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Myrtleford
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Myrtleford is a town in northeast Victoria, Australia, 282 km (175 miles) northeast of Melbourne and 47 km (29 miles) southeast of Wangaratta. Myrtleford is part of the Alpine Shire local government area and in 2021 the town had a population of 3,285.[1]
Key Information
History
[edit]The post office opened on 26 July 1858 as Myrtle Creek and was renamed Myrtleford in 1871.[2] The road through Myrtleford was then called the Buckland Road, today it is known as the Great Alpine Road.
During World War II No. 5 Prisoner of War Camp was established near Myrtleford. It accommodated Italian prisoners of war from mid-1942 until they were repatriated or became emigrants to Australia in 1946. At its peak, 1,000 POWs were located in the camp.[3]
Sport
[edit]Myrtleford Football Club compete in the Ovens & Murray Football League.[4]
Myrtleford Savoy SC[5] is a soccer club who compete in the Albury Wodonga Football Association. They are based at Savoy Park.
Myrtleford Speedway is a speedway venue located on the northern edge of the town, off Odonnnell Avenue and adjacent to the golf course.[6] It has also been used for motorcycle speedway and has hosted important events, including the Australian qualifying round of the Speedway World Championship in 1990[7][8] and the final of the Victorian Individual Championship in 1989/1990 and 1992/1993.[9]
Features
[edit]The rich soil of the region is known for its fresh local produce including vegetables, berries, nuts and olives. Myrtleford is also famous for its vineyards spread across the Alpine Valleys wine region which includes production of Italian Michelini Wines and Gapsted Wines. The area has abundant greenery in the form of parks such as the Jubilee Park and Rotary Park.[10]
Climate
[edit]Myrtleford has a temperate climate with more rain in winter than in summer and a high diurnal range throughout the warmer half of the year. Under the Köppen climate classification, the town has an oceanic climate (Cfb).
| Climate data for Myrtleford Post Office (1897–1969); 223 m AMSL; 36.57° S, 146.73° E | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 30.8 (87.4) |
30.0 (86.0) |
27.3 (81.1) |
21.8 (71.2) |
17.0 (62.6) |
13.5 (56.3) |
12.6 (54.7) |
14.5 (58.1) |
17.9 (64.2) |
20.9 (69.6) |
24.5 (76.1) |
28.5 (83.3) |
21.6 (70.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 11.7 (53.1) |
11.8 (53.2) |
9.3 (48.7) |
6.0 (42.8) |
4.1 (39.4) |
2.4 (36.3) |
2.1 (35.8) |
2.8 (37.0) |
3.8 (38.8) |
6.0 (42.8) |
8.0 (46.4) |
10.1 (50.2) |
6.5 (43.7) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 44.8 (1.76) |
47.8 (1.88) |
60.1 (2.37) |
61.3 (2.41) |
84.3 (3.32) |
104.1 (4.10) |
106.5 (4.19) |
102.0 (4.02) |
83.2 (3.28) |
91.0 (3.58) |
59.6 (2.35) |
60.1 (2.37) |
905.2 (35.64) |
| Average precipitation days | 5.0 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 10.0 | 12.1 | 13.3 | 13.3 | 11.1 | 10.5 | 7.3 | 6.5 | 106.4 |
| Average afternoon relative humidity (%) | 32 | 37 | 42 | 48 | 62 | 68 | 68 | 59 | 54 | 51 | 44 | 35 | 50 |
| Source: [11] | |||||||||||||
Notable residents
[edit]- Gary Ablett Snr, Australian Rules footballer.
- Cris Bonacci, Musician, Producer.
- Jack Crisp, Australian Rules footballer.
- Joff Ellen, comedian and actor.
- Merv Hughes, Australian Cricketer.
- Sam Kekovich, Australian Rules footballer.
- Alby Lowerson, WWI Victoria Cross recipient.
- Steve Mautone, retired professional football association goalkeeper.[12]
- Chloe McConville, Australian racing cyclist and former cross-country skier.[13]
- Malcolm Milne, olympic skier.
- Ross Milne, olympic skier.
- Christopher Minko, musician.
