Wangaratta

If you prefer a more cosmopolitan experience, discover the bustling provincial centre of Wangaratta. Whether you are looking to relax at a café, bar or gallery, or shop until you drop. Wangaratta has it all.

The vibrant CBD offers diverse shopping and laneways, a revitalised arts precinct, parks and gardens, and is compact and easy to navigate on foot.

The town centre is just a short walk from the train station and offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants. The Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre is located in the former library building and is a great place to get started.

Regional delights and fresh seasonal produce are featured at the many cafés and restaurants. With over 40 cafés and restaurants located in the CBD, the thriving café scene offers something for all tastes, budgets and cravings. Heading out for a drink? The perfect blend of regional charm and city sophistication means there are several pubs, bars and riverside cafés to choose from, depending on your preferred tipple.

Visit the Wangaratta Gallery and the Wangaratta Museum, for their insights into the history and culture of the area, including the strong link to the textile industry. Alternatively, take in a show at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre - the region’s foremost venue for theatre, music and comedy.

This rich history is brought to life when Wangaratta hosts the Stitched Up Textile Festival, a biannual event which showcases the work of local and visiting textile artists.

The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz is held each November with an extensive program of events and plays host to the National Jazz Awards and Youth Jazz Workshops. Boasting a full calendar of regional events, including the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues, be sure to time your holiday with one of the many sporting, cultural or food and wine festivals held throughout the year.

Just north of Wangaratta, check out the Boorhaman Hotel and Buffalo Brewery – the oldest brewery still operating in Victoria and their award-winning locally brewed beers. Their traditional ginger ale is also legendary in local circles. For an old-fashioned pub experience, the Vine Hotel on the city’s edge serves all of your counter meal classics and offers regular live music.