Whether to catch a glimpse of mining history, try a tipple of continental-style wine, or embark on an action-packed adventure, Wangaratta really does have it all
Sunsets over the river are something to behold
A cathedral city in the north-east of Victoria, Wangaratta has a lot to offer RVers travelling between Melbourne and Sydney along the Hume Highway. Some 250km from Melbourne, the city boasts walking and nature trails galore, an abundance of wineries and restaurants for foodie fanatics, and free riverside camping for self-contained vehicles seeking a little ‘serenity’.
Traditional owners of Wangaratta, the Panderang (Bangerang) people, have also helped to create the beautiful 2.4km Bullawah Cultural Trail, and there’s more cultural delights on display at the Wangaratta Art Gallery and Performing Arts Centre. Melissa Gonzalez, visitor information centre officer, says the best time to visit the town is in spring or autumn, when there are weekly events like wine tours or food festivals, and in November, for the town’s famous Jazz Festival.
BULLAWAH CULTURAL TRAIL
Winner of the Community HART (Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together) Award in 2017, the Bullawah Cultural Trail is a fascinating self-guided family experience which snakes 2.4km along the Ovens River.
Ms Gonzalez says: “It’s a beautiful flat, shady walk, and it’s very popular with visitors and locals as it’s right in the centre of town. Locals use it daily for running and walking the dogs, and most visitors use it as it’s very accessible.”
Along the trail, visitors can discover ancient Aboriginal stories like that of Mary Jane Milawa, grandmother to Uncle Freddie Dowling; tales of spirituality and family totems; modern art and sculpture created by Indigenous artists; interpretive signage for children of all ages; the historic Marmungun Rock; and the Bush Tucker Garden.
The making of the project brought together both Indigenous and non- Indigenous people and organisations. Uncle Freddie Dowling, who helped bring the project to life, says: “In our language, Bullawah signifies the two suspension bridges crossing the river as well as the joining of the two rivers and the coming together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Along the way, we share our culture, our ways of living and our stories with you.” The trail is accessible for cyclists, and walkers of all ages and abilities.
Eldorado Dredge is a fantastic, scenic fishing spot
GET INTO GEAR
Wangaratta is home to a vibrant cycling community, and has plenty of cycle tracks for visitors to tackle. Take a gentle pedal along one of the shared paths throughout the CBD, go mountain biking in the Warby Ovens National Park, experience the thrill of down hill through the Taminick Gap, or take the off-road rail trail loop to the foodie heaven Milawa Gourmet Region.
Ms Gonzalez says she loves exploring the city by bike: “My favourite things to do here are definitely the nature attractions. There are parks for easy strolls, lots of bike rides, and heaps of different watering holes to walk or cycle beside, or cool down in.”
Undoubtedly the most popular bike trail in the region is the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which winds its way through the diverse landscape of north-east Victoria, taking in natural bushland, abundant farmland, hidden valleys, and views of spectacular mountain ranges.
Along the way, no matter which route you choose, there’ll be gourmet produce, renowned wines, and handcrafted beer to try.
Bushtucker education
KEEP ON WALKING
There are plenty of areas of public land to explore on foot in Wangaratta too, especially around the town’s waterways. The town is characterised by its rivers and creeks, and Ovens River passes through Wangaratta from the alpine region, on its way to the Murray River and Bundalong. Fifteen Mile Creek is another waterway running through the town, where it splits into One Mile Creek and Three Mile Creek. Beaches, lagoons and islands make up this watery landscape, and there are eight marked trails to explore. Walking maps are available at the visitor centre. A town tour is also available on request at the visitor centre.
As well as short strolls, there are spectacular full day hikes to be trodden in surrounding national parks – Warby Ovens National Park, Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park and Alpine National Park.
The kids will love the fresh produce available
FEAST OUT
A day exploring Wangaratta is hungry, or more importantly, thirsty work. A central hub to the surrounding food and wine regions, Wangaratta makes for the ultimate foodie getaway. “The wineries are a bit of an institution here, and there are lots of top quality family restaurants too” says Ms Gonzalez, who grew up in the area.
Cooking schools, wineries, roadside stalls selling fresh produce, and the Milawa Cheese factory are all within a short drive of Wangaratta town centre, and tour operators coordinate day trips taking in all the best foodie highlights. Alternatively, readers of The Wanderer may prefer a self-drive foodie adventure.
Three main wine regions are in easy reach of Wangaratta. The Glenrowan wine region is renowned for its full-bodied reds, especially its shiraz, and fragrant whites. Legend has it that infamous outlaw Ned Kelly assisted the Bailey family in planting their very first grapevines in the region. Black Dog Brewery and Booth’s Taminick Cellars are also worthwhile nearby stops.
The King Valley wine region is home to Australian favourites Pizzini Wines and Dal Zotto Wines, but has also become the premier Italian varietal wine producing region in Australia. Discover artisan farmers markets and cheese makers here too. Beechworth wine region is also home to makers of the finest chardonnay and pinot noir – Indigo Vineyard and Amulet Vineyard.
A spot of fishing on the river
RIVERSIDE CAMPING
After a busy day exploring, there’s nothing better than winding down at a tranquil camping area. There are three caravan parks in Wangaratta for campers to choose from: Painters Island Caravan Park is on the banks of the Ovens River and connects to the town via a footbridge; BIG4 North Cedars Holiday Park Wangaratta has powered and unpowered sites; and Wangaratta Caravan Park is only a 15 minute stroll to the town centre.
For campers looking for something a little more wild, several free camping spots are available around the town, four of which are along the idyllic banks of the Ovens River. The two most central free camps are Frosts Reserve and Ovens Billabong, and there’s also camping in the Brown Brother staff car park. A free dump point is available at Wareena Park.
BYO dog to the Black Dog Brewery
WANGARATTA AND BEYOND
“Wangaratta is a really great place to base yourself to explore the Murray River and to experience high country snow” says Ms Gonzalez. Surrounding towns and regions include the Milawa Gourmet Region, one of Victoria’s oldest foodie haunts with Italian wines and al fresco dining – make sure you stop at the Milawa Cheese Factory, Milawa Mustards, Brown Brothers and The Olive Shop. Glenrowan and King Valley are also nearby, with yet more wineries, waterfalls and free camping options. Nearby Eldorado has an interesting mining history, fossicking opportunities, and features the smallest pub in Victoria. Free camping and hot showers are available in the Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park.
No more than one hour outside of Wangaratta are the snowy hills of Bright, Benalla with its street art and silo trail, and wine regions, Beechworth and Rutherglen.