- Guy Rigoni, Australian Rules footballer.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "2021 Census QuickStats Myrtleford". Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
- ^ Phoenix Auctions History, Post Office List, retrieved 22 March 2021
- ^ Hyles, Emily (28 March 2024). "The Road to La Dolce Vita". Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Full Points Footy, Myrtleford, archived from the original on 6 April 2008, retrieved 25 July 2008
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/myrtlefordsoccer/ [user-generated source]
- ^ "Myrtlefor Victoria". Speedway and Road Race History. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
- ^ "World Championship". Metal Speedway. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "World Championship". Speedway.org. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Honor Roll since 1927/28". Speedway Champions. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- ^ "General information". Travel Victoria.
- ^ "Climate statistics for". Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
- ^ Steve Mautone
- ^ "High Performance > Rider Profiles > Female > Chloe McConville". Cycling Australia. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Myrtleford, Victoria.
"Australian Places Myrtleford". Retrieved 12 March 2012.
Localities in the Alpine Shire | ||
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| Town |  | |
| Locality |
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^ - Territory divided with another LGA | ||
Myrtleford
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Geography
Location and topography
Myrtleford is a town in northeast Victoria, Australia, situated within the Alpine Shire local government area. It lies approximately 277 km northeast of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway and 47 km southeast of Wangaratta along the Great Alpine Road. The town's geographic coordinates are 36°33′S 146°43′E.[6][7][8] Nestled in the Ovens Valley, Myrtleford occupies a broad alluvial plain at an elevation of 211 metres above sea level, providing a fertile base for agriculture amid surrounding mountainous terrain. The landscape is flanked by the expansive Alpine National Park to the south and east, with the Buffalo River flowing nearby to the west. Prominent peaks such as Mount Buffalo, rising over 1,700 metres and located about 50 km southeast, and Mount Bogong, Victoria's highest mountain at 1,986 metres further east, contribute to the dramatic scenic backdrop of granite tors, cliffs, and forested slopes.[9][10][11][12] The town had a 2021 population of 3,285.[13] Key natural features include direct access to the Ovens River, which winds through the valley, and Barwidgee Creek, a tributary that joins the Ovens just north of the town centre, supporting local recreation and irrigation. The Great Alpine Road serves as a vital thoroughfare, connecting Myrtleford to broader alpine regions and enhancing its role as a gateway to outdoor pursuits.[14][15]Climate
Myrtleford is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as having an oceanic climate (Cfb), marked by temperate conditions without a pronounced dry season and mild summers where the warmest month averages below 22°C.[16] Historical records from the Myrtleford Post Office indicate an annual mean maximum temperature of 21.6°C and a mean minimum of 6.5°C, drawn from data spanning 1927 to 1969.[17] These figures reflect a climate with moderate diurnal ranges, particularly during the warmer months. While the station ceased operations in 1969, more recent observations from the nearby Bright Post Office (approximately 30 km southeast, active 1888–2023) show an annual mean maximum of 20.1°C, mean minimum of 6.8°C, and annual precipitation of 857 mm, suggesting similar patterns with slightly cooler temperatures and lower rainfall.[18] Precipitation totals average 905.2 mm annually over the 1897–1969 period at Myrtleford, with a distinct seasonal variation featuring wetter winters and relatively drier summers.[17] Winter months like July see around 106.5 mm of rain, contributing to about 11 rain days, compared to summer's January with 44.8 mm and roughly 4 rain days. The surrounding highlands exert a brief topographical influence by promoting orographic rainfall, especially in cooler seasons.[17] Summers remain cool, with January mean maximums reaching 30.8°C and minimums at 11.8°C, fostering comfortable conditions. Winters are mild, featuring July mean maximums of 12.6°C and minimums of 2.1°C, occasionally dipping lower. In the nearby highlands, such as Mount Buffalo, snowfall occurs sporadically during colder periods, subtly affecting the local microclimate through cooler air drainage and enhanced humidity.[17][19]History
Establishment and early settlement
