Colours of Autumn in the Victorian Alpine Region

Today we head off early along the Happy Valley Road to the village of Mount Beauty, along the way taking in the beautiful vistas of the valley and surrounding mountains. On arrival we enjoy a cuppa and take in the scenery from the shores of the Mount Beauty Pondage. At the Mount Beauty Information Centre and Museum we enjoy a talk on the history of the Kiewa Valley Hydro scheme before a self-guided tour through the museum. We then make our way along the Tawonga Gap Road enjoying stops at Sullivans Lookout and Tawonga Gap Lookout to take in the magical autumn vistas. At the majestic Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm we receive an introduction talk on the 70-acre farm before enjoying a light lunch while taking in the stunning alpine views including the beautiful Mount Buffalo National Park. Following lunch there will be time to browse the shop and chance to feed, touch and learn about deer, emus and ostriches. Its then back to Myrtleford to catch up with our local historian for an overview of the tobacco growing industry. Starting at the Old School Museum which provides an interesting insight into the township and tobacco industry which was driven mostly by the large number of Italian migrants who settled down in this region in the 1920’s. Our day complete and after a rest back at the motel we meet up for a drink before dinner.

Overnight Myrtleford: Motel on Alpine

After breakfast we travel back across the valley to Bright where we will be joined by Helen, our local guide who will take us for a highlights tour of Bright and Porepunkah. We then travel out through the National Trust registered Wandiligong Valley to the village of Wandiligong viewing orchards, tobacco farms, nut orchards and autumn colours of the towering Wandi Poplars along the way. We call in at Nightingale Brothers, the producers of crisp juicy apples, chestnuts and persimmons. 5 Acres Bar and Kitchen provides the perfect setting for lunch before heading back into Bright to experience the delightful Elm Haven Garden. Back across in Myrtleford there will be time to take a stroll in town or walk all or part of the Myrtleford Mosaic Trail. This evening we enjoy dinner next door at Club Savoy.

Overnight Myrtleford: Motel on Alpine

This morning we travel up to Beechworth and meet up with our local historian at the Town Hall Gardens Rotunda before enjoying our Gold Rush Walking Tour. On the completion of our tour we enjoy a cuppa by the coach in the parklands alongside the Beechworth Tourist Centre. We then tour the Old Beechworth Gaol, one of Australia’s most significant post-European cultural sites. Its role in the chain of events that led to the execution of Ned Kelly is significant as it housed Ned’s mother, Ellen Kelly, many of the Kelly sympathisers and Ned himself, alongside his brother Dan and the rest of the Kelly gang. We then break for some free time in town to enjoy browsing through some of the unique shops and purchase lunch from one of the many eateries including the iconic Beechworth Bakery. This afternoon on our return back to Myrtleford we stop by Gapsted Winery and Cellar Door for tastings and yummy cheese platters to enjoy while admiring the striking views of the Alpine Valley. After a relaxing afternoon we arrive back at the motel with time to relax before our pre dinner drink and meal.

Overnight Myrtleford: Motel on Alpine

Today we travel back across to Bright where we take a look through the Bright and District Historical Society Museum situated in the heritage listed old Bright Railway Station. We then take some time to enjoy the Alan Findlay Memorial Gala Day with markets, live music in the streets. We then enjoy some leisure time in Bright, browsing some unique shopping and meeting the local characters. Later in the afternoon we head to our last stop for the day which is at the Australian Pumpkin Seed Company which specialises specifically in growing a special variety of heirloom pumpkin originating in the founding family’s homeland Slovenia. After a relaxing drive back to Myrtleford we enjoy a freshen up before our farewell drink and dinner.

Overnight Myrtleford: Motel on Alpine

After breakfast we farewell our hosts and begin our drive back down to Melbourne. Across in Glenrowan we stop for a browse and group photo with Big Ned before continuing down the Hume Highway to Fowles Wine and Farm Store, Cellar Door and Restaurant. Enjoy a private farm-to-table dining experience in the Wine Shed, with platters of delicious appetisers, mains and main accompaniments to share and paired with a glass of wine, providing the perfect finale to our time away. We arrive back in Melbourne later this afternoon after our wonderful 6 day Colours of Autumn in the Victoria Alpine Region Tour with Trade Travel.

Flight details: Melbourne - Sydney/Adelaide/Brisbane (flight times to be advised)