resident cockatoos and then come back as adults and tell us how they used to visit and people come from everywhere in Australia; we’ve been in Broome and had people tell us they’ve been in our shop, it’s amazing. There was a big Ned already in the town but it was taken down and put at the back of the business. We decided that the big things were all a go at the time so we built the statue; we went to Sydney and the manufacturer had to hire a whole new shed to make the statue. It’s six metres high and 1.5 tonnes in weight. I rang every

newspaper all the way down from Sydney and spent about $400 on phone calls. We even had a Greek newspaper pick it up. It features in an American gallery of ‘huge beings’ and is on the Red Head matchbox collection as a big Aussie icon. “I’ve never felt that Glenrowan has been forgotten about; when we ﬁrst arrived in the town, there was grass a foot high on the sides of the roads, there were holes a child could fall down and we now have sewerage, a good water supply and there’s all this development going on.” For Colin Scott, Glenrowan has been his home since his family settled from Mildura in 1936. “I often said I don’t know why they settled in Glenrowan because, although I’ve been here all my life, it’s a funny sort of town,” he said. “It’s very community-minded

but is also a transitional town between bigger places. Glenrowan also wouldn’t be what it is without the siege as that’s the only thing Glenrowan’s famous for, but to me Glenrowan doesn’t revolve around Ned Kelly; there are a lot of other things going for it.” Mr Scott said when his parents came to Glenrowan it wasn’t big - in fact there were only two houses. “My parents developed a cherry orchard and bought another property with a dairy farm where dad built a new dairy but we were only there for about three years before he sold it and bought the Glenrowan quarry,” said Mr Scott. “Many years later, after my brother and I had ﬁnished our apprenticeships, dad’s old farm went up for sale and nobody wanted to buy it, so we did. It was 130 acres and we subdivided it off because dad knew some parts

weren’t good for an orchard, and then Hamilton bought Hamilton Park and subdivided it and now there are so many subdivisions. Eventually my wife and I bought the 13 acres with the dairy on it and made it a home; we also developed our own cherry orchard and had a good trade locally.” Mr Scott said although there has been development over the years, to a certain degree he thinks Glenrowan has been overlooked, or forgotten. “I was on the Benalla shire for nine years and back then there were so many projects on the go but now a lot of things don’t get done,” he said. Despite the diversity of people, opinion and lifestyle in the town, Glenrowan will always be cemented in Australia’s history, and its variety of attractions will continue to draw visitors from around the world.

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

Barooga Katunga Numurkah

MulwalaCorowa

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Bellbridge Granya ALBURY

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NORTH EAST

Walwa

iver TO CANBERRA THREDBO & KOSCIUSKO N.P. VIA THE ALPINE WAY

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES

Eldorado

Tallangatta

Winton Wetlands ALBURY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Railway Place, Cnr Smollet & Young Street p. 1300 252 879 e. info@visitalburywodonga.com w. www.visitalburywodonga.com

Oxley

Violet Town

ALEXANDRA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 36 Grant Street p. (03) 5772 1100 e. info@alexandratourism.com w. www.alexandratourism.com

Strathbogie Longwood

BEECHWORTH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 103 Ford Street, p. 1300 366 321 e. visit_beechworth@indigoshire.vic.gov.au w. www.explorebeechworth.com.au

Moyhu Whitfield

Dederang

Dartmouth Mitta Mitta Porepunkah

Cheshunt Wandiligong Tolmie

BENALLA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 14 Mair Street p. (03) 5762 1749 e. visitor.info@benalla.vic.gov.au w. www.enjoybenalla.com.au BRIGHT ALPINE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 119 Gavan Street p. (03) 5755 0584 1800 111 885 e. alpinevic@alpineshire.vic.gov.au w. www.visitbright.com.au

Milawa

NSW visitor information centre

Merrijig Jamieson Kevington MELBOURNE

COBRAM BAROOGA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Cnr Punt Rd and Station St p. 1800 607 607 (03) 5872 213 e. tourism@cobrambarooga.com.au w. www.suncountryonthemurray.com.au/ destinations/cobram-barooga

DINNER PLAIN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 572 Big Muster Drive p. 1300 734 365 e. info@dinnerplain.com w. www.visitdinnerplain.com

GREATER SHEPPARTON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 33 Nixon Street p. (03) 5832 9330 e. info@visitshepparton.com.au w. www.greatershepparton.com.au

MYRTLEFORD VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 3RVW 2IÂ²FH &RPSOH[ *UHDW $OSLQH 5RDG p. (03) 5755 0514 e. myrtlefordvic@alpineshire.vic.gov.au w. www.visitmyrtlefordvic.com.au

RUTHERGLEN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 57 Main Street p. 1800 622 871 e. info@explorerutherglen.com.au w. www.explorerutherglen.com.au

WODONGA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 69-73 Hovell Street p. 1300 796 222 e. tourism@wodonga.vic.gov.au w. www.visitalburywodonga.com

