A holiday in the Victorian High Country is always pleasant, no matter which part of it you visit. The beautiful scenery and the diverse landscapes are an outdoor playground with a fascinating heritage, abounding in tales of gold diggers, outlaws and horsemen. Cosy villages sit nestled in lush valleys at the base of towering rages, surrounded by rich farmlands that supply the region with fresh produce and tasty wines. A healthy array of bushwalks and trails criss cross the bush and the slopes of the mountains, giving you the opportunity to really experience the countryside here. With so many potential destinations, its hard to decide on a place to base yourself to explore the region. One town that provides you with the best of a range of words is Nagambie, a small settlement sitting on the shores of a pretty little lake.
Nagambie is just a 135 kilometre drive from Melbourne, which will take you about an hour and forty minutes. Its close enough for a day trip if you leave early, but its more of a weekend retreat- you'll need a night or two to fully appreciate your getaway here. After heading north on the Hume Highway, take a turn off at Seymour onto the Goulburn Valley Highway. Easy as pie! Nagambie has a population of about 1900 people, and has a very friendly and laid back vibe to it. Being in the highlands tourists are well catered towards, and you should have no trouble finding a decent place to stay.
The principle attraction of the town is Lake Nagambie, as this is where most of the recreation takes place. Built on the Goulburn River, the Goulburn Weir that has created this expanse of water is well over a hundred years old, and for this reason alone is worth a visit. Its a pretty scenic example of the engineering of yesteryear too. Nagambie's main street runs down the eastern shore of the lake, which is lined with a grassy bank where there are a number of picnic areas and shady recreational facilities.
Waterskiing, row boating and fishing are all popular pursuits, and different forms of equipment can be hired out in the town. The strong winds mean sailing and wind surfing are popular. There are a number of rowing regattas that take place on the lake, including the prestigious 'Heads of the River', which attracts enthusiasts from across the country. Of course if you wish to get out on the water without the effort of rowing or sailing, then just hire a tinny and explore the lake. If youre feeling adventurous then explore the Goulburn River too, it is one of the largest river systems in Victoria and is very scenic with some good fishing.
Just 15 minutes out of Nagambie are the Strathbogie Ranges, rugged hills with breathtaking vistas and thick forests. There are plenty of natural attractions in the ranges to visit, from crashing waterfalls to magical lookouts. Hop into your car and go for a drive and you wont be disappointed. There is a good network of walking trails throughout the hills, so strap on those hiking boots. You could also go on a horseback ride, or hire bicycles and see the countryside from that perspective. There are actually a number of cycling trails near Nagambie- you can bike up through ironstone country and visit the old Whroo mining grounds.
Another idea for a day out is to hop into your hire car and pay a visit to some of the wineries in the region. Fertile soils and an ideal climate means the grapes grow thick on the vine, and the skill of the winemakers here has given the area credibility as a wine producing region. Tahbilk Winery and Vineyard is a favourite, with a classy cellar door and a rather sumptuous cafe on site. Their large property is open to exploration by walkers, so its a pleasant place to go for some wine, a meal and a walk.
Any time of the year is a good time to visit Nagambie. The warm summer months are perfect for boating, fishing and all other outdoor pursuits, and in the winter its a great place to get cosy next to a warm hearth, or to take a drive and enjoy the winter colours. The first Saturday of every month is a good weekend to visit, as this is when the Nagambie Community Market is on. A bit of a mini festival, its a time for salesmen, entertainers and farmers to try and impress the crowds with their wares and talents. A fun day out, especially for the children. Whenever you choose to visit, you will need a hire car to fully appreciate the countryside and the scenery. Discovery Car Hire can help you out in that department!
Gavin Wyatt