The Ovens Valley, traditional lands of the Dhudhuroa people, saw initial European occupation with the establishment of the Myrtle Creek pastoral run by John Hillas in 1837, marking one of the first non-Indigenous land uses in the area.[1] Gold discoveries in the region from 1853, part of the Victorian gold rush, rapidly drew prospectors including Europeans from Britain, Ireland, and continental Europe, as well as Chinese miners, leading to informal settlements along creeks like Myrtle Creek, named for the native myrtle trees and a nearby ford crossing.[1][20] The township of Myrtleford was formally surveyed and planned in 1858 amid the gold rush fervor, with the post office opening on 26 July that year under the name Myrtle Creek to serve the growing mining community.[1][21] Early European and Chinese settlers established rudimentary huts, stores, and diggings along Happy Valley Creek and the Ovens River.[20] By the mid-1860s, as alluvial gold yields declined, the local economy began transitioning from mining to agriculture and timber extraction in the fertile Ovens Valley, with settlers clearing land for small-scale farming and utilizing the valley's timber resources for construction and fuel.[1] Key infrastructure developments in the late 19th century supported this shift and solidified the settlement. Basic roads, including tracks linking Myrtleford to nearby goldfields like Beechworth and Bright, were improved in the 1860s to facilitate transport of goods and people through the rugged valley terrain.[22] Community facilities followed, with an Anglican school opening in 1862 and the post office officially renamed Myrtleford in 1871, reflecting the town's growing permanence beyond its mining origins.[1][21] This foundational period laid the groundwork for later economic diversification, including a brief nod to the 20th-century introduction of tobacco cultivation.[1]Tobacco era and Italian influence
The tobacco industry in Myrtleford emerged in the early 1900s, with significant growth accelerating in the 1920s following the arrival of large numbers of Italian migrants who transformed the region into Australia's leading tobacco-producing area.[4] By the mid-20th century, Myrtleford had become the nation's tobacco capital, supported by government initiatives such as the Local Leaf Content Scheme of 1936, which encouraged domestic production through tariffs and quotas.[23] The industry featured distinctive log and corrugated iron kilns for curing leaves, alongside processing plants that handled the harvest, peaking in the early 1970s when Victoria produced nearly 16,000 tonnes annually, with Myrtleford contributing a substantial share.[23][24] During World War II, labor shortages intensified the reliance on Italian prisoners of war, who were housed at No. 5 Prisoner of War Camp near Myrtleford from 1942 to 1946.[25] The camp accommodated up to 1,000 Italian officers captured in North Africa, many of whom were released for farm work starting in mid-1944, contributing to potato picking, wheat harvesting, and infrastructure development like road repairs.[26][27] Their skilled labor not only bolstered wartime agricultural output but also introduced advanced farming techniques that influenced local practices.[27] Post-war Italian migration surged from the 1950s, drawing families to Myrtleford's expanding tobacco fields and establishing a vibrant cultural community through social clubs, festivals, and family-run farms.[28] This influx, building on the POWs' earlier involvement, solidified the industry's dominance until health awareness campaigns and rising anti-smoking sentiments began eroding demand in the 1980s.[29] Cheaper imports, facilitated by tariff reductions, further pressured growers, leading to a sharp decline by the mid-1990s and the complete closure of the Australian tobacco industry in 2006.[23][29] The tobacco era's legacy endures in Myrtleford through preserved heritage sites, particularly the iconic log kilns—such as the 1957 Pizzini Bros. kiln in Rotary Park—which symbolize the Italian settlers' contributions and the region's agricultural past.[24] Relocated and maintained as public monuments, these structures highlight the labor-intensive curing process and serve as reminders of the industry's economic and cultural impact before diversification into other crops.[24][29]Demographics
Population trends
According to the 2021 Australian Census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Myrtleford had a population of 3,285 residents.[2] This marked stable growth from 2,782 in the 2016 Census.[30] Historically, Myrtleford's population expanded significantly during the early 1900s due to agricultural booms in dairying, hops, and emerging tobacco cultivation, rising from 495 in 1901 to 696 by 1921.[1] Post-World War II migration, particularly Italian settlers drawn to tobacco farming opportunities, accelerated this growth, with the population increasing 80% from 1,538 in 1954 to 2,741 in 1971.[1] The tobacco era sustained expansion through the mid-20th century, but the industry's deregulation in the 1990s and full closure in 2006 led to a slight decline and subsequent plateau, with numbers falling to 2,705 by 1996 and stabilizing around 3,187 in 2006.[31][32][33] The town's population is distributed across an area of 80.5 km², yielding a density of 40.8 persons per km², concentrated in the urban core surrounded by rural outskirts.[1] Projections indicate modest growth, with an estimated increase of 206 residents by 2041 (as of 2021 estimates), amid broader trends of an aging population in rural Victoria where the median age reached 50 in 2021.[34][2] The next national census in 2026 will provide updated figures to refine these estimates.Ethnic and cultural composition
