DARTMOUTH, ESKDALE, MITTA MITTA, TALLANGATTA
Scroll beyond the links below for town information
In the north east corner of Victoria, off the eastern side of the alpine region between Mt Hotham and Falls Creek Alpine Resorts, the Cobungra and Big Rivers flow into the Mitta Mitta River north of Omeo. The Mitta Mitta River flows over 200kms through the High Country, dropping 500 metres in elevation, into Lake Hume on the border of Victoria and NSW. On the way, it flows through Dartmouth Dam, which holds more water than any other lake in Victoria and has the highest dam wall in Australia, at 180m high. Downstream of Dartmouth Dam, are the towns of Dartmouth, Mitta Mitta, Eskdale and Tallangatta which sits on the banks of Lake Hume not far from where the Mitta Mitta flows into the lake.
The beautiful Mitta Valley is a little over 4 hours driving time from Melbourne and only takes about an hour to drive from one end of the valley to the other, from Tallangatta, through Eskdale and Mitta Mitta, to Dartmouth. A variety of scenery and landscapes delights those visiting this area with cycling trails to enjoy, fishing in lakes and rivers and historic towns to explore. As with most parts of the High Country, Autumn colours are stunning through these towns and rural landscapes.
Dartmouth is a small town only 5kms from Dartmouth Dam and was established in the 1970’s as a base for workers constructing the dam. Europeans first started using the area for gold mining in the 1870’s, along the Dart River, which flows into Dartmouth Dam on the eastern side. A sealed road provides access to the dam wall where there is a spectacular view over this renowned trout fishing lake. Dartmouth offers accommodation, a country pub and peaceful mountain views in all directions. More information on Dartmouth Dam can be found here
Eskdale is on the Omeo Highway about halfway between Tallangatta and Dartmouth Dam and is larger than the towns of Dartmouth and Mitta Mitta, with a population of just over 400. It was established around 1880 with mining and productive farming land attracting many to the area. Along with accommodation, Eskdale features a country pub that opened in 1896, a supermarket, café and store. Fishing is popular in the Mitta Mitta River and cyclists enjoy touring the scenic roads throughout this district.
Mitta Mitta lies in a picturesque setting at the junction of the Mitta Mitta River and Snowy Creek, just over 55kms south of Tallangatta and around 115kms north of Omeo via the Omeo Highway and is at the base of the north east slopes of Mt Bogong, the highest mountain in Victoria. Established in the 1850’s after gold was discovered, this small town features several walking tracks, from 1.5 – 8kms long, that start from the Historic Park Reserve.
Popular activities include fishing in the local rivers and Dartmouth Dam (25kms south east of Mitta Mitta), camping, golf, rafting and off road touring. Mitta Mitta offers accommodation options, a general store and a popular country pub. Each March Labour Day Weekend, for over 45 years, the Mighty Mitta Muster attracts visitors from afar. Events include the Stockman’s Challenge, dog jump, car and bike displays, stalls and sideshows, rodeo and woodchop.
At the end of the Mitta Mitta River, where it flows into Lake Hume, lies the town of Tallangatta. This is a town with an interesting history as its original location was about 7kms east of the current town. Known as ‘the town that moved’, in 1956 Lake Hume was being enlarged and houses were transported to the new site, along with the population of around 1000 people. At times we can still see the old town, building foundations and other town landmarks from the lookout beside the road, about 7kms east of the current town.
Tallangatta is on the Murray Valley Highway, just over 40kms east of Wodonga and on the main route from Victoria to the NSW Snowy Mountains. It was originally established in the 1870’s and today features a variety of services and retail, accommodation and food options. The town has a golf course, picturesque parks overlooking Lake Hume, with picnic and playground facilities and is a popular destination for boating and fishing.
Tallangatta is at the eastern end of the High Country Rail Trail which runs 59kms from Wodonga to Old Tallangatta. The rail trail travels along the edge of Lake Hume and is a stunning setting for cycling. Future extensions of the trail will occur, heading east through more beautiful landscapes and with some parts opening in stages and including historic trestle bridge crossings, this is sure to be a favourite among many. More information on the High Country Rail Trail and the extensions being completed can be found here
Tallangatta Lookout, on the western approach to the town, provides impressive views over Lake Hume, Tallangatta and beyond. The far north east corner of Victoria, known as The Upper Murray, and the foothills of the NSW Snowy Mountains are found when travelling further east of Tallangatta. The Mitta Valley and surrounding districts showcase beautiful landscapes and offer everything from fishing, boating, bushwalking, scenic drives, quality food and accommodation options in welcoming High Country towns.
