10 Things to Do in Wangaratta That You Shouldn't Miss

Australia's premier rail trail offers more than 100km of scenic, sealed, off-road bike trail in North East Victoria. Starting in Wangaratta, the rail trail connects culinary villages including Milawa, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright and Myrtleford. Discover the diverse landscape of the High Country region - from natural bushland to open farmland, fertile Valleys and some of Australia's most spectacular mountain ranges. The rail trail meanders alongside clear rivers, vineyards, hops, orchards and groves, with plentiful food, wine and craft beer experiences dotted along the way.

We are not only a Visitor Information Centre, we are your Visitor Inspiration Centre. Come in and see us for all your Wangaratta visitor needs, from accommodation, hiking and cycling to wining and dining in Wangaratta and our surrounding towns such as Milawa, Oxley, Eldorado, Glenrowan and the King Valley. We also showcase works from local artists and various community groups in our Exhibition space. With a rotating calendar of monthly exhibits the Exhibitions are refreshed with new works showcased on a regular basis. Some works are for sale.

The 14,655 ha Warby-Ovens National Park is characterised by three distinct vegetation communities - the granitic hills and woodlands of the Warby Range, the Box-Ironbark of the Killawarra Forest and the Redgum forest and wetlands of the unregulated Ovens Heritage River. Together they provide an important link from the alpine foothills to the Murray River, protecting some of the state's most significant bushland. The Victorian Government created Warby-Ovens National Park, along with other new and expanded parks and over 200 conservation reserves, in June 2010. Picnic at Ryan's Lookout (where the views are exceptional), Brien's Gorge Falls, Pine Gully and The Forest Camp - all have barbeque facilities and picnic tables. Walk through the managed tracks, bike ride the Pangarang Lookout Walk or Ridge track, or take a scenic drive. There are basic campgrounds at Wenhams Camp and The Forest Camp with pit toilets and barbecues, but bring your own drinking water. Warby-Ovens National Park is 240km north east of Melbourne and 10km west of Wangaratta. It is best accessed from Wangaratta via Wangandary and Yarrawonga Roads.

Lake William Hovell provides a great recreational area for fishing and boating. At the southern section of Lake William Hovell is the entrance to the Alpine National Park. Discover a myriad of tracks for four-wheel driving, plus access to fishing spots, walking and mountain bike trails.

The Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre is a state of the art multimillion dollar venue which offers a new alternative to regional conferencing and entertainment. Providing contemporary architecture and facilities including a dedicated, fully equipped 520 raked seat theatre with a balcony, banquet facilities for 300 persons, a custom built marquee to accommodate up to 500 banquet style and two smaller meeting rooms. Offering world class entertainment in regional Victoria!

The King George V Gardens is located in the centre of Wangaratta close to shops and the cinema. The Gardens are known for its magnificent Plane Trees (Plantanus sp) giving lots of shade. The Gardens has a Children's Playground and Toilet facilities.

A sunken natural park, originally a meeting place of the Pangerang Aboriginal Tribe. The name Merriwa mean the rich flat ground at the bend of a river. The park features Gardens below street level, large grassy expanses, majestic gum trees, fernery, pond, playground equipment, barbecues and toilets. An oasis in the middle of vibrant city centre.

Our modern indoor Aquatic faciltiy features a 25m temperture controlled pool, a therapeautic Program Pool and a Toddlers Pool. We also have a fully equipped, spacious Health Club with the latest equipment, more than 50 group exercise classes per week. We also have three full sized stadium courts & six squash courts. The Wangaratta Indoor Sports & Aquatics Centre caters for people of all ages.

Views from Ryan's Lookout are exceptional throughout the year, but most especially in winter with snow covered peaks in the distance. Barbeque facilities are available at the lookout making it a perfect location for a family picnic and hike. Ryan's Lookout has a car park, and the lookout platform is about 100 metres from the car park.