Myrtleford's population is predominantly Australian-born, with 78.4% of residents born in Australia according to the 2021 Census.[2] The remaining portion includes migrants from various countries, with a notable Italian community; Italian ancestry is reported by approximately 20% of residents (multiple responses allowed), contributing through post-World War II migration waves that supported the local tobacco industry.[2] In terms of language use, 83.7% of Myrtleford residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Italian and other European languages, reflecting the multicultural heritage shaped by European immigration.[2] Citizenship data indicates strong national ties, with the majority holding Australian citizenship, underscoring the successful post-war assimilation of migrant communities into local society.[2] Religiously, the community exhibits diversity but remains predominantly Christian, with a significant Catholic presence influenced by Italian settlers; the 2021 Census highlights this as the leading denomination among believers (33.9% Catholic), alongside smaller Protestant groups and a growing proportion reporting no religious affiliation (35.5%).[2]Economy
Agriculture and primary industries
Myrtleford's agricultural sector has historically been anchored in tobacco production, which commenced in the 1850s and expanded significantly in the Upper Ovens Valley during the early 20th century. By the 1970s, the Myrtleford region accounted for approximately 38% of Australia's total tobacco output, with the industry employing thousands and shaping the local economy through cultivation, drying, and processing facilities. The sector peaked at around 16,000 tonnes of leaf annually before declining due to international competition, regulatory pressures, and the end of domestic manufacturing quotas, leading to the complete closure of Australian tobacco farming in 2006. Today, tobacco production in the area is negligible, with former kilns serving as historical remnants.[35][23][29] The decline of tobacco prompted a diversification into other primary industries, supported by the area's fertile alluvial soils and the expertise of Italian migrant families who had dominated tobacco farming. Contemporary agriculture focuses on fresh produce such as vegetables, berries, kiwifruit, apples, nuts (including walnuts and hazelnuts from operations like Ovens River Nuts), and olives, alongside beef cattle grazing on surrounding pastures. The Alpine Valleys wine region has emerged as a key component, encompassing over a dozen vineyards around Myrtleford, Gapsted, and nearby locales; prominent examples include family-owned Michelini Wines, which specializes in cool-climate Italian varietals like Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese, and Gapsted Estate, renowned for estate-grown reds and whites from high-altitude sites. Hops cultivation has also seen revival on converted tobacco lands, contributing to craft brewing.[36][4][37][38][39][40][41] Forestry complements agriculture as a primary industry, with radiata pine plantations first established between Myrtleford and the Ovens River in the 1920s under the Forests Commission of Victoria, now managed by large operators like HVP Plantations for sustainable timber harvesting and processing. Small-scale mining activities persist, particularly gold exploration; in 2025, Advance Metals Ltd acquired an 80% interest in the Myrtleford Gold Project, a 418 km² tenement in the historic Victorian Goldfields, reporting exceptional assays including 0.7 m at 446 g/t gold from diamond drilling at the Happy Valley prospect. As of November 2025, ongoing drilling has confirmed high-grade gold mineralization extending to over 500 m depth, including 3.2 m at 62.3 g/t Au.[38][42][43][44] Agriculture, forestry, and fishing collectively employed about 11% of the workforce in the Alpine Shire as of 2016, supporting around 510 jobs and bolstered by downstream manufacturing such as food processing and wine production. This sector underscores the town's resilience, leveraging its natural resources for sustainable primary production amid evolving global markets. Based on the 2021 Census, employment in this sector was approximately 5.3% (293 people).[45][46]Tourism and services
