Wangaratta is a cathedral city in the northeast of Victoria, Australia, about 230 kilometres from Melbourne.
Gold was found in the surrounding area during the 1850s and this is reflected in the name of a nearby town of Eldorado where the remains of an old dredge can still be seen today. The Post Office in the area opened on 1 February 1843 as Ovens, and moved to the township and was renamed Wangaratta in 1854.
The nearby small town of Glenrowan located some 10 km away is known as the site of the final shootout that led to the capture of Australia's most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly.
Wangaratta is situated alongside the King and Ovens Rivers and gives access from the north to the highland skiing resorts. It is a beautiful drive south along the Great Alpine Road, and definitely worth exploring.
Wangaratta is roughly 235 kilometres north of Melbourne along the Hume Highway taking a little over two and a half hours to drive.
You may like to time your visit to coincide with the city's many festivals and events. For example the multi award winning Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues is held annually and considered one of the biggest jazz events in Australia.
There are several modern cafes and restaurants in the area, and a number of hotels where you can stay. You can get to Wangaratta on train from Melbourne or on one of the V/Line buses from several of the nearby towns.
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