COROWA COROWA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 100 Edward Street p. 1800 814 054 (02) 6033 3221 e. tourism@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au w. www.visitcorowaregion.com.au

EUROA EUROA HUB 50 Binney Street p. (03) 5795 1199 e. euroahub@gmail.com w. www.euroa.org.au

MANSFIELD VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 173 High Street p. 03 5775 7000 e. YLVLWRULQIR#PDQVÂ²HOG YLF JRY DX w. ZZZ ZZZ PDQVÂ²HOGPWEXOOHU FRP DX

NAGAMBIE LAKES VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 320 High Street p. (03) 5794 1471 e. nagvicinfo@strathbogie.vic.gov.au w. www.nagambielakestourism.com.au

SEYMOUR VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 47 Emily Street p. (03) 5799 0233 e. visitorinfo@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au w. www.visitseymour.com.au

YARRAWONGA-MULWALA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE 1 Irvine Parade p. 1800 062 260 (03) 5744 1989 e. tourism@yarrawongamulwala.com.au w. www.yarrawongamulwala.com.au

CORRYONG VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 50 Hanson Street p. (02) 6076 2277 f. (02) 6076 2152 e. vic@towong.vic.gov.au w. www.visituppermurray.com.au

GLENROWAN TOURIST CENTRE Vintage Hall, 54 Gladstone Street p. 0409 780 222 e. vintagehallcafe@gmail.com.au w. vintagehallcafe.com.au

MOUNT BEAUTY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 31 Bogong High Plains Road p. (03) 5755 0596 1800 111 885 e. mtbeautyvic@alpineshire.vic.gov.au w. www.visitmountbeauty.com.au

OMEO VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 188/180 Day Ave p. (03) 5159 1455 w. www.omeoregion.com.au

WANGARATTA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 100 Murphy Street p. 1800 801 065 e. tourism@wangaratta.vic.gov.au w. www.visitwangaratta.com.au

YEA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 2 Hood Street p. (03) 5797 2663 w. www.visityea.com.au j/30d01643-v15/49-19

BENALLA

From striking sunsets to painted silos THERE’S so much to see in and around Benalla and with the easing of restrictions, now is the time to explore. Lake Benalla in the heart of Benalla provides an area for sunset picnics and play, a nearby art gallery or a walk into town where you can immerse yourself in the street art on a number of buildings. For those wanting to travel further aﬁeld, a 15 minute car ride to the Winton Wetlands will provide you with the opportunity to walk the trails and see what local ﬂora and fauna you can spy. On the corner of Winton North and Boggy Bridge Road, down a bit of a ‘bush track’ behind the painted

ICONIC: The CFA water tank at Winton is breathtaking. PHOTO: Winton Wetlands

PICTURE PERFECT: Lake Benalla is perfect for sunset picnics. ﬁsh trees, you’ll ﬁnd a CFA Water Tank, which is part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, and an impressive work of art.

The water tank portrays portraits of three local CFA volunteers and was painted by Guido Van Helten during the 2016 Wall to Wall street

Start or end your exploration of Winton Wetlands with a visit to the Mokoan Hub & Cafe - fully licensed with an extensive menu and family friendly. Ask the welcoming Hub staff about seasonal and daily highlights, as well as the best places to point your camera or binoculars for brilliant wildlife and bird spotting. Located 15 minutes from Benalla and 25 minutes from Wangaratta.

Open 7 days | 9am-4pm | 652 Lake Mokoan Road, Chesney Vale j/24d07361-v4/49-19

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

PHOTO: RenSmart Photography art festival in Benalla. With so much to see and do, why not make Benalla your destination of choice today?

BUXTON

Get hooked in Buxton BUXTON, population 400, is a small township set above the Black Spur and is known for its beautiful mountain vistas, trees and rivers. With a general store, fishing and outdoors supply, active CFA station, town hall, primary school and several bed and breakfast options you’ll find it the perfect place to visit along with the nearby towns of Marysville and Narbethong, or the Cathedral Ranges. Buxton is home to the famous Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm, the first trout farm in Australia. Family owned and established in 1958, the farm was set up by Frank Parkes at a time when there was no commercial farming of trout in Australia, the farm becoming instrumental in shaping Australia’s trout industry. Today, Australia produces approximately 1500-2000 tonnes of trout each year, with roughly 85 per cent grown in the Murrindindi and Upper Goulburn regions of Victoria. The farm has a variety of ponds with large trout (500g-4kg), medium trout (300g-500g), Atlantic salmon (2kg-5kg) and a challenge lake. Growing approximately 80 tonnes of fish per year through an onsite, self-sufficient breeding, hatching, growing and processing program, the majority are sent to wholesale and restaurant markets,

with the rest set aside for visitors. Staff are more than happy to help you catch a fish and will clean it and pack it on ice for you to take home or you can cook it on the onsite BBQ facilities. The Trout and Salmon Farm’s world famous specialties of Mountain Ash Smoked Trout and Hand-Milked Caviar have even featured on Masterchef Australia. Outside of the trout farm, you can enjoy the thrill of catching a trout or salmon in pristine waters, see the ‘Meeting of the Waters’ where three mountain rivers come together or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounds. Some regard the Steavenson River near Buxton as the best fly fishing river within two hours’ drive of Melbourne with regular ‘fishos’ insisting that it simply can’t be beaten for reliability and consistency whether in the classic stream or the overgrown, fast-flowing waters, there’s an abundance of trout from Buxton to the base of the Steavenson Falls. For those seeking something more energetic, try mountain biking or hiking in the Black Range State Forest or enjoy nearby Lake Mountain. With so much beauty on offer, Buxton is the perfect place to stop and hide away in nature today.

