Wherefore art thou Omeo?

By Darren Stones

Located on the Great Alpine Road in Victoria, Omeo is a town where fresh mountain air and picture-perfect scenery are just two of the town’s attractions.

Omeo countryside

The Oriental Claims Historic Area is ideal for those who like to fossick, discover small particles of gold and stretch their legs. With walking tracks and a picnic area, it’s ideal for a short trip from Omeo.

Omeo Post Office

The Historic Museum encapsulates Omeo’s past. Browse through the artefacts, the courthouse and outbuildings of a bygone era.

Omeo village

For a meal, and a beverage or three, try the Hilltop Hotel adjacent to the Omeo Motel. It’s a short staggering distance between the two establishments and therefore perfectly located. The locals in the pub might look rough round the edges, but they are friendly and they’ll say “G’day” with a smile.

Rolling hills and landscape

Accommodation:
Omeo Motel
43 Park Street Omeo VIC
Phone: 03 5159 1297
http://www.omeomotel.com.au/

Attractions:
Oriental Claims Historic Area
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=168

Omeo Historic Park & Museum
Great Alpine Road Omeo VIC
Phone: 03 5159 1515
http://www.omeo.org.au/park/

Hotel:
Hilltop Hotel
107 Day Street Omeo VIC
Phone: 03 5159 1303
http://www.aussiepubs.com.au/pubs/omeo/index.htm

Bright Autumn Festival - a festival that leaves you wanting more

By Darren Stones

Crisp morning air, the rising mist and the falling of autumn leaves await you in Bright, Victoria this autumn.

Centenary Park, Bright

Find time between Saturday April 25 and Wednesday May 6, 2009 to attend the Bright Autumn Festival. The Gala Day is the biggest and brightest day during the festival with a street parade featuring brass bands, vintage cars and street entertainment.

Delany Avenue, Bright

Information:
Bright Autumn Festival
http://www.brightautumnfestival.org.au/

Accommodation:
High Country Motor Inn
13-17 Great Alpine Road Bright VIC
Phone: 03 5755 1244
http://highcountry.bestwestern.com.au/

Dining:
Alpine Hotel
7-9 Anderson Street Bright VIC
Phone: 03 5755 1366
http://www.aussiepubs.com.au/pubs/albright/index.htm

Beechworth – worth its weight in gold

By Darren Stones

In the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Beechworth is a sight to behold in autumn. With tree lined streets ablaze with colour and a lolly shop to satisfy the choosiest of sweet tooth’s, pack up the car and spend a few days exploring its history.

Loch Street, Beechworth

Beechworth was the town where Ned Kelly won a bare knuckled boxing match which lasted 20 rounds. Today, visitors can experience the one hour Ned Kelly Guided Walking tour that departs from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre in Ford Street.

Ford Street, Beechworth

Fancy a pie or a coffee and cake? The Beechworth Bakery is a magnet for those with the munchies. The original single storey bakery was erected in 1857, and since then it’s been added to and undergone numerous renovations.

Beechworth Bakery, Beechworth

With fancy street lights and architecture of a bygone gold-mining era, Beechworth is a town that has retained its charm. The Post Office and former Bank of Victoria are two fine buildings which attract the eye at the intersection of Ford and Camp Streets.

Former State Bank of Victoria, Beechworth

Post Office, Beechworth

Intersection of Ford and Camp Streets, Beechworth

The historic and cultural precinct features buildings such as the Gold Warden’s Office and Bush Telegraph Station. Most buildings in the precinct are open for inspection. Check for opening hours.

Gold Warden's Office, Beechworth

A late afternoon stroll can be taken along the shore of Lake Sambell and a picnic area with gas BBQs is located by the lake in the Rotary Park.

Lake Sambell, Beechworth

Spring Creek and the Gorge Scenic Drive are a must. Within a short distance from the town centre, there are waterfalls and rugged granite outcrops.

Spring Creek, Beechworth

Beechworth images for sale here

Attractions:

Beechworth Visitor Information Centre
Town Hall
Ford Street Beechworth VIC
Phone: 03 5728 8065
http://www.beechworthonline.com.au/

Munchies:

Beechworth Bakery
27 Camp Street Beechworth VIC
Phone: 03 5728 1132
http://www.beechworthbakery.com.au/

The Beechworth Sweet Company
7 Camp Street Beechworth VIC
Phone: 03 5728 2060
http://www.beechworthsweetco.com.au/

Accommodation:

Beechworth Motor Inn
54 Sydney Road Beechworth VIC
Phone: 03 5728 1301
http://www.beechworthmotorinn.com.au/
Proprietors: Robert and Jenelle Ransom

Dining:

Tanswells Commercial Hotel – opened 1853
50 Ford Street Beechworth VIC
Phone: 03 5728 1480
www.beechworthonline.com.au/accom_result1/tanswells-commercial-hotel

Hibernian Hotel – established 1868
40 Camp Street Beechworth VIC
Phone: 03 5728 2028
http://www.hibernianhotel.com.au/