TEAR-OUT MAP #10

OMEO, NOT OREO! ADVENTURES IN VICTORIA WORDS STUART WOODBURY features a TEAR-OUT MAP #10

This month we head to Eastern Victoria to explore some wonderful countryside around Omeo. Some of these dirt roads can be challenging (depending on the time of year), so make sure your skills are up to it and that you check the road conditions before setting off.

OMEO

Originally a pastoral area, the discovery of gold in 1851 saw the town boom, however things ultimately declined as the gold ran out, and cattle and sheep grazing took over as the town’s major industry. Remnants of the town’s gold mining history can be found at the Oriental Claims Historic Area, located a few kilometres west of Omeo. All major services are available in Omeo, so make this your “base camp”.

VICTORIA FALLS

Located on the banks of the Victoria River, Victoria Falls is just a few TEAR-OUT MAP #10 minutes from the town of Cobungra.

Victoria Falls offers all the benefits of a camping ground on the banks of a river, including swimming and fishing – great for a quick stop to enjoy a refreshing dip.

ANGLERS REST

The name Anglers Rest is descriptive, indicating that the location is a good spot for anglers, being close to the confluence of several noted trout fishing rivers. If you’ve got a line, throw it in and try your luck. The Blue Duck is a favourite pub.

HINNOMUNJIE/HINNOMUNJIE BRIDGE

There is a camp ground at Hinnomunjie but the main attraction is the bridge.

It is one of only a handful of historic timber truss bridges in the state. It was built using hand-cut wood around 1910,and still looks pretty good for its age.

SUNNYSIDE

Just a name now, so keep on riding! You probably won’t even know you’ve passed the “location” of the town that once was.

WOMBAT PO HUT

The hut is an old corrugated shed, definitely worth a stop and a couple of happy snaps. You can also camp, fish and as the name suggests, there are a large number of wombats around the area.

BENAMBRA

In line with most small country towns, Benambra has been in gradual decline over recent years. The town itself has always been relatively small in terms of facilities, in line with its population and the relatively short distance and easy access to nearby Omeo. However there is a traditional country pub and a general store if you forgot something at your “base”.