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FISH ON: Pristine nature, clear water, idyllic fishing country where even novice fly fishers will be enticed to come back time and time again to the Steavenson River.

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

GLENROWAN

Much to explore at Glenrowan SITUATED between Wangaratta and Benalla, Glenrowan is famous for its links to a certain well-known bushranger, but there is so much more to this little hamlet than what happened in 1880. Today, Glenrowan is a town that not only embraces its history, but looks to the future with ďŹ ne regional wines and delicious local produce on offer as well as warm hospitality, tourist attractions and stunning bushland and natural landscapes. The Glenrowan wine region has a long and rich winemaking history, as 130 years of winemaking has established the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation for full-bodied reds, fragrant whites and fortiďŹ eds, and the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cellar doors are cosy and welcoming to wine lovers. The cellar doors are intimate and welcoming, many offering casual fare on weekends featuring local produce and delicacies.

Glenrowan itself also has several dining options to suit travellers and locals alike, and you can also have fun browsing the local shops, which sell everything from souvenirs to local food and vintage ďŹ nds, or wander the local historic attractions to ďŹ nd out more about the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history. There are also several fruit orchards and growers in the area producing various delicious fresh produce to tempt the tastebuds. Nearby natural attractions include the Warby Ovens National Park, the Winton Wetlands and more, offering many options for a picturesque picnic spot, bird watching and bushwalking, as well as vantage points and lookouts including Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lookout, Mt Glenrowan and Salisbury Falls. Whatever activity you choose, there is plenty to explore and enjoy in Glenrowan and district.

Ned Kelly Museum & Replica of the Kelly homestead Ned Kelly Museum is No. 1 for Glenrowan tourist attractions on TripAdvisor

2015 Certificate of Excellence Winner.

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Gifts and Souvenir Shop OPEN 7 DAYS. Featured on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getawayâ&#x20AC;?, as the best

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IMPOSING: This large statue of bushranger Ned Kelly dominates the Glenrowan streetscape.

GOORAMBAT

Australian Silo Art Trail - Goorambat

Goorambat Railway Hotel

WITH ANNETTE GREEN, AUSTRALIAN SILO ART TRAIL THE Goorambat silo complex has three painted silos, two short ones sitting back to back and one tall concrete one standing on its own. They were painted in two stages one year apart by renowned Australian artist, Jimmy DVate. During the first stage, Jimmy chose to feature an endemic threatened Barking Owl species, of which there is said to be only 50 breeding pairs currently living in the wild. Jimmy is said to have had a friend take over 300 photos of Milli (who lives at the Healesville Sanctuary) in a bid to get the right image for the silo. In 2019, Jimmy returned to paint another short silo - this one a magnificent tribute to three Clydesdale horses Clem, Sam and Banjo. He has captured the motion of these horses in gallop, feathers flying on their feet as they travel side by side in harness. Banjo began his life at the Lavereen Stud in Goorambat where he was raised by Graeme, Bev and Matt Trewin. He is from a family of horses that date back over 100 years.

HARD WORKERS: Banjo, Clem and Sam the Clydesdales were hard working horses. PHOTO: Delta Charli He moved from Goorambat to Toowoomba to live with the Martins where he was a Queensland Ploughing Champion and even did well in the show ring. The Martins were chasing a working pair, so Banjo’s brother Clem went to Toowoomba to join him there. He was a bit difficult to break in, but once he got the hang of it, the pair turned out to be highly trusted work horses and would work displays at the local museum. Sam was bred by Dave and Nicola Martin at Coolibah Ridge in Toowoomba. They gave him to their son, who broke him in and worked him at just age four. Sam is the grandson of Banjo.

