Myrtleford, Victoria - Things to Do in the Heart of the High Country

Myrtleford, Victoria - Things to Do in the Heart of the High Country

Myrtleford is a charming country town nestled in the foothills of Mount Buffalo in Victoria’s High Country. Located on the Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta and Bright, Myrtleford is approximately 296 kilometres north-east of Melbourne and makes a relaxed and rewarding stop in the Ovens Valley. Known for its tree-lined streets, welcoming parks, and strong Italian heritage, Myrtleford offers great local food and wine, a laid-back atmosphere, and easy access to nearby lakes, rivers, and gourmet regions.

During our time in Myrtleford, we explored the town centre, enjoyed coffee and a wander through Red Ramia Trading, visited Rotary Park and the historic log tobacco kiln, and followed part of the mosaic trail. We also ventured out to Lake Buffalo, Pepo Farms, and the gourmet village of Milawa.

Exploring Myrtleford Town Centre

Myrtleford’s town centre is leafy and relaxed, with lovely parks and a great mix of cafés, restaurants, hotels, and independent shops.

Right in the centre of town is Jubilee Park, which features a sculpted display celebrating Myrtleford’s tobacco-growing heritage, along with picnic tables, BBQs, and public toilets. The park is also home to a beautiful mosaic wall and a giant mosaic Snakes and Ladders game. As we wandered through town, we spotted more colourful mosaics dotted throughout the streets, adding a fun and creative touch to the area.

Myrtlefords Cafés & Local Finds

It was soon time for morning tea, and Café Fez was the perfect stop. This vibrant Middle Eastern–style café is open seven days a week for coffee, breakfast, and lunch. We enjoyed coffee and baklava while relaxing on cosy couches and admiring the eclectic décor.

Afterwards, we explored Red Ramia Trading, a huge emporium filled with pottery, furniture, rugs, homewares, statues, and garden ornaments. The store features a mix of artisan-crafted pieces, hand-picked antiques, and recycled furniture — it’s easy to lose track of time wandering through.

Rotary Park, Tobacco Kiln & the Mosaic Trail

Just out of town on the Great Alpine Road, Rotary Park is a well-maintained stop with a playground, picnic tables, electric BBQs, and public toilets. Here you’ll also find the Historic Log Tobacco Kiln, a replica of the kilns built between the 1930s and 1960s.

Informative signage explains the importance of the tobacco industry to Myrtleford’s history.

Tobacco growing began in the area in the early 1920s and expanded significantly after World War II, when many Italian migrants settled in the region. By the 1950s and 60s, tobacco was the main crop, with kilns scattered across the valley. At its peak, the district produced around four million kilograms of tobacco each year before the industry closed in 2006.

From the kiln, we crossed the swinging bridge and joined part of the Mosaic Trail, which stretches for over five kilometres. We enjoyed a shorter section, following the flat riverside track along the Ovens River and spotting mosaics hidden along the way.

The Phoenix Tree & Michelini Wines

One of Myrtleford’s most striking artworks is the Phoenix Tree, a large sculpture carved from the trunk and roots of a river red gum by sculptor Hans Knorr. The artwork symbolises renewal, much like the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes, and is well worth stopping to admire.

Directly across the road is Michelini Wines, a family-owned winery specialising in Italian varietals. Their cellar door is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and offers tastings in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Relaxing at Lake Buffalo

Located about 20 kilometres south of Myrtleford, Lake Buffalo is a large and popular recreation spot on the Buffalo River. The lake is ideal for water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. There are also picnic areas with BBQs, playgrounds, picnic tables, and toilets, making it a great spot for a relaxed afternoon by the water.

Visiting Pepo Farm - Pumpkin Seeds

Just a five-minute drive from Myrtleford along the Great Alpine Road, we discovered Pepo Farm. Pepo Farm is Australia’s only pumpkin seed grower, producing pumpkin seeds, oils, and flours using sustainable practices in partnership with local farmers. We wandered past colourful garden boxes into the tasting room, which is filled with beautifully presented products. During our visit, we sampled chocolate-coated pumpkin seeds, turmeric-walnut treats, and cold-pressed sunflower oil, while learning more about the farm’s unique story.

Milawa – A Gourmet Day Trip

Milawa is one of Victoria’s best-known gourmet regions and a haven for food lovers, with artisan producers, wineries, and a famous cheese factory. It’s an easy and scenic 34-kilometre drive from Myrtleford, perfect for a day trip.

Our first stop was Milawa Bread & Kitchen, open daily for coffee, pastries, breakfast, and lunch. They’re known for hand-rolled pastries baked fresh daily, excellent coffee, and slow-fermented, small-batch bread made with locally milled flour.

Next door is the Milawa Cheese Company, open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. They produce handcrafted cheeses using local milk and traditional techniques. We enjoyed tasting a variety of goat and cow’s milk cheeses, including bries, blues, and washed rinds, along with browsing their range of crackers, cured meats, and preserves.

We then visited Milawa Mustards, housed in a charming old butcher’s shop. All products are handmade on site, and you can sample everything from mild honey mustard to hot chilli mustard, along with seasonal chutneys, jams, jellies, and salad dressings.

To finish the day, we stopped at the iconic Brown Brothers Winery, one of Australia’s most loved family-owned wineries. The cellar door is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, offering tastings of more than 60 wines. There’s also a restaurant serving a daily grazing menu and beautiful gardens to wander through.

Best Time to Visit Myrtleford

Myrtleford is a relaxed and welcoming High Country destination that blends beautiful scenery, rich history, and a strong local food culture. The best time to visit Myrtleford is autumn, when the surrounding countryside and nearby towns glow with vibrant autumn colours and the days are cool and comfortable for exploring.

Spring is also a lovely time to visit, with mild weather, fresh greenery, and flowing rivers, while summer is perfect for enjoying Lake Buffalo and outdoor dining. In winter, Myrtleford offers a quieter base for exploring nearby alpine regions and Mount Buffalo. No matter the season, Myrtleford is a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of Victoria’s High Country.

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