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Harrietville

Harrietville

The Sub-Alpine village of Harrietville settled in 1852, is located on the beautiful Ovens River and nestled in the valley at the base of Mt Hotham. Situated on The Great Alpine Road, the township is the last village before the majestic scenic drive thru the Alpine National Park to Mt Hotham and beyond. Harrietville gave skiing a boost in the 1930s and 40s by providing a service that escorted groups to ski at Hotham or Mt Feathertop. In the years before World War II, mountain or snow tourism on foot and horseback were provided from Harrietville. Today a variety of business services are available to encourage visitors to explore the high country all year round. This includes the towns gourmet cafés, winter ski hire and diverse accommodation options: hotel/motels, group lodges, caravan park, B&Bs and self contained units.

Harrietville offers a unique destination in Summer, Winter, Autumn and Spring. Explore the town's many walking and bicycle trails, enjoy the safe rambling rivers for swimming and fishing, catch a trout at the local trout farm, enjoy the tastes of local made produce or pick your own berries from local farms. Harrietville offers a range of outdoor activities to entertain its guests and visitors all year round.

Quick facts

  • Population approximately 500
  • 332 kilometres north-east of Melbourne on the Great Alpine Road
  • Located at the foothills of the Victorian High Country
  • Close to Mt Hotham and Bright.

Activities and attractions

  • Enjoy a relaxing picnic, barbecue or swim at the beautiful Tronoh dredge hole, a reminder of the gold mining history and now the townships swimming lake
  • Visit Harrietville Historic Museum, Pioneer Park and Cassidy's garden
  • Experience the thrill and adventure of walking the world renowned Mt Feathertop along the Bungalow Spur and Razorback Tracks
  • Explore the numerous 4x4 off road tracks. Self drive options or adventure guided tours available
  • Ride a bike or walk along a selection of the mountain trails including the Bon Accord Track, Blanket Creek and Charlie Miley walking track
  • Stroll along the riverside walking paths that circle the town, a free town map is available from the Visitor Information Centre and most commercial operators
  • Visit and taste the fare of gourmet local producers at Grannies Pantry, Lavender Farm & Feathertop Berries
  • Explore Mount Buffalo National Park, a short drive from Harrietville. An all-seasons park, Mount Buffalo has sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums and stunning views
  • In Winter hit the slopes at Mt Hotham or Falls Creek, using Harrietville as a base for day trips or longer stays.

Events

  • Whitehorse Orchestra music camp – January
  • Bush Markets – Easter and 2nd Sunday January
  • Spinners & Weavers Guild – March
  • 4x4 Drive for life Fundraiser – April
  • Bluegrass Music convention – November
  • Four Peaks Challenge – Melbourne Cup Week-end.

How to get there

Harrietville is 332 kilometers from Melbourne on the Great Alpine Road Access is from the Hume Freeway at Wangaratta. You can also reach Harrietville via the Princes Highway through Bairnsdale and then onto the Omeo Highway and over the High Plains on the Great Alpine Road.