/XQFKŋ'LQQHUũ 3L]]Dŋ:LQH 2SHQ Wednesday - Saturday 12-late Lunch: 12-2pm & Dinner: 6-8:30pm Sunday 12-6 with Lunch 12-2pm Phone Bookings welcome GROUP BOOKINGS (30+) Monday/Tuesday upon request with special 2-course menu available

59 HALLS ROAD GOORAMBAT VIC 3725 5764 1206 ENDANGERED: This mural of Milli the endangered Barking Owl was created after the artist studied more that 300 photographs of the bird. PHOTO: KDog Photography

goorambatrailwayhotel@gmail.com www.goorambatrailwayhotel.wordpress.com j/25d11829/36-20

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

JAMIESON, MANSFIELD & DISTRICT

Local knowledge and advice

THE Snowy Mountain Outdoor Centre is located in MansďŹ eld at the foothills of the Victorian High Country. While a proudly local store, they have successfully built a reputation across the world for quality canvas products and repairs which are produced on site using high quality materials and accessories. From swags and awnings to travel, toiletry and gun bags, the team at Snowy Mountain Outdoor Centre can manufacture and repair an extraordinary range of camping and outdoor gear. Carrying a large range in store, including ďŹ shing gear from rods and reels to tackle and live bait, why not ask the friendly staff for current condition advice and local knowledge before you head out to drop a line? They can also help with your camping needs with an extensive selection of cookware, tents, sleeping bags, gas products, camp chairs and much more. With decades of experience in outdoor adventuring, the staff at Snowy Mountain Outdoor Centre will always give honest and helpful assistance when it comes to products and

GREAT RANGE: From swags, ďŹ shing gear, toiletry items to tents, cookware and gas products, the team at Snowy Mountain Outdoor Centre have everything you could need for the great outdoors. their purposes. Open Monday to Saturday, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also available for phone and online enquiries and

orders and warmly encourage you to pop in and check out their exciting range of products on offer and chat with the friendly team.

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

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JAMIESON, MANSFIELD & DISTRICT

CLEAR SKIES: Craig’s Hut is well known in the Mansﬁeld and Mt Buller areas, but why not ﬁnd it for yourself this spring?

Explore Mansfield and surrounds 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.

25D11827/3620

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

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1 Woodspoint Road, Kevington ~ Phone (03) 5777 0543 ~ www.kevingtonhotel.com.au North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

MILAWA & DISTRICT

Come for a taste of the original gourmet region For more than just olives, call in at

LIVE la dolce vita with ﬁne food, wine and accommodation in Milawa and King Valley, one of Australia's oldest gourmet regions. Meet the winemakers and their families as you tour intimate, authentic wineries that continue the region's history of entrepreneurial and exciting winemaking. A destination overﬂowing with abundant fresh produce, you'll discover road side stalls and farmgate sales as you meander through the valley. Pack yourself a picnic blanket and relax by the shady banks by the pristine King River or don a helmet

and cycle your way around the many providores and farmgates dotted throughout the Milawa Gourmet Region. The King Valley is more than just the home of fine winemaking and tantalising cuisine. Bring the family for an outdoor adventure holiday and find everything from bushwalking, cycling and camping to horse riding, fishing and 4WD trips. Hike up to scenic lookouts and misty waterfalls, breathe in the fresh alpine air, and watch the sun set over this special part of Victoria. To find out more go to visitkingvalley.com.au.

Tastings | Local Produce | Fine Wine

Open daily from 10am 1605 Snow Road, Milawa (03) 5727 3887 www.theoliveshop.com.au

TASTE OF HEAVEN: Milawa and the King Valley are renowned for their ﬁne and varied wines, and local fresh produce and culinary delights. North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

MILAWA & DISTRICT

It’s grain science

EARLIER this year, Adam Rivett, founder of Milawa Bread and Milawa Kitchen, took delivery of two handmade ﬂour mills from France. As one of North East Victoria’s original commercial sourdough bakers, Adam wanted to create a ‘paddock to mill to bakery’ business so he could not only create his baked goods or mill

the grain he received, but grow his own grain to produce small, slow fermented bread and pastries. To achieve his goal, Adam teamed up with Byawatha agribusiness owners Andrew Freshwater and Angela Murphy of Clear Creek Pastoral Co and 60 trial varieties of wheat and other grains have been sown since April.

Adam sees a future where consumers will be aware of the local wheat varieties and their flavour profiles in their bread, much like it is with wine. For example, a sourdough loaf with ‘hellfire’ wheat could have a totally different flavour to a loaf made with one of the African varieties being trialled.

Retail sales of the flour were part of a long term plan, but with supermarket shelves being stripped of flour due to COVID-19 lockdowns, sales began immediately. Customers can purchase flour as well as bread and pastries from the Mill’s onsite cafe, The Milawa Kitchen, which is operating under COVID conditions.

MILLING ABOUT: Adam Rivett and Andrew Freshwater with one of the two ﬂour mills they received earlier this year. Meet the growers at EV Olive Groves and indulge in the taste of “prize-winning olive oil and famous gourmet olives.” OPENING HOURS 10.30AM-5PM DAILY We now open everyday, 7 days a week

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Everton Myrtleford

Milawa Oxley

Everton Road, Markwood.

