WANGARATTA'S proximity to the ski fields, historic towns and other local tourist attractions has always been its drawcard, but the regional city is growing as a destination hot spot in its own right.
Wangaratta is a premium location to stay with plenty of accommodation and its natural surrounds such as the Ovens and King rivers which offer a superb backdrop for kayaking, fishing or picnicking.
Award–winning food and wine will satisfy your hunger and thirst cravings while retail therapy options, historic sights, cycling and walking trails will keep you physically sated.
The Riverside Precinct is a popular dining strip for those who want to take in the natural glory of the Ovens River, while tasting some of the best cuisine in the region, however there are plenty of restaurant options in the CBD proper.
The nearby Ovens–Warby National Park offers plenty of bushwalking trails of various lengths and difficulties and there are numerous walks to capture spectacular sunrises over the valley or towards Mt Buffalo.
You might even see mobs of wallabies or kangaroos if you are out and about at dusk or dawn.
Historic signboards along the Bullawah Cultural Trail in the heart of the city tell of Wangaratta's Aboriginal past.
Accommodation options are abundant and include budget and upmarket motels and apartments, B&Bs and camping and caravan parks.
There are also premium winery accommodation options in outlying towns and up into the King Valley.
So pack up the car this winter and head to Wangaratta.
