Myrtleford

Nestled on the banks of the Ovens River at the foot of the Victorian Alps, Myrtleford is a sun-drenched gateway to the High Country. This former gold-rush town has reinvented itself as a laid-back food and wine hub, where tobacco farms have given way to olive groves, vineyards and hop fields. The surrounding landscape of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks is a magnet for cyclists, anglers and leaf-peepers in autumn.

Highlights & What to See

• Myrtleford Farmers’ Market: Stock up on local cheeses, smoked trout, hazelnuts and cool-climate wines every third Saturday of the month.
• Alpine Trout Farm: Feed rainbow trout in crystal-clear ponds and buy fresh, smoked or vacuum-packed fish to take away.
• Great Alpine Road: A scenic drive that climbs from Myrtleford to the alpine village of Mount Hotham, passing waterfalls and lookout points.
• Buffalo River Rail Trail: Walk or cycle this 16-km rail trail along the Buffalo River, with picnic spots and birdlife aplenty.
• Myrtleford Winery: Taste cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Prosecco at cellar doors such as Boynton’s Feathertop Winery or Michelini Wines.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two days is ideal for Myrtleford: day one for the farmers’ market (if timed right), a cellar-door lunch and a gentle bike ride along the rail trail; day two for a drive up the Great Alpine Road to Bright and beyond. The town itself is compact, so you can easily stretch a coffee and a wander through its leafy main street into a half-day stop.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bright: A 15-minute drive north, this alpine resort town is famous for its autumn colours, craft breweries and the Canyon Walk.
• Beechworth: A 25-minute drive west, a gold-rush gem with a beautifully preserved historic precinct, honey tastings and a renowned bakery.
• Mount Buffalo National Park: A 20-minute drive east, offering granite boulders, waterfalls and the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet.
• Wangaratta: A 30-minute drive north-west, the gateway to the King Valley wine region and the Milawa Gourmet Region.
• Ovens Valley: The valley itself is a scenic corridor of vineyards, orchards and the Ovens River, perfect for a self-drive itinerary.

Please check official sources for current details.