Myrtleford's tourism sector forms a vital part of Victoria's visitor economy, which reached a record $40 billion in spending for the year ending December 2024.[47] As a gateway to the Alpine Valleys wine region, the town attracts visitors through its cellar doors and scenic drives, with key attractions including Michelini Wines and Gapsted Estate, contributing to the area's reputation for cool-climate varietals.[48] Local events, such as the Myrtleford Farmers Market held on the fourth Saturday of each month and the annual Bush Market in January, boost spending by drawing crowds for fresh produce, crafts, and community gatherings.[49] Additionally, the town's proximity to ski fields like Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, accessible via the Great Alpine Road, enhances winter tourism, with visitors often using Myrtleford as a base for snow activities.[50] The services sector underpins Myrtleford's visitor-driven economy, with retail trade accounting for 10.7% of employment in the Alpine Shire as of 2021, including shops along the main street offering local goods and souvenirs.[46] Health care and social assistance (12.5%), along with education and training (8.8%), together comprised approximately 21.3% of jobs as of 2021, supporting both residents and tourists through facilities like the Myrtleford Hospital and local schools.[45][46] Accommodation and food services accounted for 11.3% of employment as of 2021, with hotels, cafes, and breweries catering to seasonal influxes.[46] The area's unemployment rate stood at 2.6% in Myrtleford as of June 2024, reflecting stable labor conditions amid tourism growth.[51] Recent developments highlight a strong post-2023 recovery, with the Alpine Shire recording its largest tourism year in 2024 for both visitation and expenditure, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.[52] Events like the Italian Festival in 2024 saw high attendance after weather challenges in prior years, further stimulating local spending. Farm tours occasionally feature nearby agricultural products, adding to experiential offerings for visitors.[53]Community and infrastructure
Education and health services
Myrtleford's education system centers on local public and private institutions serving primary and secondary students, with collaborative efforts to support rural learning needs. The Myrtleford P-12 College, a government school offering education from prep to Year 12, underwent a significant modernization in 2020-21, funded by $9.43 million from the Victorian state budget, which included the construction of a new competition-grade gymnasium to enhance facilities for physical education and community use.[54] In 2025, the college received an additional $323,000 through the state's school maintenance program to address essential repairs and upkeep of buildings and grounds.[55] Complementing this, Marian College provides Catholic secondary education for Years 7-12, emphasizing partnerships with local schools to broaden curriculum options and support student pathways.[56] Early childhood education in Myrtleford is facilitated through kindergartens and services managed by the Alpine Shire Council, which offers funded programs for three- and four-year-olds to promote developmental growth in a supportive environment.[57] The Myrtleford Learning Cluster, a regional collaboration involving the P-12 College, Marian College, St Mary's Primary School, and local preschools, integrates resources across a 100-kilometer radius to deliver enhanced early learning initiatives, including shared professional development for educators and tailored programs for rural families.[58] Additionally, Alpine Children's Services operates not-for-profit early childhood centers in the area, focusing on quality care and play-based learning.[59] Higher education opportunities in Myrtleford are limited, with no local universities; instead, students access vocational education and training (VET) through school-based programs and partnerships with nearby TAFE institutes, such as those in the North East region, offering certificates in trades and hospitality.[60] According to the 2021 Australian Census, educational attainment among Myrtleford residents aged 15 and over (totaling 2,778 people) shows 13.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a focus on practical, vocational skills suited to the area's agricultural and tourism economy.[13] Healthcare in Myrtleford is primarily provided by Alpine Health, a public organization operating the Myrtleford Hospital campus, which delivers 24/7 urgent care, acute medical services, dialysis, and palliative care, staffed by nurses and on-call doctors to serve the local and surrounding rural population.[61] Residential aged care facilities include Alpine Health's sites in Myrtleford for residents requiring high-level support, alongside Mercy Place Myrtleford Lodge, an 81-bed home offering personalized care for elderly individuals.[62][63] These services form part of broader Alpine Shire health provisions, with the health care and social assistance sector employing approximately 11% of the shire's workforce (516 jobs as of recent data), underscoring its role as a key economic contributor.[45]Local government and facilities
