Mansfield
Just a scenic 2-hour drive from Melbourne, the country town of Mansfield feels like it is a million miles away from city life. With mountains dominating the horizon and a community that includes many of the original cattlemen’s families, there is no place that embodies the spirit and tradition of the High Country more than Mansfield does.
In the colder months Mansfield is a great starting point for visitors to the region’s winter playground, with Mount Buller only 45km away. Mount Buller has a great variety of skiing terrains from beginner’s runs to some of the most challenging runs in the country and is Victoria’s largest ski resort. Nearby Mount Stirling provides excellent cross country skiing, with many well-marked trails taking you through beautiful sheltered forest of alpine ash on the lower slopes and snow gum woodlands higher up towards the open plains on the summit.
Up the mountain
In the summer months the mountains have plenty to keep you amused. Seek out the walking trails that lead you across the plains of wildflowers to the summit. These trails offer views of Lake Eildon, the Howqua Valley, Mount Buffalo and the peaks of the Alpine National Park. Follow the footsteps of the cattlemen who grazed their herds in the high country each summer and take the Klingsporn Track to Mirimbah at the foot of the mountain. You can also walk to Little Buller or Mount Stirling.
For some adrenalin pumping adventure on Mount Buller try hiring a mountain bike equipped with full suspension and head down one of the bike tracks underneath the Horse Hill Chairlift. For extended touring there are walking and bridle trails all over the region that are also suitable for cycling. Those with an adventurous spirit might also like to try abseiling and rock climbing on Mount Buller.
Down the rivers
The Howqua and Delatite Rivers are summer-time favourites of canoeists, kayakers and white water rafters. Rated from easy to challenging depending on the water level, the rivers normally have some quite difficult rapids which are dangerous when the waters are high and should only be tackled by those who are experienced.
Lake Eildon offers a range of water sports, and with over 500km of shoreline there are countless secluded fishing spots. Access to the northern side of the lake is via Bonnie Doon, Howqua, Mac’s Cove, Goughs Bay and Jamieson.
To the east and south east of the lake is the least developed part of the park around the Big and Jamieson Rivers. This is popular with anglers, 4-wheel drivers, kayakers, rafters and walkers, but the dense vegetation, abundant wildlife and steep sided valleys that make it popular also help to maintain its atmosphere of isolation. The area is dotted with sheltered and quiet camp sites at riverside clearings with facilities that range from very basic to nothing at all.
For those who prefer the comforts of home the townships of Eildon, Thornton and Alexandra offer good quality accommodation as well as shops for stocking up on food and other camping and fishing supplies. Alexandra also has craft and gift shops as well as some buildings that are of historic interest. At the base of the Snobs Creek Falls near Eildon there is a trout hatchery where fish are bred for release into Victorian waterways. The visitor centre here has some interesting displays as well as a touch tank where you can touch small trout.
Wangaratta
While it offers all the services of a bustling rural city, the broad main street, buildings and parklands of Wangaratta characterise this as a warm and welcoming country town.
Its country-style hospitality, range of events and attractions and its position at the centre of Legends, Wine and High Country means Wangaratta is a popular touring hub for those exploring this region.
Surrounded by undulating agricultural land available and encompassing the Milawa Gourmet Region, the Wangaratta district offers an array of fine wines, dining establishments and gourmet food producers.
Consider timing your visit to coincide with one of the many festivals and events which take place in the area. The multi award winning Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues held over three days and four nights in hotels, concert venues and nearby wineries is one of the biggest jazz events in Australia.
Just a few kilometres out of town the convention complex, Airworld, hosts the bi-annual Monaro gathering, which sees the town come alive with the roar of muscle engines. Airworld also houses a museum where you can see a collection of aviation memorabilia and some 40 vintage aircraft.
Wangaratta was once a supply town to the nearby goldfields, so there are many historic sites and buildings in the area to see such as the majestic Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral. You can also visit the grave of the infamous bushranger, ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan at the Wangaratta Cemetery.
The bloody siege and capture of the Kelly gang stands as perhaps the most famous episode of bushranger history in Australia. The site of this historic event is at nearby Glenrowan where the legend has been preserved by many Kelly related attractions. Nevertheless, folklore is not all that there is to Glenrowan, as well there are tearooms, a hotel, antique store and caravan park. The area also produces a wide variety of fruits, berries, and nuts, and is renowned as a premium wine producing area.
Benalla
Renowned for its beautiful and historic Botanic and Rose Gardens and set on Lake Benalla along the Broken River, Benalla is known as ‘The Rose City on the Lake’.
The city has every amenity, providing travellers along the Hume and Midland Highway with the perfect place to break their journey into Legends Wine and High Country. The gardens are a tranquil spot to take a picnic and make a good starting point for your exploration of some of Benalla’s prominent features including the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Memorial which is located within the gardens.
The Benalla Regional Art Gallery is a short stroll away on the edge of peaceful Lake Benalla. The gallery is internationally recognised for its fine collection of Australian art and is considered one of Victoria’s most important regional galleries. It has a fine collection of artworks on display and is a venue for national and international touring exhibitions. A tapestry of Sidney Nolan’s ‘Siege at Glenrowan’, depicting the capture of Australia’s most infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, now hangs in the gallery.
From the gallery you can walk across the Broken River bridge and view the fantastic, Gaudi-like Ceramic Mural that was created by local and visiting potters and has become one of Benalla’s icons.
Adjacent is the Costume and Pioneer Museum, which also houses the Visitor Information Centre. The museum displays a collection of exhibits from the region’s past, including well-preserved costumes dating back as far as 1770. You can stand inside the portable cell which once held Ned Kelly and view the rather gruesome relic of his blood-stained sash, said to be worn under the familiar armour at his final capture. There is also a tribute exhibition of memorabilia and information relating to the lives of Benalla’s famous sons, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, Captain Hector Waller and Michael J. Savage.
Linking all of Benalla’s lakeside attractions and many of its historic sites, is a delightful walking trail that circumnavigates the lake and leads through stands of native flora including magnificent river red gums. Nature lovers may also like to visit the nearby Warby Range and Mount Samaria State Parks.
If it is action you are after, the Gliding Club of Victoria, at Benalla Airport, is Australia’s largest gliding centre and visitors can experience the thrill of a joy flight or take lessons in how to pilot themselves skyward. Another popular destination is the Winton Motor Raceway, which is one of Victoria’s main motor-racing circuits and holds events every weekend.
