Wangaratta accommodation from AU$86

Established around the intersection of the Ovens and King Rivers, Wangaratta was discovered by explorers navigating the Ovens River in 1824. Like many river towns, it started out as a punt crossing, which drew people through the area. After being surveyed by Robert Hovell in 1848, the town was named Wangaratta, after the native Aboriginal words ‘wonga’ (resting place of the wonga) and ‘ratta’ (meeting place of the rivers). By 1863, Wangaratta had banks, flour mills, breweries, an inn, a racecourse and a number of churches. Today, the city has bloomed to a population of 18,000 and is considered the regional capital.

To really get to know the city, take part in the Wangaratta Guided Walking Tour, which leaves from the Visitor Information Centre every Saturday at 10.00am. A local guide will take you on a journey through the city’s historic remains, give you some great insider tips and share stories that only a local could know. If you really dig museums and history, then also check out the Wangaratta Historical Museum.

If museums aren’t your thing but you do love your wine, the Vine Hotel Cellar Museum might just change your mind. At the gateway to the north-east gourmet region, Wangaratta sits amongst a region renowned for its fresh produce and wine – with some of the highest altitude vineyards in the country. Brown Brothers, Chrismont and Ciccone are among the closest wineries to Wangaratta, with more awaiting you along King Valley Prosecco Road. Beer-lovers, don’t frown. Boutique beer brewers also call this region home.

While you can get here by rail or bus – or by flying into nearby Albury – you really need a car to enjoy what’s on offer in the region. If you don’t make the drive, via the Hume Highway, the scenic Great Alpine Road or the Murray Valley Highway, then car hire companies are available locally. Once you have wheels, you can also set off to explore the Warby Range State Park, Mt Buffalo and Salisbury Falls. There are bushwalks, bike rides and wildlife-viewing opportunities to get your heart racing – or settle back and explore the gold rush township of Eldorado.

One last thing you just can’t miss is the Ned Kelly Touring Route. With Glenrowan just south of Wangaratta, it’s the site of the Kelly Gang’s last stand-off. Where else in Australia can you find this piece of Australian history? With all that history, wine and natural beauty on its doorstep, Wangaratta is the perfect place to get to know country Victoria. So wot are you waiting for? Book your Wangaratta hotel with us today!