Day 1: Arrive in Omeo

Arrive in Omeo and get swept up in the charm of the historic town. The main street is lined with Victorian-period architecture, an homage to the town’s gold mining heritage.

Tuck into lunch at Crazy Cow Café or Fresh Air Omeo Café, or enjoy a simpler lunch of pies and sangas at Pippa’s Bakehouse.

Stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll around town. Wander the Justice Precinct, made up of heritage-listed buildings showing off the town’s gold rush history, including the Post Office with its impressive arched verandah.

Dine at the iconic Golden Age Hotel, bathed in art-deco-splendour. The hotel does a great line of hearty steaks and pub grub. Or nearby, Hilltop Hotel offers a mix of Asian-inspired dishes alongside pub classics.

Day 2: Around Omeo

Fuel up for the day with brekky at New Rush Brewhouse, with their short-and-sweet menu that covers the breakfast essentials.

Head to the Omeo Mountain Bike Park for an adrenaline-filled day of mountain biking. With trails suitable for all skill levels, you'll have a blast exploring the rugged terrain and scenic vistas.

If riding isn’t your scene, head out on the tranquil Livingston Creek Walking Track, which stretches all the way from the town centre to the Oriental Claims. From town, follow the river to the claims. At the Ah Fongs picnic area there is a shorter loop walk Ah Fongs Loop (1.5km). The track is known for its birdlife and flora, including native orchids.

Catch the sunset from one of Omeo's lookout points, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We recommend Kosciusko Lookout, 11 mins out of town on the Great Alpine Road.

Your hard-earned thirst can be quenched at New Rush Brewhouse. The team are slinging pizzas, often accompanied by a few special extras like pork belly bao buns or smoked beef brisket.

Day 3: Bruthen via Swifts Creek

Head down that big ole hill along the Great Alpine Road towards Bairnsdale, enjoying the mountainous landscapes and layers of lush hillsides. 

Take time to explore Swifts Creek and check out the Great Alpine Gallery, an artist-run gallery and gift shop with gift cards, paintings and photography. Stock up at the renowned Swifts Creek Bakery then take the Poet’s Walk, taking in scenic riverside spots. The 1km walk weaves past six stanzas of a poem by John Butler inscribed on six cairns. 

Continue to Bruthen, a sweet town tucked into the idyllic landscape of the Tambo Valley. Drop in to Ramrod Swimming Hole 5 minutes north of town, where a widening of the river makes a beautiful waterhole. 

Tambo Valley Honey is your go-to for cafe fare (though it’s stiff competition with the bakery, tea rooms and brewery all in close proximity!). A quick lap of the town centre will have you strolling by gift shops, art and vintage second-hand wares. You can loop back by the river to take in the scenic bushland and riverscape. 

At the eastern end of town, pop into Bruthen Art & Information Centre where local artisan and produce is on display. You can also peek inside The Police Lockup & Fettlers Hut for a glimpse into life in the town’s history throughout the 1800 and 1900s. 

If you’re looking for a final chance to stretch the legs before hitting the drive home, weave amongst a rainforest landscape fit for fairies, on the Fairy Dell Walking Track (1.4km; 40 mins).