Wangaratta

With its broad main street, historic buildings and riverside parklands, Wangaratta offers all the services of a bustling rural city and the warm welcome of a traditional country town. Its country-style hospitality, range of events and attractions makes Wangaratta a popular touring hub for those exploring the region. A short drive in any direction will lead you to great wineries, gourmet food, spectacular scenery and historic towns. Time your visit to coincide with one of the city's many memorable festivals and events. The three-day multi award winning Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, held annually in hotels, concert venues and nearby wineries, is one of the biggest jazz events in Australia. Wangaratta is also the starting point for two distinct touring routes. Cycle or walk a section of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, or take a scenic tour along the Great Alpine Road, which extends from Wangaratta across the alps all the way to Bairnsdale and the Gippsland Lakes. Delve deeper into Wangaratta's bushranger and gold history. Visit the grave of the infamous bushranger, Mad Dog Morgan, at the Wangaratta Cemetery or head to Power's Lookout off the Whitfield&Mansfield Road, where bushranger Harry Power kept watch for approaching troopers. Stop at the nearby town of Eldorado where you'll find Cock's Eldorado Dredge which was built in 1936 for deep mining gold and tin. Follow the Dredge Walk and see the restoration of this gold mining relic. Wangaratta is 235 kilometres or just over 2.5 hours' drive north of Melbourne along the Hume Highway.