Snow Rd

Phone (03) 57270209

After the decommissioning of the Oxley stone flour mills,

STONE MILLED FLOUR IS BACK IN MILAWA. Ava i lable from

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OUR VISION - Keeping traditional skills alive in regional areas stocking a full range of

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

MT BEAUTY

Enjoy the great escape NESTLED in the fertile Kiewa Valley at the foot of Mount Bogong, Mount Beauty is a mountain biking hub for visiting adventurers and home to local farms, wineries and breweries. One of the country’s leading mountain biking destinations, the Big Hill Mountain Bike Park is located on the edge of town and regularly hosts races, including the National Mountain Bike Championships. Choose from numerous cross country and downhill tracks, or just make your own fun on the trails in the nearby forest and national parks. Or take a pleasant ride on sealed tracks that meander along the Kiewa River and Mount Beauty Pondage, a comfortable cycling experience for all ages and experience levels. Hit the back country roads and

harvest the bounty of the fertile Kiewa Valley, stocking up on fresh produce from welcoming farm gates or combine premium sparkling wines with a gourmet lunch in stunning surrounds at any number of award winning, family owned wineries. Fill your lungs with clear alpine air and hike through the Alpine National Park or explore the High Plains on horseback, camp out with the family, and enjoy tranquil ﬁshing in the Kiewa River. The fun doesn’t stop when the cold weather arrives, bring your skis and boards to conquer the runs at nearby Falls Creek, staying in the village’s luxury alternatives to onmountain accommodation. Take in the magniﬁcent views of Mount Bogong and the Mount Beauty village from Tawonga Gap, and see amazing scenery on the 230-kilometre Bogong Alpine Way

ALL ROADS LEAD HERE: By foot, bicycle, horse or car, outdoor activities, nature, good food and ﬁne produce are never too far away from visitors coming to the Mt Beauty region. (part of the Great Alpine Road), looping through Bright, Mount Beauty, Falls Creek and over Mount Hotham.

No matter what time of the year, there is always a memorable experience to enjoy at Mount Beauty.

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

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MT BEAUTY

A cyclist’s high country dream LIVING up to its name, Mt Beauty is nestled at the base of Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain. It’s an ideal place to make all your cycling and mountain biking dreams come true with the Kiewa River snaking through the town offering clear, fresh water to cool you down and Big Hill Mountain Bike Park with lots of trails on offer. Mt Beauty’s Big Hill Mountain Bike Park has more than 40 kilometres of top quality crosscountry and downhill trails suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Mountain biking trails include: The Yellow Loop - a challenging 10km XC loop that takes in some of the favourites as well as Mt Beauty’s most iconic trails, start at the carpark; DH descent - if shuttling is more your thing, drive 3km up the BHP Rd and take a right onto the ﬁre road at the hairpin. Once at the top of Mt Beauty proper, take DH1 track all the way back to the carpark; Family friendly - for a cruisier ride, drive around 2km up the BHP Rd to a small car park on your right. This is locally known as Shady Gully car park and provides good access to the easier trails of

HAPPY TRAILS: Mt Beauty is the perfect base for cyclists keen to experience the magnificent High Country. PHOTO: Ride High Country Dart Spur. From here, ride up the fire road to your right. For a short loop, take either Sesame Street or The Labyrinth (the first and second lefts off Dart Spur Tk). Both of these return you to your car; Whipps Chair - puff your way up the Up Track for a few minutes and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular and unrivalled view down the Kiewa

Valley. Not only that, you’ll be able to rest on an original “Whipps Design” chair. This is also a beautiful spot to pause if you have already been out in the MTB park and are returning to the carpark via Bananarama. For more information go to https://www. ridehighcountry.com.au.

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

MT BULLER & BASE OF BULLER

Mt Buller in spring DID you know spring is one of the best times to visit Mt Buller and Mt Stirling? It may seem contrary to discover a ‘winter’ wonderland in spring but September is when the snow is traditionally deepest, with the added bonus of more blue-sky days and off-peak deals to make it more affordable. As most of us have been in lockdown and lucky to leave our homes this winter, this spring (we hope) might be the time to break out of our COVID shackles and discover the joy of time in the High Country. If you’re thinking of heading for the hills as restrictions ease we’ve compiled a few ideas to add to your bucket list. Mt Buller is the place for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. The resort is committed to opening if the restrictions allow. Explore Mt Stirling with cross country ski trails, untracked side country bowls and the tall mountain

ash forest which makes for a tranquil alpine adventure. Enjoy a meandering cycle along the Rail Trail from Mansfield or if you’d like some bumps and berms to give your mountain bike skills a spin check out the Rifle Butts MTB park. Once summer rolls around, check out the huge network of MTB at Mt Buller and Mt Stirling including the legendary Australian Alpine Epic Trail and the beautiful Delatite River Trail from Mt Buller down to Mirimbah Park. Mt Buller and Mt Stirling become more and more beautiful as winter melts into spring. From October you can drive up to the mountains, grab a map and go for a wander. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping alpine views, spring flowers and even cheeky Mt Buller gnomes to find along the way. With the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation, go to www.mtbuller.com.au and www.mtstirling.com.au for the latest updates.

