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Stay and play this winter in Omeo for 2022

Accommodation in Omeo is already booking up fast, so if a trip to the snow is on your list this year, you better get your ice-skates on!

By news@gippsland - 18th May 2022 - Back to News

The first arctic blast across Victoria this week has brought with it high hopes of a bumper snow season. After two years of interrupted ski seasons, Victoria is itching to get back to the ski fields, dreaming of swathes of that powdery white stuff.

Excellent for bird watching and encompasses the heritage-listed Oriental Claims, one of the world's largest gold-sluicing operations

This year, we're putting a spotlight on Omeo as a base for a trip to the ski fields of Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. Omeo offers affordable accommodation, ski hire and a rustic alpine village vibe. You also get to tick off the epic Great Alpine Road on your journey, an essential Australian bucket-list item.

From Melbourne, you take the Great Alpine Road north of Bairnsdale, to arrive at Omeo some 5.5 hours later. From here you can be at Mt Hotham - an easy drive with a very gradual ascent - in under 50 minutes.

Why come to Omeo

One of Victoria's most remote communities, this is a place of proud cattlemen and see-it-to-believe-it mountainous views. It's quintessentially Australian, and yet unlike anywhere else in the world. Ornate buildings adorn the town centre, remnants of its gold mining heritage.

Hit the ski fields

Carve the mountain on a board, get the little ones up on skis, and start thinking mid-afternoon hot chocolate breaks. Be at Dinner Plain in under 40 minutes, and Mt Hotham in under 50 minutes. Ski hire is available from Omeo Ski Hire and service stations.

Road-trip the Great Alpine Road

Road-trip the Great Alpine Road will let you experience the journey as it snakes its way from the shimmering waters of the Gippsland Lakes into the heart of high country. Pop into Bullant Brewery in Bruthen or check out the Great Alpine Gallery, Swifts Creek. Have a snifter from the rammed earth cellar door of Ensay Winery, or a cold one at Albion Hotel.

This road trip is a crowd pleaser for adrenaline junkies and foodies alike, takes you through grand mountain ranges, splendidly rich forests and shimmering waterways

Eat and drink

The Crazy Cow Cafe & Bakery is renowned for having the best pies around. The Hilltop Hotel menu offers a mix of Asian-inspired dishes alongside pub classics, while the iconic Golden Age Hotel has a great line of hearty steaks.

Omeo pump and skills track

In the Omeo pump and skills track, you should put your mountain biking prowess to the test at this all abilities track with berms, rock sections, log crossings, jump ups and jump downs. MTB hire available at Omeo Ski Hire.

Wander Omeo

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 Fong's Loop Walk through eucalypt-scented bush.

White water rafting

There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a white-knuckled adventure down one of Australia's most lusty rivers, the Mitta Mitta. Departs Hinnomunjie, 10 minutes from Omeo.