ITINERARY SEVEN

Suggested Stay: Myrtleford

ART & HISTORY

DAY ONE

8.30am — Cooked Brekky

Myrtleford’s cafes know how to deliver a belly-full of happiness, so wake yourself up with some Moroccan or Italian-style coffee, a cooked classic or something hot from the bakery.

9.30am — Hidden Myrtleford

Stop in at the Visitor Information Centre for a map to discover Myrtleford’s historic sites, including Rotary Park's Historic Log Kiln, with information about the town's old tobacco industry, gold mines at Reform Hill, the ancient Big Tree and the Myrtleford Museum at the Old School House (open on Sundays in peak season). Then finish up at the Myrtleford Art Gallery.

11.00am — Mount Buffalo Chalet

Pack a picnic and take a scenic drive up to see Australia’s largest wooden building – The Mount Buffalo Chalet, built in 1910. Now closed, this 'Grand Old Dame' was the country's original alpine resort. Peer in the windows for a historical display, and if you're here during the school holidays, keep an eye out for tours run by Parks Victoria.

12.00pm — Picnic and a Stroll

The Gorge Lookout across from the Chalet has views you won't want to miss. Have a picnic on the clifftop then enjoy the short Gorge Heritage Walk to the top of Crystal Brook Falls. If you’ve come in winter, go to the Dingo Dell Cafe (check open times), which also hires snowshoes.

2.00pm — E-bike ride to Wandiligong

Hire e-bikes in Bright for a ride along Bennet's Trail from the old Bright Train Station Museum to Wandiligong. Keep an eye out for the State Battery along the way and for the gold mining site of The Diggings in Wandiligong.

4.30pm — Afternoon Tea

Return your bikes and grab a cuppa to enjoy down by the Ovens River before returning to Myrtleford.

6.00pm — Italian Cucina

You’re deep in the heart of our post-war Italian community and surrounded by some of the best pizzas, homemade pasta and gnocchi, so let loose and enjoy.

Road riding in Autumn

DAY TWO

8.30am — Breakfast

By now you’ve probably got your eye on which cafe to try next, so go for it.

9.30am — Scenic Drive to Harrietville

This lovely drive along the Great Alpine Road passes through Bright and quirkily named localities like Smoko and onto the historic gold mining village of Harrietville.

10.30am — Tea and Scones at the Lavender Farm

Take some time to smell the... lavender, and a moment to enjoy some morning tea.

11.30am — Historic Harrietville

You’ll find a great outdoor display at the Harrietville Museum and some interesting historic photos inside, as well as interpretive signs along the river and Tronoh Dredge Hole, which was once the largest dredge in the Southern Hemisphere.

12.30pm — Pub Lunch

There are two great hotels in Harrietville serving up hearty favourites.

2.00pm — Bright Art Galleries

Located on Mountbatten Ave, the rotating exhibitions at Bright Art Gallery are always a delight to see. Follow it up with some photography at the Alpine Light Gallery.

3.30pm — Shopping in Myrtleford

Walk the nooks and crannies of Myrtleford and you’ll discover a hidden Middle-Eastern Bazaar, art gallery, antiques, books, homewares, clothing and beauty products, and plenty of places to take an afternoon coffee break.

6.00pm — Roast Dinner

Comfort food at its best. Head to the local club or one of the pubs for a hot roast and a glass of local wine.

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