FAMILY TIME: Get out of the house and onto Mt Buller or Mt Stirling this spring. North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

PHOTO: Andrew Railton

RUTHERGLEN

Classic favourites and novelties galore THE main aim of family owned and operated business the Rutherglen Lolly Shop is to make sure everyone leaves the store happy. The bright, colourful shop is ﬁlled with lots of goodies and gifts for the whole family; anyone with a sweet tooth will love it. Owner Robyn invites all to come take a look. “We stock all the traditional favourites such as rock candy, liquorice allsorts and fudge as well as lots of novelty confectionery, coloured lollipops and chocolates,” she said. “While wandering the town drop in and get a scoop of ice-cream or have a delicious milkshake; some say it’s the best in the town. “Also in store we have some classic toys and old school favourites, come take a walk down memory lane.” The shop, located at 81 Main Street is open seven days a week.

YUM: Rutherglen Lolly Shop owner Robyn Tanner surrounded by goodies. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

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Rutherglen Wine Region a must do RUTHERGLEN is an ultimate wine and food destination that can’t be missed. Loaded with award winning wineries, boasting world famous Muscat, your taste buds will be thanking you for the visit. Located close to the Murray River, there is

camping, ﬁshing, cycling and boating on offer too. With amazing restaurants, cafes and cellar doors in the historic township of Rutherglen and riverside towns of Corowa and Wahgunyah, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

81 MAIN STREET RUTHERGLEN (02) 6032 7001

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ALWAYS SOMETHING TO SEE AT MOVE (FORMERLY SHEPPARTON MOTOR MUSEUM)

THE HOME OF AUSTRALIAN MOTORING up to 100 classic, heritage and muscle cars including motorcycles and vintage bicycles.

7 723 GOULBURN VALLEY HWY, KIALLA VIC 3631

03 5823 5833

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SHEPPARTON

Greater Shepparton - many great things ESCAPE to the Greater Shepparton region and immerse yourself in the many great things on offer. From exquisite local produce to contemporary art and great natural environments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Local businesses are excited to welcome you back to the region. Many have been hard at work perfecting their crafts to provide you a unique and safe experience to remember. Picnic at Victoria Park Lake or connect with nature and walk, cycle or photograph your way through the bushlands alongside stunning rivers and native wildlife. Experience tranquil waterways through ﬁshing, boating and canoeing or discover the 90 cows in the Moooving Art herd, renowned for their colourful, quirky personas. Enjoy aquatic fun at Aquamoves outdoor and indoor pools, climb

MOOOVING ALONG: Greater Shepparton has many varied sights to see this spring. Australia’s largest outdoor adventure playground at KidsTown, or jump around at Rebound, the ultimate trampoline park. Explore the region’s diverse culture via the street art in Shepparton CBD and at Kaiela Arts and Shepparton Art

Museum (SAM). Both galleries present a vibrant mix of indigenous art and culture and as one of the leading art galleries in regional Australia, SAM boasts an impressive collection of Australian contemporary and traditional ceramics.

Experience the region’s past from Aboriginal history to World War II while following a self-guided tour or immerse yourself in the history of Greater Shepparton, visit the exhibitions at the Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectibles or Furphy Museum. Dive into the Foodbowl of Australia and treat yourself to a regional dining scene, offering fresh locally grown produce. Visit a local winery or cidery and relax with a refreshing beverage among the orchards and vines. Indulge yourself with something sweet at the Chocolate Apple Factory where you can sample local apples with a variety of confectionery coatings. For more information contact the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre at 33-35 Nixon Street, phone 1800 808 839 or online at www. visitshepparton.com.au.

THINGS TO DO

With so many things to do you’ve got every reason to visit. To discover all that Greater Shepparton has to offer call 1800 808 839 or visit www.visitshepparton.com.au

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

TOWONG

Pitch a tent in the Upper Murray SPRING is in the air and the weather is slowly starting to warm up, making it the perfect time to pack a tent (or load up the caravan if that’s your thing) and discover somewhere new. Located in North East Victoria, the Upper Murray is host to many sprawling State and Regional Parks which are perfect for campers, bushwalkers, twitters and gravel riders. It’s been a rough first half of 2020 for Upper Murray communities, with bushfires ravaging a large amount of the region over the summer months. However, some of the area’s parks were lucky to be unaffected by the fires, and are open and ready to be explored.

