Victoria’s High Country is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, charming country towns and rich gold rush history. While many travellers visit for the alpine landscapes, those willing to venture beyond the main highways will discover a region shaped by prospectors, pioneers and fortunes won and lost.
Following the Gold takes travellers on a journey through some of Victoria’s most historic High Country towns, where gold rush stories, heritage streetscapes and country hospitality combine with breathtaking mountain scenery. From former mining settlements and hidden relics to cosy pubs and local produce, this road trip offers the perfect blend of history and adventure.
Distance: Approximately 330km one way
Route: Bright → Myrtleford → Eldorado → Beechworth → Yackandandah → Mount Beauty → Omeo
Highlights: Gold rush history, heritage towns, historic pubs, mountain scenery, local produce and country hospitality
Nestled beneath Victoria’s alpine peaks, Bright is the perfect place to begin your High Country adventure.
Known for its tree-lined streets, vibrant food scene and stunning natural beauty, Bright has long been a favourite destination for travellers exploring the region. Take a stroll along the Ovens River, browse boutique shops and cafés, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before following the trail of gold rush history through Victoria’s High Country.
Surrounded by fertile farmland and mountain ranges, Myrtleford offers a glimpse into the agricultural heritage that helped shape the High Country long after the gold rush faded.
Today, the town is known for its strong Italian influence, thriving food scene and local produce. It’s the ideal place to stop for lunch, sample regional flavours and soak up the welcoming country atmosphere before continuing further along the trail.
Gold transformed Eldorado from a quiet settlement into a thriving mining town during Victoria’s gold rush era, and traces of that history remain throughout the town today.
The area’s most recognisable attraction is the impressive Eldorado Dredge, a towering reminder of the gold and tin mining operations that once dominated the landscape. Visitors can also try their hand at gold panning, browse mining artefacts and local history at the Eldorado Museum, and enjoy the charm of one of Victoria’s smallest pubs.
For travellers interested in the stories and characters that helped shape the High Country, Eldorado offers a fascinating glimpse into Victoria’s mining heritage.
Few towns capture the spirit of the High Country’s gold rush history quite like Beechworth.
Beautifully preserved heritage buildings line the streets, offering visitors a glimpse into life during the gold rush boom of the 1850s. Explore the historic town centre, browse museums and galleries, and discover the stories of the miners, merchants and pioneers who helped build one of Victoria’s wealthiest settlements.
No visit to Beechworth is complete without learning about its connection to the infamous Ned Kelly, whose story remains woven into the fabric of the town. Visitors can also explore the historic Chinese Cemetery, a powerful reminder of the thousands of Chinese migrants who travelled to the region during the gold rush and helped shape the community that exists today.
Originally established during the gold rush, Yackandandah remains one of Victoria’s most charming historic towns.
Its beautifully preserved streetscape, heritage buildings and welcoming atmosphere make it a favourite stop for travellers exploring the High Country. Wander through boutique stores and galleries, enjoy a coffee in town and discover the stories that continue to connect Yackandandah to its gold rush roots.
For those keen to delve deeper into the area’s mining history, an underground tour of the historic Karr’s Reef Gold Mine provides a fascinating glimpse into life beneath the surface during Victoria’s gold rush era.
Surrounded by some of Victoria’s most spectacular alpine scenery, Mount Beauty provides a scenic change of pace along the journey.
Set beneath the towering peaks of the Victorian Alps, the town offers stunning mountain views, walking trails and access to some of the region’s most impressive natural attractions. It’s the perfect place to pause, stretch the legs and take in the beauty of the High Country before continuing deeper into the mountains.
The drive through this part of Victoria is a highlight in itself, with winding roads and sweeping vistas showcasing the very best of the alpine landscape.
The journey concludes in Omeo, one of Victoria’s most historic alpine settlements.
Once a bustling gold mining centre, Omeo remains closely connected to its pioneering past. Visitors can explore heritage buildings, learn about the town’s gold rush history and discover the stories of those who sought their fortunes in this rugged mountain landscape.
Today, Omeo combines rich history with spectacular scenery, making it a fitting final stop on a road trip that celebrates both the natural beauty and heritage of Victoria’s High Country.
Following the Gold is more than a road trip — it’s a journey through the towns, landscapes and stories that helped shape Victoria’s High Country.
Along the way you’ll discover gold rush history, welcoming country communities, fascinating heritage attractions and some of the state’s most beautiful alpine scenery. Whether you’re panning for gold in Eldorado, exploring Beechworth’s historic streets or venturing underground at Karr’s Reef Gold Mine, every stop offers a unique glimpse into Victoria’s rich past.
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