Omeo

Introducing Omeo

Nestled among hills thick with bushland, pretty Omeo is the southern access route to Mt Hotham. The road is sometimes snowbound in winter; always check conditions before heading this way. In the gold-rush days of the 1850s, Omeo had the toughest and most remote goldfields in the state. The new Omeo visitor information centre (5159 1679; www.omeoregion.com.au; 152 Day Ave) was just setting up when we visited.

The German Cuckoo Clock Shop (5159 1552; Great Alpine Rd; 9.30am-5.30pm) is worth a look. The Historical Park has a mud map to the Oriental Claims Walk.

The scenic Victoria Falls Camping Area, off the Great Alpine Rd, 18km west of Omeo, has pit toilets and a picnic area. Omeo Caravan Park (5159 1351; Old Omeo Hwy; unpowered/powered sites $18/20, d cabins from $65) is alongside the Livingstone River.

Snug as a Bug Motel (5159 1311; www.motelomeo.com.au; 188 Day St; s/d from $60/80) has three accommodation types, hosting couples and families in motel-type units, a roadside guesthouse or a cute self-contained cottage.

Golden Age Motel (5159 1344; Day Ave; s/d from $77/90) is a beautiful Art Deco pub that’s been converted into B&B-style accommodation. Its restaurant (mains $13 to $18, open Monday to Saturday) serves reliable fare of steaks, salads and soups.

Omeo Bankhouse (5159 1405; www.omeoregion.com.au/bankhouse; 154 Day Ave; d/q from $110/160) is a restored two-storey bank that accommodates up to 10 people with its airy rooms, well-equipped kitchen and large backyard. Ask about group discounts.

Mesley’s Restaurant (5159 1400; 166 Day St; mains $23-28; dinner Tue-Sun) With crisp white table cloths, a fine wine list and a fancy à la carte menu that includes lettuce-and-trout parcels and lamb in paperbark, Mesley’s, in a historic timber-and-shingle shopfront, seems slightly incongruous in lil’ backcountry Omeo.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009