Myrtleford is governed as part of the Alpine Shire Council, a local government area established in 1994 through the amalgamation of the Shires of Bright and Myrtleford, and parts of the Shires of Beechworth, Oxley, Yackandandah, and Omeo. [64] The council administers a region spanning 4,790 square kilometers in northeast Victoria, with Myrtleford and surrounds serving as one of its primary population centers in the Upper Ovens Valley, home to approximately 4,623 residents (as of 2025). [65] [66] The Alpine Shire Council's 2025-2029 Community Vision and Council Plan prioritizes sustainable growth in tourism, which generates over $500 million annually for the region, and agriculture as a foundational rural industry, with initiatives including an updated Economic Development Strategy to support these sectors. [66] Key public facilities in Myrtleford include the Recreation Reserve at 107 O'Donnell Avenue, which encompasses a golf course managed by the Myrtleford Golf Club, multiple sports grounds with three arenas, two indoor stadiums, and ancillary features such as horse paddocks and a speedway circuit. [67] A 2024 master plan for the reserve outlines prioritized upgrades, including arena surface improvements ($270,000), drainage enhancements ($451,000), and a new grandstand ($400,000), aimed at accommodating diverse user groups like local sports clubs and community events. [67] The town operates under postcode 3737, with essential utilities provided by regional operators such as AusNet Services for electricity distribution and various retailers for gas and water services. [68] [69] Infrastructure supporting Myrtleford includes the Great Alpine Road (B500), a major scenic route connecting the town to Wangaratta and Bright, facilitating regional travel and economic activity. [70] Notable structures encompass the Nimmo Bridge over the Ovens River on Buffalo River Road, which underwent strengthening works in 2023 with $3.5 million in joint Australian and Victorian government funding to enhance safety and resilience. [71] Community infrastructure also features the Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre, a hub offering adult learning programs in areas such as literacy, basic computing, hospitality, and first aid, alongside services like internet access and hall hire to foster lifelong education and social connection. [72] The Alpine Shire Council's 2023/24 annual report underscores ongoing infrastructure maintenance, with a total capital works program of $10.6 million, including $2.85 million for asset renewal and $1.87 million for asset maintenance, supplemented by $6.37 million in grants for projects like road resealing and drainage upgrades in Myrtleford. [73] These efforts align with broader council support for education through community grants and programs that complement local learning initiatives. [73]Culture and recreation
Sports and leisure
Myrtleford supports a vibrant sports scene centered around community clubs, particularly in football and soccer. The Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club competes in the Ovens & Murray Football Netball League, one of Victoria's premier regional competitions, fielding senior and junior teams in both football and netball disciplines.[74][75] The club, based at the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve, fosters local talent and has achieved notable successes, including a thrilling finals victory in recent seasons.[76] Soccer enthusiasts in Myrtleford are served by the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club, established in 1959 and affiliated with the Albury Wodonga Football Association.[77][78] The club offers teams across various age groups at Savoy Park, promoting family-oriented participation and competing in regional leagues, with events like the annual FA Cup contributing to community engagement.[79][80] Motorsport has a longstanding presence through the Myrtleford Speedway Club, formed in the mid-1950s and operating at the Recreation Reserve.[81] The club hosts speedway events featuring categories like solo motorcycles and sidecars, drawing competitors and spectators to the dirt track facility.[82] Recreational opportunities abound for outdoor leisure in Myrtleford. The Myrtleford Golf Club provides an 18-hole grass greens course nestled in the High Country, with tree-lined fairways and facilities for visitors, including equipment hire and a clubhouse.[83][84] Cycling and biking trails, such as the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, offer 137 km of sealed paths connecting Myrtleford to nearby towns like Bright and Wangaratta, suitable for all skill levels amid scenic valleys and historic sites.[85][86] Parks enhance casual recreation, with Jubilee Park in the town center providing picnic areas, barbecues, and access to Happy Valley Creek for relaxed outings.[87] Rotary Park, at the confluence of Barwidgee and Happy Valley Creeks, features playgrounds, swimming spots, and walking tracks along the Ovens River, ideal for family picnics and short hikes.[87][88] These spaces tie into broader community activities, supporting health and social connections.Festivals, events, and attractions
