Myrtleford & Porepunkah
Myrtleford
Myrtleford, nestled in the northeastern region of Victoria, is situated 282 kilometres (175 miles) to the northeast of Melbourne and 47 kilometres (29 miles) to the southeast of Wangaratta. This charming town falls under the jurisdiction of the Alpine Shire local government area, and as of 2021, it had a population of 3,285.
The town’s post office was established on 26 July 1858, originally named Myrtle Creek, and it later adopted the name Myrtleford in 1871. The thoroughfare that traverses Myrtleford was once known as Buckland Road and Ovens Highway, but today it is recognised as the Great Alpine Road.
This serene town nestled in the heart of Victoria’s alpine wine region serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the myriad of wineries, mountains, valleys, and savoring some of the state’s finest cuisine.
Among the many attractions of Myrtleford, one of the standout features is its thriving arts and cultural scene, seamlessly integrated with its love for the outdoors. A leisurely stroll along the main street will introduce you to art galleries, vibrant cafes, charming boutiques, and an abundance of scenic walking trails.
Myrtleford serves as a gateway to the breathtaking natural landscapes of the region. Nearby areas like Mt Buffalo National Park provide easy access to the great outdoors, with an array of hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and scenic drives that offer captivating views of the rugged terrain.
Myrtleford is a destination that caters to a diverse range of interests, welcoming history enthusiasts, culture seekers, wine connoisseurs, and nature lovers alike. With its unique blend of heritage, culture, and natural splendor, Myrtleford has rightfully earned its place as one of Victoria’s most cherished towns.
Porepunkah
Porepunkah began to develop when European settlement commenced in the 1830s, yet it wasn’t until the 1850s gold rush, an anti-Chinese race riot that unfolded on July 4, 1857 called the Buckland Riot occurred. Porepunkah is the closest modern town to that location.
The infamous bushranger Harry Power defied law enforcement for a decade in the Ovens district. After escaping from Pentridge Prison, he held up the mail coach at Porepunkah on May 7, 1869.
The historical thread continues with the establishment of Porepunkah’s Post Office on February 22, 1870. While the original Post Office no longer stands, the Porepunkah Roadhouse now serves the community with Australia Post services due to the absence of mail delivery to homes.
On January 23, 1873, Porepunkah Primary School (No. 1144) officially opened its doors, with Henry Jeffreys serving as the headmaster and an initial enrolment of 43 children. Remarkably, this school continues to educate children to this day.
In 1895, the Porepunkah Recreation Reserve was officially designated, and on June 22, 1910, Lord Carmichael, the Governor of Victoria, proclaimed Porepunkah as a township.
The Porepunkah railway station, which opened in 1890 as part of the Bright railway line, closed its doors in 1983. However, the disused railway corridor was transformed into the popular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, offering a scenic path for cycling and hiking that passes through Porepunkah.
