A place of proud cattlemen, impressively rich farmland, and see-it-to-believe-it mountainous views.

The small villages of Omeo and Benambra are among Victoria’s most remote communities. Lush, pastured hills surround the towns, which are set on a small plain, on the doorstep of the Alpine National Park and ski fields of Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain.

Omeo and Benambra are accessed by the dramatic Great Alpine Road which snakes its way from the shimmering waters of the Gippsland Lakes into the heart of high country.

Omeo two horses standing in a frosty paddock at dawn

Hilltop Hotel Omeo view of the hotel with blue sky overhead

High country Omeo tin hut under trees on the hill

Omeo winter view of the town and hills covered in front

Gold mining history

The discovery of gold in the 1850s was responsible for the Omeo’s boom as well as the many ornate heritage buildings that can be seen today. 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. Further east in Benambra, the majestic United Church is an impressive landmark atop the hill.

Continue on your historical pilgrimage at Oriental Claims Historic Area. Once one of the largest gold sluicing operations the world over, today remnants of the gold rush era can be found by walking around the claims, including relics, mines and the cliff faces which were pressure hosed to reveal the alluvial gold.

Omeo Courthouse view of the court house lit up at night

Nature & outdoors

Wieland Adventures Horse Riding Omeo group of riders crossing river

Omeo is set to be one of Australia's foremost mountain biking destinations with 100km of trails weaving through Mt Sam State Forest and Dry Gully, in the hils outside town. The trail head of the Omeo Mountain Bike Park is at Livingstone Creek, walking distance from the town centre. At this tranquil park, you'll also find an ashphalt Omeo Pump Track, suitable for all ages and riding abilities.

If you’re feeling active, or want to fill your lungs with some of that fresh mountain air, set out on the tranquil Livingston Creek Walking Track, which stretches all the way from the town to the Oriental Claims. The track is known for its birdlife and flora, including native orchids. Or take the Ah Fongs Loop Walk through eucalypt-scented bush.

There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of white water rafting down one of Australia’s most lusty rivers, the Mitta Mitta. Rafting Australia offer one or two day white-knuckled adventures, based from Hinnomunjie, a stone’s throw from Omeo.

Pack a picnic and head for the impressive suspension bridge at Taylors Crossing. It’s an excellent spot for camping, fishing, canoeing and swimming or to get a few snags on the barbie.

Hit the slopes in winter, or in green season, hike or bike your way around Mt Hotham, Australia’s highest alpine village, or mount your trusty steed and take a horse-riding tour of the stunning high country.

Omeo walks & rides

Omeo Pump Track boy popping a wheelie by Omeo sign

Hinnomunjie Bridge Omeo timber truss bridge over the Mitta Mitta river

Hinnomunjie Races

The relaxed vibe of country races doesn’t get much better than at Hinnomunjie Races. Held annually in March, these races have been running since the late 1800s, claiming to be the oldest picnic races this side of the divide.

Omeo & Benambra's restaurants & cafes

A short drive on in Omeo, the Crazy Cow Café & Bakery is renowned for having the best pies around. Pippa’s Pantry offers up fantastic homemade cakes, and the Fresh Air Café is the local’s tip for great coffee.

Omeo’s Hilltop Hotel menu offers a mix of Asian-inspired dishes alongside pub classics, while the iconic Golden Age Hotel does a great line of hearty steaks.

Jump on the East Gippsland Drinks Trail and pop over to Dinner Plain to visit Australia’s highest brewery, Blizzard Brewery, crafting beers from melted snow.