High Country Life

Whether you’re an adventurer or a nature lover, Omeo is a great base for exploring Victoria’s High Country.

A short drive south from Omeo is the pristine Mitta Mitta River Gorge where you can take on some epic white water rafting. You’ll also find plenty of outdoor activities nearby, including mountain biking and skiing.

About Omeo

The picturesque hamlet of Omeo is located in an attractive open and undulating plain, surrounded by high mountain ranges on the Great Alpine Road, 400 km east of Melbourne. The town has a history of gold mining, sheep grazing and cattle ranching.

The Omeo region is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, with a variety of attractions to suit all interests. It is also an excellent base for visiting the nearby alpine resorts of Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain.

It is also a popular stopover on the way to or from Melbourne and is often used as an overnight accommodation destination before heading off to the ski fields. It offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, a chance to recharge your batteries and a taste of something new and different.

There is a wealth of history in Omeo and many of its buildings have survived despite being built during a period of significant change and development in the region. There are many historic areas of interest including the Oriental Claims Historic Area which contains remnants of the gold rush era of 1851.

Another historical site is the Justice Precinct in Omeo which houses a working court house that was constructed in 1893. This building was designed by A.J. MacDonald, who was responsible for a number of Victorian public buildings.

A number of other interesting attractions in the area are also well worth a visit. Among these are the Omeo German Cuckoo Clock Shop and Gallery, where you can purchase maps and books about the region’s history, or the resident artist Terry Petersen, who has mastered traditional landscape paintings of the mountains.

Several rivers and creeks in the region provide excellent fishing opportunities, and the Cobungra River, Bundara River, Big River and Mitta Mitta River around Anglers Rest offer white water rafting.

As a winter destination, the Omeo region is ideal for all kinds of snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. There are also a number of alpine resorts and scenic lookouts close by.

Accommodation

Located in Victoria’s high country, Omeo is a great base to explore all that this beautiful part of the state has to offer. It’s got a nice town centre and a great location for day trips to Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain.

Omeo is also the starting point for several of the region’s most popular peaks including Mount Baxter, Mt Stirling and Mt Feathertop. The area is home to some of the most impressive skiing and snowboarding in Australia, making it the perfect place for a family ski holiday or a winter break with friends.

A few hotels and lodges in the area offer a good night’s sleep after a long day on the slopes or adventuring around the mountains. For the budget conscious, a couple of great places to stay include the Snug as a Bug Motel and the Colonial Motel. Both offer well appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi and a kitchenette, along with other amenities suited to the discerning holiday maker. It’s also worth noting that the town of Omeo is a pleasant place to spend a few days, despite the fact it’s a bit out of the way from Victoria’s biggest city of Albury.

Activities

Omeo is an enchanting small town that sits on the edge of Victoria’s Great Alpine Road. A trip to Omeo gives you a chance to experience some of the best High Country scenery in Australia, from spectacular mountain ranges to crystal clear rivers and lakes.

A thriving community, Omeo has a range of interesting activities and attractions to enjoy during your stay. From the town’s iconic museum and historic courthouse, to a wacky bike race sculpture series and some of Victoria’s most exciting white water rafting, this small town has plenty to offer visitors.

Take a walk around the museum and learn about the region’s rich heritage from one of the many informative displays. The museum also houses a collection of local artefacts and history that was lovingly collected by the Omeo Historical Society.

Another great place to visit is the Omeo Historical Park & Museum, which offers the chance to step back in time and discover the town’s fascinating gold mining history. It has a museum, the town’s original courthouse and log jail, and a few other buildings that were built during the gold rush days.

This is a great place to go with kids and families, as they will love seeing how this little village has developed over the years. The museum has a range of different rooms, some focusing on specific topics such as Chinese history, and others with quirky knick-knacks, vintage toys, and classic pieces of art.

The town is also a popular destination for mountain biking, with a world class pump track just a short drive away. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, the Omeo Makers Market showcases affordable contemporary pieces from brilliant local artists, and there are some great cafes to check out along Creek Street.

For more action, the Mitta Mitta River Gorge is a fantastic location to try your hand at white water rafting. Gushing with alpine water straight from the mountains, it’s a great spot for beginners and experts alike.

There are also a number of other things to do in Omeo, including taking a dip in the natural swimming hole in Livingstone Creek. Other options include fishing in the river, or visiting a local brewery and enjoying a craft beer.

Things to do in Omeo

The small Victorian town of Omeo is an ideal base to explore North East Victoria and the high country. It’s a five hour drive from Melbourne and offers accommodation, shops and plenty of things to see and do in the region.

There’s lots to keep you busy in Omeo, from exploring the historic gold diggings at Oriental Claims to taking a stroll through Omeo Historic Park and Museum or visiting Mt Kosciuszko Lookout. It’s also home to a great selection of art galleries, with some well-established names on display.

If you’re a fan of the arts, then it’s worth stopping at Omeo Makers Market, which showcases affordable contemporary pieces by local artists and is a must-visit for those looking to stock up on local art or gifts. You’ll even find a series of imaginatively wacky bike race sculptures along Creek Street that’ll delight the kids and adults alike.

You can also take a tour of the Omeo Historic Museum, which features the original 1861 courthouse and ‘new’ one built in 1893, as well as the Old Pender’s Court hut and the 1858 log jail where prisoners were locked up for the most part until 1981. The museum also has a range of displays and photographs from the gold rush era and is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys history.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Alpine National Park has much to offer. You can ski, snowboard or simply relax on a snow-filled day at Mitta Mitta River Gorge, and there are numerous other activities you can try in the region including white water rafting and mountain biking.

To get the best out of your holiday, it’s important to choose a good balance of activities for all members of your party. You can find a fantastic mixture of experiences in North East Victoria, from the high country to the valleys around Ensay, and you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.

For a truly unique experience, a rafting adventure with Rafting Australia is hard to beat. They arrange transfers from Omeo to Mitta Mitta and will provide all the equipment you’ll need. You can choose from a variety of rafting options, from white water rafting to scenic river cruises.