Mount Lawson State Park Mount Lawson State Park is known for its steep slopes and prominent rocky bluffs. You can choose to set up camp next to Koetong Creek or The Kurrajongs, which both have basic visitor facilities. Mount Lawson Summit boasts outstanding views north over the Murray River, and south to the Victorian Alps. While you are there, take the Summit Loop Nature Trail, a short 1km circuit walk that meanders over and around interesting rocky outcrops. You can also get your legs moving along the 1.5km return Conic Range Walking Track to Conic Rocks, with fantastic views over the northern sections of the park from

among giant granite boulders. A visit to the park would not be complete without a visit to ‘The Spa’, an interesting rock chute and swimming hole located at the end of a 4km return walk along Koetong Creek. For those looking for a more challenging walk, the Flaggy Creek Gorge Walking Track is a 14km return walk to waterfalls and rock pools within the gorge and panoramic views from ‘Valley Views’ after 1.5km. Mount Granya State Park Mount Granya State Park to the west of Mount Lawson is characterised by steep forested slopes that rise dramatically above Lake Hume and surrounding valleys. Campers often set up close to basic

visitor facilities at Cotton Tree Creek Campground. Cotton Tree Creek Campground features a rustic old log hut built by the Granya Scout Group in 1937, which is perfect for exploring with the kids. The 10.4km return Mount Granya Walk Track links Cotton Tree Creek Campground to Mount Granya Summit via the magniﬁcent Granya Falls, with impressive views from the George’s Creek Lookout. Once at the top, the Lyrebird Loop Nature Trail is a short 400m return walk which wanders around the Mount Granya Summit, where lyrebirds can often be seen or heard. If you’re heading out on four wheels, caravan-friendly Tallangatta is located to the south of these parks, and has a dump station available.

GET OUT AND ABOUT: Spring is the perfect time to get out and about in the State and Regional Parks of the Upper Murray region. North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

Time for exploring the great outdoors Discover the Upper Murray

visituppermurray.com.au

STRATHBOGIE RANGES

Strathbogie sparkles

FRIENDLY: No matter what your interests as a traveller, the sparkling Strathbogie region is a sure delight. PHOTO: Strathbogie Shire Council

Gemstones & Minerals Display & Sales Jewellery & Gem Crafts & Gifts Fossils & Fluorescent Minerals Model Holden Car Display Old Bottles & Wood Turned Items

SITUATED in the heart of the Strathbogie Tablelands you’ll ﬁnd yourself away from the hustle and bustle of city life when you visit ‘Bogie’. Popular picnic and swimming spots such as Polly McQuinns and Gooram Falls await you, along with countless long and short walks including Rockie Neds, Mt Separation and Mt Wombat. The mighty Goulburn River has shaped this incredible valley, winding through plains and vast mountain ranges and stunning bushland in between.

Experience the breathtaking views from the summit of the Cathedral Ranges, cool down in the water holes of Polly McQuinns or admire the imposing boulder outcrops of the beautiful Trawool Valley. Be inspired by the passion of the makers, creators and growers of the Goulburn River Valley. Enjoy the food, wine and produce while in the region or take some home to share with family and friends. Strathbogie Shire truly is, nature at its best.

Delightful Holiday Experience

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www.therockery.com.au 31-33 HILL ST, LONGWOOD. Ph. (03) 5798 5595 North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

CABINS

CARAVANS & CAMPING

Situated on the banks of the beautiful Seven Creeks 10 minute stroll from Euroa township

Caravan sites spread across 5 acres of grounds Cabins fully self contained Camping powered sites & Pet friendly

euroacaravanpark bookings@euroacaravanpark.com.au 73-103 Kirkland Ave, Euroa. 03 5795 2160 euroacaravanpark.com.au

WANGARATTA

The little gem in the west ROB and Diane Worthington’s West End Lotto and Wool in Wangaratta is one of those unique, versatile businesses you can only ﬁnd in the country Apart from offering all Lotto products, they also sell knitting yarns and accessories, plus baby and children’s clothing, and a range of Hallmark cards and Goodman seeds. “We have been operating the business for more than 30 years after moving from Melbourne in 1987 to give our children a country upbringing,” Diane said. “Not only do we sell all the Lotto products, we have a variety of syndicates for all draws during the week, plus we have a varied price selection of syndicates for Super/ Megadraws. “The other part of our business, which is why we are often called “The Little Gem In the West”, provides the area with a wide

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: Diane Worthington with just a few examples of the baby and children’s clothing available at West End Lotto and Wool in Wangaratta. PHOTO: Kieren Tilly selection of knitting yarns and accessories, and the baby and children’s clothing.

“Marquise is one label that has been around since we began, with the style and colour of clothing

changing over the years. “Labels such as Love Henry, Milky, Alphabet Soup and Korango have proved popular with the modern mums. “Not forgetting the little ones with Wilson & Frenchy, Tiny Twig, Beanstork, Bebe plus many more,” Diane said. “PJs from Milky, Hatley and Marquise always prove to be very popular. “The very popular Love To Dream range, which includes swaddles, sleeping bags and sleepsuits can also be found in store. “We are always trying to keep up with what the modern mum is interested in so the labels/stock can change from one season to the next.” West End Lotto and Wool is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 6pm, Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm.

