Myrtleford & Porepunkah
Myrtleford
Myrtleford is a welcoming township set in northeastern Victoria, located approximately 282 kilometres northeast of Melbourne and 47 kilometres southeast of Wangaratta. Surrounded by the fertile Ovens Valley and part of the Alpine Shire, the town had a population of 3,285 in 2021. Myrtleford’s origins date back to the mid-19th century, with the Post Office opening on 26 July 1858 under the name Myrtle Creek, before adopting the name Myrtleford in 1871. The major route through town, now known as the Great Alpine Road, was once referred to as Buckland Road and later the Ovens Highway, reflecting the area’s long and evolving history as a gateway to the high country.
Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s alpine wine and gourmet region, Myrtleford provides an ideal base for discovering nearby vineyards, mountains and valleys, as well as enjoying some of the state’s finest regional produce. The town blends a vibrant arts and cultural scene with an active outdoor lifestyle. Wander along the main street and you’ll find friendly cafés, boutique shops, galleries, and local produce stores, while leafy walking tracks offer easy access to peaceful riverside settings and scenic lookouts. The spirit of the community shines through at local markets, food festivals and seasonal celebrations, including the Myrtleford Show and La Fiera Italian Festival, which honours the town’s strong Italian heritage.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find Myrtleford perfectly placed for adventure, with Mount Buffalo National Park, Lake Buffalo and the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail all within easy reach. Options range from hiking, fishing and cycling to leisurely drives that reveal alpine panoramas and rolling farmland. Whether you’re a lover of history, culture, fine wine or nature, Myrtleford offers a unique blend of heritage charm, regional sophistication and stunning natural beauty – a true gem of Victoria’s northeast and a cherished destination for both locals and visitors.
Porepunkah
Porepunkah sits at the foothills of the Victorian Alps and began to take shape with European settlement in the 1830s. Like many towns in the region, its development accelerated during the gold rush of the 1850s. The nearby Buckland Valley was the site of the notorious Buckland Riot on 4 July 1857 – an anti-Chinese uprising that remains one of the most significant goldfield disturbances in Victorian history. Porepunkah stands as the closest township to where those events unfolded, marking its place in the region’s early frontier story.
The area also holds a colourful chapter in bushranger folklore. Harry Power, one of Australia’s most infamous outlaws and mentor to the young Ned Kelly, roamed the Ovens district for years and famously held up the mail coach at Porepunkah on 7 May 1869 after escaping from Pentridge Prison. As the settlement grew, the Porepunkah Post Office opened on 22 February 1870, and although the original building no longer stands, postal services continue locally through the Porepunkah Roadhouse today, as the town does not have residential mail delivery.
Framed by mountain views and set beside the Ovens River, Porepunkah blends tranquil rural living with a proud history and easy access to outdoor adventure. With its riverside parks, nearby wineries, and proximity to Mount Buffalo National Park, it remains a beloved gateway to the High Country – rich in heritage, nature and community charm.
