Holiday houses in Milawa

The King Valley in northeast Victoria’s High Country is the kind of place gourmands will visit and never want to leave. This lush region in the foothills of Alpine National Park combines wondrous wilderness areas with vast grape fields, planted by Italian migrants who settled here after World War II. They brought with them a passion for food and wine, as well as traditions that endure today, as you’ll discover dropping in on producers and cellar doors. Regional varietals include Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Barbera, with Prosecco also a major draw — an official King Valley Prosecco Road highlights makers of this delicious bubbly drop, and some equally compelling eateries to pair.

The gateway to this culinary bounty is the tiny town of Milawa, its streets lined with historic buildings, galleries, and boutiques, not to mention produce stores stocking artisanal goods that showcase the region. Its other primary historic attraction is the former Milawa dairy, once among the biggest in the country and today occupied by a popular cheese factory and tasting room.

There’s no bad time to visit the King Valley, with each season bringing its own appeal. While summer temperatures can make Melbourne sizzle, the Victorian High Country enjoys sunshine and milder temperatures, ideal for picnics and watersports along the King River. Spring offers a countryside blanketed in wildflowers and waterfalls in peak flow, attracting hikers and cyclists in equal measure, with gourmands also arriving for La Dolce Vita festival in November.

Autumn is grape harvest, with pickers out amid neat rows of flame-hued vines and events in full swing — don’t miss the Feast High Country Festival (typically in May). Winter also sees the region’s bounty celebrated at June’s Weekend Fit For a King food and wine soiree.

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

Spanning 107 kilometres and linking townships including Milawa, Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen, and Bright, this route offers a tantalising glimpse of Victoria’s alps. Pedal or hike along paved paths through cool valleys of pine, pausing to refuel at the restaurants for which this part of the state is famous.

Milawa Gourmet Region

Comprising the towns of Oxley, Milawa, Tarrawingee, Markwood, and Whorouly, the Milawa Gourmet Region is the King Valley in a tasty mouthful. Download a map, and drive or cycle between berry farms, cheese companies, olive groves, bakeries, and cellar doors. Time your visit right to enjoy them all at the Milawa Producers Market, held quarterly in April, July, October, and December.

Hot-air Ballooning

Get some perspective of the vast King Valley on a hot-air balloon ride over the countryside. Take to the sky at sunrise, gliding over rolling hills covered with vines. When you touch down, toast your adventure with a glass of the High Country’s celebrated prosecco.