Pieces of Omeo
Located on the Great Alpine Road and surrounded by wooded hills, Omeo is a small pioneering village with a population of approximately 300 residents.
This historic mountain township, situated 400 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, is known for its gold mining history, high country cattle grazing and historic buildings.
Omeo dates back to the goldrush of the 1850s when it had the reputation as one of the toughest and remotest towns in Victoria. The town’s history inspired its first magistrate, Judge Browne, better known as early Australian novelist Rolf Boldrewood, to write the novel Robbery under Arms (1888).
The main street, Day Avenue, meanders through the town and the local Visitor Information Centre, located in the German Cuckoo Clock Shop, can be found there. This is the place to pick up information on the Alpine National Park and the historic mining locale, the Oriental Claims.
Omeo lies on the edge of the Snowy Mountains and has a number of memorable attractions including the A.M. Pearson Historical Park which is the town’s original courthouse, post office, log lockup, blacksmith shop, stables and waterwheel. The Historic Park is the original police precinct, housing the log gaol (1858) and the courthouse (1892). Take a tour and discover colourful stories and scandals of the town’s golden days.
Visitors can admire panoramic views of the Victorian Alps and surrounding countryside at the Kosciusko Lookout just outside the town. Omeo is a good spot for four-wheel driving along the 17-kilometre Knocker Track and fishing for trout in the nearby Mitta Mitta and Cobungra rivers. Thrill seekers can try a white water rafting trip down the Mitta Mitta River and bush walkers can go walking on the Bogong High Plains.
In winter there is cross-country skiing at nearby Dinner Plain or at Mount Hotham, 40 minutes away, which is renowned for magnificent downhill runs. Omeo is the southern access route to Mount Hotham and in summer is a popular base for exploring the Alpine National Park.
Local hotels like the Golden Age Hotel, which dates back to the 1800s, offer meals in their dining rooms and country style accommodation. The old Bank House is now a cosy bed and breakfast and Snug as a Bug is a popular motel. A new addition is
Twinkles, a cafe centrally located on Day Avenue that opened in January and serves High Country breakfasts and tasty lunches.
Out of the town there is famous Blue Duck Inn Hotel, on the Omeo Highway at Anglers Rest, one of the remotest hotels in the High Country and everyone's idea of what an Australian bush pub should be.
Located on the banks of the Cobungra River, the pub is surrounded by pristine forests and some of the country's best trout fishing spots. Unlucky anglers can head to the Blue Duck Inn and dine on trout (one of the ones that didn't get away), a venison pie or an aged high country steak. The meals are delicious and are prepared from the freshest produce. The pasta is made from fresh free-range eggs from the chooks across the river.
Major events
Up the Creek Lawn Mower Championships – January
Cold Country Hereford sale – March
Alpine Discovery Festival – Championship Woodchop and Festival – March
Omeo Rodeo – Easter Saturday
Geebung Polo Match – Easter Sunday
International Back to Back Wool Challenge – June
Omeo Agricultural Show – November.
How to get there
Omeo is approximately 5.5 hours drive from Melbourne along the Princes and Omeo Highways.
For more information go to visitvictoria.com