The Alpine Shire takes in some 5,500 square kms and was formed from the shires of Mytleford and Bright which were amalgamated in November1994. Also land from the
previous Yackandandah, Beechworth and Omeo Shires are now part of this large Alpine
Shire. Taking in some of this states major tourist locations and also having a large industrial
sector the shire is a major link in the state's development and future.
Located in the centre of the south-western district on the Princes Highway, and the agricultural district on the shore of Lake Colac. Colac has shady trees, colourful parks and
wide lawns. Industries include quarrying and timber milling. Beautiful views can be seen
from Burtons Lookout over the Gellibrand River Valley and Lake Colac. There is good fishing
and a variety of water sports.
Located on Corio Bay, 75 km south-west of Melbourne, Geelong with a population of
191,000 (1991 Regional pop.) is the largest regional city in Victoria. It is well known for its
wool and vehicle industries and is the centre for the popular Bellarine Peninsula, the scenic
Surf Coast and the farming areas to the north and west.
It is also a very historic town. In 1835 John Batman explored the area before establishing
Melbourne at the head of Port Phillip. The rich grazing lands surrounding Geelong (from an
aboriginal word meaning "a place of the seabird over white cliffs") attracted large numbers of
pastoralists and within a few years of settlement Geelong wool was being despatched to
England. Today the superfine wool of Western Victoria is ranked as the best in the world.
Gateway to the outback, in the magnificent Sunraysia region where citrus groves, vineyards,
beautiful parks and gardens create a rich green oasis. Mildura is a thriving provincial city on
the banks of the majestic Murray River which forms part of the Victorian-New South Wales
border. Rich in history and culture, Sunraysia is a fascinating district with a myriad of
activities and attractions.
Within about an hour's drive southeast of Melbourne you will come to the beginnings of the
Mornington Peninsula - a most beautiful part of the state of Victoria.
Superbly sited between Port Phillip and Westernport Bays, Mornington Peninsula is a
promontory covering about 40,000 hectares ranging from long bayside beaches on the Port
Phillip side to the ocean surf and tidal mud flats of Westernport Bay on the other. In
between is a wonderful hinterland comprised of rolling hills, maturing vineyards and
traditional grazing pastures.
Shepparton is the vibrant heart of one of Victoria's most diversified farming and tourist areas, the Goulburn Valley.
It is a just two hours drive north from Melbourne, the state's capital city, and 40 minutes
drive south of Australia's largest river, the Murray, which was the backdrop for the
internationally successful mini-series ``All The Rivers Run'', featuring the historic river
paddlesteamers.
Shepparton is also less than three hours west of Victoria's alpine region - our snowfield
playgrounds in the winter and mountainous escape in the summer.
We are a country city in the middle of an intensive agricultural area known as the Goulburn Valley.
Warrnambool, located on the southern coast of Australia's mainland, is the state of
Victoria's fifth provincial city having a population of 25,500, and is a popular tourist
destination. It is situated 263 km west of Melbourne, where the Princes Highway meets the
Great Ocean Road.
Located in the centre of the fascinating Shipwreck Coast which extends from Cape Otway
through the Port Campbell National Park to the historic township of Port Fairy, Warrnambool
is the ideal base for visiting wildlife reserves, forests, farms, waterfalls and one of the most
spectacular stretches of coastline in the world.
Warrnambool boasts fine beaches and gardens, a wide range of impressive cultural and
sporting facilities and has had the honour of receiving Victoria's prestigious "Premier Town
Award" an unprecedented three times. Click here to read more about
Warrnambool.
Alpine Shire