Myrtleford hosts the annual La Fiera Italian Festival, a three-day celebration of the town's Italian heritage that features authentic cuisine, regional wines, live music, and family-friendly activities such as magic shows, photo booths, and children's workshops.[89] Held in mid-May, the event includes La Festa on Saturday with food stalls and performances, and Il Mercato on Sunday as a vibrant market, marking its 18th edition in 2026.[89] This festival highlights Myrtleford's cultural roots tied to Italian immigrants who arrived in the mid-20th century for tobacco farming.[90] Local markets draw significant crowds, including the Myrtleford Bush Market, a family-oriented event held on the first Friday in January at the showgrounds, featuring over 120 stalls with fresh produce, artisan crafts, clothing, and gardening items.[91] Attendance has increased in recent years, with 2025 numbers reported as higher than previous editions, attracting visitors from across the region.[92] The Myrtleford Farmers Market, occurring on the fourth Saturday of each month, complements this by showcasing local seasonal goods and cooking demonstrations.[93] Key attractions include the Log Tobacco Kiln, a historic 1957 structure built from local logs where tobacco leaves were hung on racks for curing, representing Myrtleford's agricultural past in the Alpine Valleys.[94] The Myrtleford Mosaic Trail offers a self-guided 2-kilometer art walk through town, featuring over 20 community-created mosaic installations on buildings and paths that depict local history and nature.[95] Reform Hill Lookout provides panoramic views of the Ovens Valley via accessible walking paths, ideal for short hikes amid eucalyptus forests.[37] Notable natural and artistic sites encompass the Big Tree, a massive ancient river red gum in Smith Street, and the nearby Phoenix Tree sculpture, a 1986 artwork by Hans Knorr carved from a felled gum tree root to symbolize environmental rebirth with motifs of wildlife and machinery.[96][97] The Myrtleford Gallery at 51A Standish Street exhibits local artworks, including paintings and sculptures inspired by the High Country landscape.[98] Wine tastings are a highlight at nearby cellar doors like Michelini Wines, specializing in Italian varietals such as Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese, with alfresco seating overlooking vineyards, and Gapsted Estate, offering guided sessions of cool-climate reds and whites.[40][99] Farm experiences include the Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm, where visitors tour enclosures to observe breeding herds and learn about sustainable agriculture, and Pepo Farms, focused on berry picking and orchard visits during harvest seasons.[100] The Historic Old School Museum, housed in a preserved 1870s building, displays artifacts from Myrtleford's early settlement, including tobacco industry tools and pioneer photographs.[101] Outdoor adventures feature the short hike to the Linden Tree on Albert Street, a heritage-listed lime tree dating to the 1860s, integrated into the Myrtleford History Walk that traces the town's evolution along the Ovens River.[102]Notable people
- Albert Lowerson (1896–1945), soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry at Mont St. Quentin during World War I.
- Kerryn Rim (born 1962), biathlete who competed for Australia at the 1992, 1994, and 1998 Winter Olympics.
- Wally Bristowe (1922–2013), Australian rules footballer who played for Hawthorn and Fitzroy in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
- Len Ablett (1916–2001), Australian rules footballer who played for Richmond in the VFL and later became a prominent figure in local football administration in Myrtleford.
- Richard Colbeck (born 1958), Liberal Party politician who has served as a Senator for Tasmania since 2018 and previously from 2002 to 2016.
- Steve Mautone (born 1970), professional soccer goalkeeper who played for clubs including West Ham United and represented Australia internationally.
- Angela Iannotta (born 1971), soccer player who scored Australia's first goal in a FIFA Women's World Cup in 1995.
- Tiffany Cherry (born 1971), sports broadcaster known for her work with the Australian Football League (AFL) as the first female boundary rider.
- Chloe McConville (born 1987), professional cyclist who competed for the Orica-AIS team and represented Australia in international events.