Photo: Mattinbgn / CC BY-SA 3.0
Nestled in the fertile Ovens Valley at the foot of the Victorian Alps, Myrtleford is a laid-back country town that surprises with its sophisticated food and wine scene. Once a tobacco-growing hub, it has reinvented itself around cool-climate wines, craft breweries, and a thriving local produce culture. The surrounding landscape of rolling hills, pine forests, and alpine peaks makes it a perfect base for outdoor adventures year-round.
Highlights & What to See
- Myrtleford Wine Region: Taste elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines at cellar doors like Boynton’s Feathertop Winery and Gapsted Wines, both offering stunning views of the Buffalo River valley.
- Great Alpine Road: Drive this scenic route through the town, linking the Yarra Valley to the High Country; stop at the Myrtleford Lookout for panoramic vistas.
- Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: Cycle or walk this 100-km trail that passes through Myrtleford, with gentle gradients and river crossings; hire a bike from local operators.
- Myrtleford Farmers Market: Held on the third Saturday of each month, stock up on local cheeses, olives, chestnuts, and seasonal fruit from the region’s producers.
- Buffalo River: Swim, fish, or picnic along its banks; the river is a favourite for kayaking and canoeing after spring rains.
Suggested Time to Spend
Give Myrtleford at least two days: one to explore the wineries and the rail trail, and another to drive the Great Alpine Road into the High Country or head south to the Alpine National Park. If you’re a keen cyclist or hiker, consider three days to fully enjoy the network of trails and peaks.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Bright: 20 minutes east, this alpine village is famous for its autumn colours, craft beer scene, and access to Mount Buffalo National Park.
- Beechworth: 40 minutes north, a historic gold-rush town with well-preserved buildings, a renowned bakery, and Ned Kelly connections.
- Mount Buffalo National Park: 30 minutes south, offering granite boulders, waterfalls, and hiking trails like the Eurobin Falls walk.
- Wangaratta: 45 minutes west, at the junction of the Ovens and King rivers, with a lively arts scene and the annual Wangaratta Festival of Jazz.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Bright — Dimitry B / CC BY 2.0
- Beechworth — fir0002 flagstaffotos [at] gmail.com Canon 20D + Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 / GFDL 1.2
- Mount Buffalo National Park — Zoltan Olah / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Wangaratta — Mark Greenhill / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Great Alpine Road — Lauri Väin / CC BY 2.0
- Murray to Mountains Rail Trail — philip.mallis / CC BY-SA 2.0