Eildon and surrounds has long been popular destinations for those seeking to take some time to slow down and escape the pace of city life. Pleasure boaters and fishing enthusiasts share holidays alongside those aboard luxury houseboats and families camping by the river. The vibe is relaxed, friendly and fun.
Surrounded by national parks and state forests and connected by pristine rivers, with the magnificent Lake Eildon as the centerpiece, this is the perfect place for 'family time' or 'me time'.
HIGHLIGHTS
LAKE EILDON
Lake Eildon has over 500km of shoreline and at full capacity can store six times as much water as Sydney Harbour! The lake is fed by clear mountain rivers and is surrounded by rolling hills, dense forest and open woodland. This makes it a favourite spot for boating and water skiing, fishing and bushwalking. The surrounding countryside is prized for its eucalypt forests, wildlife and fresh mountain air.
RUBICON VALLEY HISTORIC AREA
The Rubicon Valley Historic Area is home to stunning campsites, the beautiful Rubicon River and Falls and a series of spectacular trestle bridges set amongst remnants of the timber industry and the current hydro power system.
SNOBS CREEK FALLS
Snobs Creek Falls has a spectacular viewing platform that is fixed to a rock face on the side of the falls, jutting out in front of the rushing water. The vegetation around the falls contains a wide variety of ferns, mosses and fungi indigenous to the moist eucalypt forest environment created by the falls.
EAT & DRINK
Schoolhouse Thornton Cafe
Schoolhouse Thornton is a hidden gem in country Victoria. The old Thornton primary school was beautifully renovated in 2020 and transformed into a quaint Artisan Bakehouse.
Everything is made with love on site in the tiny bakehouse with focus on local produce and partnered with Merchant Coffee Roasters in Mansfield.
They pride themselves in quality baked goods and beautiful coffee along with great hospitality.
Enjoy the unique experience within the School grounds. Let the kids play cricket, basketball or chalk draw while you enjoy uninterrupted tranquility or take away delicious treats on your journey through the region.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Alexandra Community Christmas Tree Festival
Each year the community, including schools, businesses, groups and many more, all get together to decorate Christmas Trees which are on display for everyone to enjoy throughout December.
This year over 300 trees will fill the hall and will be a sight to behold.
This event is purely run by the community and its volunteers and truly captures the Christmas spirit.
STAY
Holmesglen at Eildon – The Homestead
Located just two hours North East of Melbourne on 660 acres, near beautiful Lake Eildon, The Homestead is the original farmhouse of the property, which has been tastefully renovated and extended to accommodate up to 16 guests.
With sweeping views of the surrounding valleys from the full-length verandah, the Homestead is a blissfully tranquil and serene place to unwind and rejuvenate.
Comprising of eight bedrooms in total – seven with a queen-size bed, one with three single beds. There are also five bathrooms and six toilets to make sharing a breeze. Linen, towels, and amenities are provided for all guests.
The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering including two fridges, a freezer, and a walk-in pantry for you to store all your consumables. Alternatively, you can let the Homestead’s chef prepare meals for you to make it a truly relaxing experience.
It boasts two living areas which ensure everyone has their own space, an open fireplace, a games room, and a full-length verandah complete with outdoor setting, barbecue, and Webber.
An ideal property for family, friends, and colleagues to come together.