Mount Beauty & Tawonga
Mount Beauty
Mount Beauty is a quaint town in northeastern Victoria. Nestled alongside the Kiewa River, it occupies the crossroads of the Kiewa Valley Highway and Bogong High Plains Road within the Alpine Shire local government area.
The town’s origins can be traced back to its establishment by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in 1949, primarily to accommodate construction workers employed in the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. Control of the town transitioned to the local shire council in 1967 following the scheme’s completion. Post offices opened at Tawonga South (located to the north) on April 15, 1943, and at Mount Beauty on February 17, 1947. Additionally, during the years 1949-1953, there were post offices known as No 2 Camp, No 4 Camp, and No 5 Camp, Mount Beauty.
Mount Beauty experiences a distinct seasonal climate. It features cold winters, damp springs, warm summers with clear blue skies, and vibrant autumns. Each season offers its unique attractions, including skiing, bushwalking, horse riding, gliding, mountain and road biking, as well as fishing in the river and lakes. The town hosts an annual music festival, a mountain bike competition, and regular weekend markets on the first Saturday of each month. For adventure seekers, there are numerous four-wheel drive tracks in the vicinity.
Mount Beauty serves as a gateway for excursions to the Falls Creek ski resort and the Bogong High Plains. To facilitate this, you’ll find several ski rental shops, dining establishments, and a bus company offering daily trips to and from Falls Creek, which is located 32 kilometres away.
The town’s picturesque location offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Bogong and various peaks that pique the interest of many visiting tourists.
Tawonga
Situated in the Kiewa Valley, within North East Victoria, and just a brief drive from Mount Beauty, lies the charming township of Tawonga. This area has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for countless centuries, and the name “Tawonga” itself signifies ‘flight through the air.’ Additionally, the Kiewa River, which gracefully meanders through the region, aptly translates to ‘sweet water,’ adding to the natural allure of the place. The river, with its refreshing coolness, is truly remarkable!
Tawonga’s picturesque landscape is marked by vast open skies and commanding vistas of Mount Bogong and Mount Emu. Nearly every corner of this location capitalises on the breathtaking mountain panoramas.
As the oldest settlement in the Kiewa Valley, Tawonga was initially recognised for its lush pastures, and in 1841, the Tawonga pastoral run was under the ownership of James Roberts. By the 1870s, it had been divided into plots for agricultural and residential development.
Tawonga proudly offers essential amenities, including its own general store, a public primary school, and a Town Hall, which was inaugurated back in 1880. In addition, the township features a motel, a ski hire shop, and a selection of restaurants. Its strategic location allows for a quick 5-7 minute drive or a pleasant bike ride to nearby Tawonga South and Mount Beauty, providing ample opportunities to explore the surrounding area.
Tawonga exhibits a diverse range of properties, ranging from those along the highway to those nestled into the hills. Many of these residences enjoy sweeping mountain views and overlook the adjacent farmland.