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WANGARATTA

Discover our rural city EXPERIENCE the natural beautiful scenery, heritage rich history and exceptional culinary delights of Wangaratta and surrounds. From world class, award winning wines and a celebration of regional produce, to mountainous countryside, internationally renowned cycling experiences, valleys, rivers and streams - the only hard part of your visit will be deciding what to do ﬁrst. If you are after a cosmopolitan experience, discover the bustling provincial centre of Wangaratta. The vibrant CBD offers diverse shopping and laneways, alfresco cafes and bars, arts precinct, parks and gardens within easy walking distance. Enjoy a walk along the river or an evening of entertainment at the cinema or performing arts centre - all in line with current COVID-19 regulations. The region offers a wide range of cycling opportunities, making it the perfect destination to explore on your bike. You don’t need to be an elite cyclist to enjoy many of the tracks in and around Wangaratta. Whether it’s a leisurely ride along the scenic bike paths or taking a more challenging road ride, there are many loops and trails available. Grab your hiking boots and explore our

THERE’S A TRACK: With a plethora of walking and riding trails, you’ll ﬁnd so much to keep you entertained as you explore. PHOTO: courtesy of visitwangaratta.com.au beautiful walking tracks. The Warby-Ovens and Alpine National Parks offer a number of hikes for sightseers and experienced hikers alike. There are also many leisure trails close to Wangaratta’s CBD which take you along the riverside through native bushland and billabongs.

To ﬁnd out more go online at www. visitwangaratta.com.au, visit the Wangaratta Information Centre in Murphy Street or phone 1800 801 065. There truly is something for everyone in Wangaratta.

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North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

WANGARATTA

Virtual approach to community arts

PRIZED PIECE: Textile works such as Sairi Yoshizawa’s Essence, 2019, Handwoven natural-dyed cotton and wool, stainless steel, 110 x 17cm (diameter) x 3 & 110 x 8cm (diameter) x 4, donated by the Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends Inc., are part of the Wangaratta Art Gallery’s own collection.

TO combat the uncertainty in a COVID-19 environment, the local arts sector has had to move and adapt in ways they have never had to before. Determined to continue to inspire, entertain and celebrate our local artists and favourite attractions, the Wangaratta Art Gallery was among those to take a fresh approach to one of their most popular exhibitions. The team decided to capture the Petite Miniature Textiles 2020 in a 3D format, offering an easy to navigate virtual tour of the much loved event, which calls on contemporary textile art practitioners from around the country to create works no larger than 30x30x30cm. They also put the exhibition catalogue online and provided short videos from three of the selected artists, Ruby Berry, Tara Glastonbury and Jennifer Robertson, who discussed their practice, as part of their outreach programming. Also determined that the show

must go on, the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre looked at creative ways they could bring content to a home audience, announcing the launch of their ﬁrst Steinway on Stage at Home series in May, in partnership with the Wangaratta Arts Council. Since it began, hundreds of people have viewed the performances of some of the brightest talents in our community, including soloists and bands like Sweet Buzz, as they made the most of the city’s Steinway Grand Piano while we watched from home, all accessed with the simple click of a button. Those performances are still there to be viewed for free by visiting www.wangarattapac.com. au, while captivating artworks can be seen by visiting www. wangarattaartgallery.com.au. While we don’t know exactly what the future holds, we do know local arts will continue to thrive in one format or another, with updates of what’s on available by visiting their websites.

North East Tourist News - Spring 2020

YARRAWONGA / MULWALA

Water, water, everywhere FUN IN THE SUN: For those seeking fun, be it on the water or dry land, food or family, shopping or sunbaking, Yarrawonga/Mulwala has it all. SITUATED on the banks of the Murray River and Lake Mulwala, the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala are a hive of waterways, farm gates and golf courses. You’ll be spoiled for choice, with plenty of opportunities for fun and/

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or relaxation for the whole family. Enjoy a round of golf, explore the river beaches and walking tracks, sample local wines and produce, check out the museums and take in the views from the water (or get in on the action).

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Krazy Kars Carousel

Long days of sunshine make for water-based fun all year round. Along the Murray in the heart of Yarrawonga/Mulwala you’ll ﬁnd Lake Mulwala, a popular spot for water sports activities. Enjoy a paddle or even take a cruise - the options for self-drive, charter or tours are many, as you meander the inland waters. A highlight is Chinaman’s Island, a haven for wetland birds. Walk or cycle the wheelchairfriendly interpretive nature trail, carefully revegetated with indigenous plants. On or by the water, on the green or down the walking trail, there’s action and relaxation in equal measure. Off the vine, or from the kitchen, wander the Farm Gate Trail

and indulge in luscious culinary satisfaction. Immerse yourself in the heritage of our region. The opening of the Yarrawonga Weir in 1939 created the lake as part of the largest irrigation system in the southern hemisphere. Learn more about the history of the area through a self-guided walk along Lake Mulwala or a visit to the Pioneer Museum. Yarrawonga/Mulwala is the event capital of the Sun Country on the Murray region with a variety of events offered throughout the year. Shop till you drop in the boutique stores of Belmore Street offering clothing, books, holiday gear, gourmet treats, unique gifts and much more. For more information go to www.yarrawongamulwala.com.au.

Tour Yarrawonga Mulwala with experiences of the Red Gum forest, wildlife and nature, enhanced by the sounds of paddle wheels splashing and old whistles tooting.

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