Myrtleford

Quick Facts

• Population approximately - 3,200
• 290 kilometers from Melbourne, 3 hours
• A town rich in tobacco history

Positioned with a dramatic backdrop of Mount Buffalo and situated right on the beautiful Ovens River, Myrtleford is situated as the gateway to the alpine resorts and Victoria's Alpine High Country. It was a thriving goldmining centre in the 1850s, before Chinese settlers began planting tobacco which is part of Myrtleford's history.

First known as Myrtle Creek Run in the early 1800s, Myrtleford later became established on the Buckland Track by the District Surveyor in 1858.

Hops and tobacco have been grown on the rich alluvial flats of the Ovens and Buffalo Rivers around Myrtleford since the mid-1880s. A diverse horticulture industry exists in the area with vineyards, vegetables, berries and nuts, lavender, olives and vegetables complimenting the many other traditional agricultural pursuits of beef and fodder production.  Positioned near Mount Buffalo and situated by the Ovens River, Myrtleford is also surrounded by pine plantations, with timber being a major industry in the town.

Things To Do

• Step outside and you’ll unearth a multitude of options: golf, tennis, bowls, bocce, walking trails, swimming spots, BBQ and picnic facilities and historical attractions.
• Take a leisurely stroll around town and follow the Discovery Trail – a great way to explore and discover Myrtleford’s past and present, our lifeblood of culture and agriculture and the beauty of our environment.
• Take a walk to Reform Hill from the historic Gold Stamper situated on the Great Alpine Road. Refurbished walking track with interpretive signage opened in April 2006.
• Visit the Big Tree, a huge ancient Red Gum in Smith Street, then go on to see the Phoenix Tree, sculptured by Hans Knorr on the Great Alpine Road just past the Prince Street corner.
• See the Linden Tree, one of Germany’s beautiful street trees. This fine specimen is reputed to be well over 100 years of age and is situated beside the Historic House in Albert Street.
• Nearby, Lake Buffalo offers fishing, swimming, boating, water sports and canoeing on the lake.
• You'll also find the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail running through this pretty town, offering you the choice of hiring a bike and exploring many of the wineries and farm gates dotted in and close to town, by bike.
• Sample some of food and wine from one of Victoria's most exciting new cool climate wine and fresh produce regions. Explore the wineries, cafes and restaurants for food and wine with a delicious Italian influence.
• Walk through town from the Tennis Courts to the picturesque swing bridge along the banks of Myrtle Creek. Fish in season – you may catch a trout. Walk from the swing bridge to Jaycees Park and view the old agricultural machinery on display.
• Picnic in the town centre at Jubilee Park, or at Rotary Park on the Barwidgee and Happy Valley Creeks where you can see a log kiln of yesteryear used for curing tobacco. There are barbeques, swimming, playground and toilet facilities. A swing bridge links leads to short enjoyable walk to the river junction. Maybe have a fish at the junction of the three streams.
• Lovers of architecture should snap a shot of some of our more interesting buildings: Old School Museum in Elgin St, the Myrtleford Library (Myrtleford Shire Council Chambers 1960 circa) in Standish Street, St. Pauls Anglican Church - Clyde Street, St.Mary's Catholic Church in Lawrence Street, Michelini Wines, TAFCO Rural Supplies and the old Butter Factory all along the Great Alpine Road….just to name a few.

Events

• Myrtleford Bush Market – First Friday in January
• Myrtleford Festival – March Labour Day Weekend
• Lawn Tennis Tournament - Easter Annually
• Agricultural Show - October annually
• Golden Spurs Rodeo - Boxing Day Annually
• Produce Market - Saturday mornings January - March
• Flea Market - 2nd Saturday Monthly

How to get there

Myrtleford is just three hours drive from Melbourne, seven hours drive from Sydney and five hours from Canberra. The Hume Highway and other great roads, such as the Great Alpine Road, make this journey a dream.

The nearest commercial airport is Albury. Transport from Albury airport to Myrtleford by car is approximately one hour. There is also an airport at Mount Hotham and airfields at Mount Beauty and Porepunkah.

V/Line runs a bus that connects to the train in Wangaratta to and from Melbourne. For general enquiries please contact V/Line on 136 196