Go Country: How Omeo is getting back in the saddle

Whether it’s hiking, mountain-biking, horse riding or motorcycle touring, it’s hard to find a better place for it than Omeo, nestled between Gippsland and the High Country.

Omeo is set to host some big events over the next few months. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

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Whether you ride a horse or have two-wheeled horsepower under your seat, Omeo is gearing up for an autumn of events to lure visitors back to the town.

Omeo sits between Gippsland and the High Country and that central location was reflected when fires stalked the town from all sides last month.

The main road – the Great Alpine Road – from Hotham down into Bairnsdale is now open, lifting tourism and the local economy is already showing green shoots.

Vice President of the Omeo Historical Society Michael Henry is locked up in the old Omeo jail. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Two months of equine-related events starts with the Hinnomunjie Picnic Races on March 7 with the feature event the Hinnomunjie Cup.

The race day is one of the main social days of the year and has fashions on the field and activities for kids.

After the last race, the revelry moves to the Benambra Hotel for dinner and live music.

Horse-related events continue over Easter with the Omeo Easter Rodeo on April 11

and the Geebung Polo Classic at Cobungra Station on April 12.

Omeo Rodeo secretary Erica Coulthard said the 66th running of the event on Easter Saturday would be one of the highlights of the town’s calendar.

“It’s a great day and a favourite for so many people in the town.’’

Kellie Hodson at the Crazy Cow Cafe and Bakery – where chunky steak and pepper pies are just one speciality – said visitors were already returning to the region.

“They’re coming back now that the roads are open,’’ Ms Hodson said.

“This is the time of year that we usually see bucketloads of people and we’re beginning to see that now.

“Pushbike and motorbike riders are already coming back so it’s looking good.’’

Owner of Crazy Cow Cafe and Bakery Kellie Hodson shows off a selection of products. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The area is popular with hikers, mountain-bike riders, horse riders as well as motorcyclists touring through the High Country’s roads.

The town has two pubs, known locally as the top pub and the bottom pub, and officially, the Hilltop and Golden Age hotels, both offering accommodation and meals.

Lou Beltrame, who owns the Omeo Caravan Park with wife Sandi, said bookings for coming months were strong.

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“We’ve had lots of new inquiries from people who have never been to Omeo before,’’ Mr Beltrame said.

Omeo Historical Society caretaker Jeff Cooper said the town’s justice precinct was one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

Five heritage-listed buildings, including the original 1860 courthouse and log jail, were popular attractions.

“Once people realise what we have here, they love it.’’

Originally published as Go Country: How Omeo is getting back in the saddle