Mount Beauty, Tawonga & Dinner Plain
Mount Beauty
Mount Beauty is a charming alpine township in northeastern Victoria, nestled beside the Kiewa River at the junction of the Kiewa Valley Highway and Bogong High Plains Road, within the Alpine Shire. The town was established in 1949 by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria to house workers involved in the ambitious Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. Following the project’s completion, administration of the town was handed to the local shire council in 1967.
Experiencing four distinct seasons, Mount Beauty enjoys crisp winters, cool and damp springs, warm sunny summers and brilliant autumn displays. Each season brings its own appeal, from bushwalking, horse riding and gliding to fishing the river and lakes, mountain and road cycling, and winter snow sports. The town hosts a lively annual music festival, a mountain bike race, and regular markets on the first Saturday of each month, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Nearby four-wheel-drive tracks offer further adventure for those looking to explore the High Country.
Serving as a key gateway to Falls Creek ski resort and the Bogong High Plains, Mount Beauty provides convenient access to alpine activities, with ski hire outlets, cafés, restaurants and daily transport services operating to and from Falls Creek, located 32 kilometres away. Set against a backdrop of dramatic peaks – including views toward Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain – the town delights visitors with its stunning scenery, welcoming spirit and easy access to some of the state’s most spectacular mountain terrain.
Tawonga
Tawonga sits peacefully in the beautiful Kiewa Valley of North East Victoria, just a short drive from Mount Beauty. This region has been home to Indigenous communities for thousands of years, and the name “Tawonga” is understood to mean “flight through the
air.” The nearby Kiewa River – translating to “sweet water” – winds gracefully through the valley, offering cool, clear water and adding to the natural charm and serenity of the area. With expansive skies and uninterrupted views across to Mount Bogong and Mount Emu, almost every vantage point in Tawonga offers a dramatic alpine outlook.
As the oldest European settlement in the Kiewa Valley, Tawonga began as a pastoral area renowned for its fertile pastures. The Tawonga run was established in 1841 under the ownership of James Roberts, and by the 1870s, the land was gradually subdivided for farming and residential use as the community grew. Today, Tawonga remains proud of its history and rural character, offering essential local amenities including a general store, public primary school, motel, town hall (opened in 1880), ski hire shop, and a welcoming selection of eateries. Its close proximity to Tawonga South and Mount Beauty makes it ideal for those seeking both peaceful country living and convenient access to nearby services and attractions.
Tawonga’s homes are spread across the valley, from those positioned along the main road to those tucked into the rolling hillsides, many boasting sweeping mountain views and overlooking productive farmland. The area attracts nature lovers, walkers, cyclists, and anyone drawn to alpine scenery, crisp seasonal changes, and a slower pace of life. Community spirit remains strong, with local events such as the annual Mount Beauty Music Festival and nearby markets bringing residents and visitors together. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed riverside picnic, a scenic bike ride, or simply soaking up the mountain vistas, Tawonga offers a peaceful country charm that feels worlds away yet remains perfectly connected to the wider Alpine region.
Dinner Plain
Dinner Plain is the gateway to Victoria’s High Country with hundreds of kilometres of hiking and walking trails extending to the furthest reaches of the Alpine National Park. From epic treks to easy strolls, there is an experience for everyone. When the snow melts, the National Park becomes a spectacular display of native alpine wildflowers set against sweeping mountain vistas. Within just a few kilometres, Dinner Plain’s tracks and trails lead to historic mountain huts, spring-fed waterfalls and sheer rockfaces etched into the landscape.
At the heart of it all is the magnificent alpine village of Dinner Plain, with all of the luxuries and comforts to make a High Country experience truly spectacular. Dinner Plain features a range of food and beverage options with something for every time of day. From grab and go lunches to pub counter meals and quality dining, you will not be left disappointed.
