North East Victoria is a favourite holiday destination, traditionally centred around Bright. However there are many varied locations within the area on both sides of the Hume Freeway, ranging from the Murray River to the heights of Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo.
With something for every season, we could plan several 5 day holidays without revisiting the same attractions!
Accommodation for this holiday is at the 4-star Gateway Motor Inn at Wangaratta. It has been highly recommended by Young at Heart passengers for many years and boasts excellent food, friendly service, relaxing bar area, comfortable rooms and a lift to the 2nd floor.
Relax and enjoy Victoria’s north east.
Day 1 (L,D) HOME, WANGARATTA
Following metropolitan home/hotel pick up (interstate passengers arrive day prior) we travel via Healesville over the Black Spur through the Great Dividing Range to Mansfield. During the afternoon we continue via Tolmie to Powers Lookout, once a bushranger’s hideaway. Great views over the King Valley. On to Wangaratta and our home for four nights, Gateway Motor Inn, Wangaratta.
Day 2 (B,L,D) COROWA, YARRAWONGA, LAKE MULWALA
This morning we visit Corowa and the Federation Museum. On to Byramine Homestead, a substantial, early and intact country homestead built in 1842 for Elizabeth Hume, the widow of explorer John Kennedy Hume who was murdered by bushrangers at Gunning in 1840. His more famous brother, Hamilton Hume, took up the run on her behalf. Enchanting gardens add to the peace and tranquillity of this charming property. Enjoy lunch here today. During the afternoon we cruise on Lake Mulwala on board the MV Paradise Queen.
Day 3 (B,L,D) MYRTLEFORD, MT BUFFALO, BRIGHT
This morning we travel to Myrtleford. Here we view a huge sculpture by Hans Knorr entitled the Phoenix Tree. On to Mt Buffalo for morning tea, enjoying stunning views from Bents Lookout. We continue to the beautiful township of Bright, once a hub of the gold rush era. Enjoy lunch here and time to browse in the large variety of shops, the Information Centre, or take a walk along the river. Following lunch we visit Tawonga Gap before returning to Wangaratta.
Day 4 (B,L,D) CHILTERN, BEECHWORTH
Today we visit nearby Chiltern, an historic town bypassed by the Hume Highway. Visit Dow’s Pharmacy, the Star Theatre, Giant Grapevine (in the Guinness Book of Records) and Lakeview Homestead. On to Beechworth, scene of much gold rush-created wealth, evidenced in the fine colonial buildings. Following lunch there is time to browse and take in a guided tour of this north eastern township.
Day 5 (B,L,D) WANGARATTA, MALAWA, BENALLA, SEYMOUR, HOME
This morning we visit Milawa Mustards and Milawa Cheese Factory. Taste these gourmet foods, purchase if you wish. We then continue on to Benalla, where you may wish to take a stroll in the Rose Garden and visit the excellent Regional Art Gallery. Later we continue to Euroa, with lunch today at Seymour. As we return to Melbourne, we return interstate passengers to Melbourne Airport and Melbourne passengers to their homes, having enjoyed the Young at Heart holiday to Victoria’s beautiful north east.
