Holiday houses in Violet Town

Located on the banks of Honeysuckle Creek, two hours north of Melbourne, the small town of Violet Town got its name from the many violets that grew along ponds and creeks here in the late 19th century. Today, its tree-lined streets are home to an array of early 20th-century brick commercial buildings and wooden houses offering visitors the laid-back feel of country life. Nearby, the stunning scenery of the Strathbogie Ranges calls out to anyone interested in a day of bushwalking and mountain biking.

If your leisure interests are less endorphin-driven, Violet Town happens to be within striking distance to fast-growing Strathbogie Ranges Wine Region, known for its sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. A bit farther out, the landscape features colourful examples of silo art where grain silos have been turned into massive works of art, providing a splash of colour against the nearby farmland. These are part of the longer Silo Art Trail, otherwise known as Australia’s largest outdoor gallery.

The summer is a great time to visit Violet Town, with warm sunny days greeting you each morning and plenty of outdoor activities to keep your legs moving. This is one of the busiest times of the year, so it is a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance. Spring and autumn are also great seasons to visit Violet Town due to the moderate temperatures, making it possible to still get out on the hiking trails in the nearby Strathbogie Ranges. The winter can get somewhat chilly, especially at night, but this is one of the quietest times of the year. On the second Saturday of the month, there is also a bustling community market where 200 vendors come to sell locally-grown produce, artisanal baked goods, freshly-brewed coffee, household plants and herbs, and handicrafts.

Strathbogie Ranges

These beautiful mountains located within the Great Dividing Range provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as horse riding, bushwalking, and mountain biking. The ranges are also home to one of Australia’s newest wine regions, the Strathbogie Ranges Wine Region, and you will find more than 25 different cellar doors located within the area’s rich farmland specializing in cool- climate wines like pinot noir, shiraz, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc.

Heritage Walk

Violet Town was the first surveyed town in rural Victoria, and the Main Street used to be part of the original Melbourne to Sydney road. To honor this important role in connecting to major cities, Violet Town has created a heritage walk where you can learn more about its unique history. As you walk this self-guided route, you will see the Post Office built in 1910, the location of the town’s old general store, the 1905 National Bank, and the 19th-century school.

Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track

This three-kilometre walking trail runs through creek bushland and parkland right in the centre of Violet Town. The trail takes about 40 minutes to complete and is fully accessible. Along the way, you may even spot local wildlife such as possums, squirrel gliders, frogs, and bats.