This mountain town at the base of Mount Feathertop has a 30-meter deep swimming hole, historic gold mining sites, and hosts over 200 musicians during its annual bluegrass convention.
Harrietville, a small town in Victoria's Alpine Shire, sits at the base of Mount Feathertop, surrounded by the Victorian Alps. You can jump from the wooden jetty into the 30-meter deep Tronoh Dredge Hole, walk past century-old maple and oak trees that turn red and gold each autumn, or stay in town while skiing at Mount Hotham. Local events fill the calendar year-round, from January's bush market where farmers sell fresh produce and craftspeople display their work, to November's bluegrass convention where more than 200 musicians play on multiple stages across town.
Getting to Harrietville
You'll reach Harrietville by driving 351 kilometers northeast of Melbourne along the Hume Highway and Great Alpine Road. The town stretches along the valley, with the Ovens River flowing through its center. From the town center, it's a 25-kilometer drive to Mount Hotham ski resort, making Harrietville the final stop before the alpine ascent.
Swimming at Tronoh Dredge Hole
Gold mining operations created the Tronoh Dredge Hole before 1947, and today locals and visitors swim here year-round. The main lake stretches 100 by 80 meters, connecting to a smaller lake through a narrow channel. You can jump from the wooden jetty into the deeper sections, or walk the paths circling both lakes for views of the surrounding mountain slopes.
Walking and Hiking Trails
The Bungalow Spur Track climbs through mountain ash forests to Mount Feathertop, Victoria's second-highest peak at 1,922 meters. This 11-kilometer trail gains significant elevation as it winds up the mountain, passing several rest spots with valley views. The gentler Harrietville shared trail follows the old railway line to the trout farm, with signs explaining the area's gold mining history.
Seasonal Activities
In winter, you can stay in Harrietville while skiing at Mount Hotham. The town's maple, oak, and elm trees turn bright red and gold during April and May. Summer draws swimmers to the clear waters of the Ovens River, while road cyclists take on the steep climb to Mount Hotham.
Local Events
Local vendors fill Pioneer Park during the January bush market, selling produce, crafts, and food. That same month, modified lawn mower races speed through town streets. Musicians play blues at the old Chinese Hotel during the Harry T Ville concert in June, while the November bluegrass convention sets up multiple performance stages where musicians gather for scheduled shows and informal jam sessions.
Food and Local Produce
Two historic hotels in town prepare meals using ingredients from nearby farms. Several small producers sell directly to visitors - you can pick blueberries at the local farm, buy vegetables at Nightingales Farm gate, or try fresh pastries at Morses Creek Bakery.
