Looking for great things to do in the King Valley? Don’t worry, we have your back! Here’s your new go-to guide for everything King Valley related – we’ve scoured the region to find the best wineries, wine tours, hiking trips, boutique breweries & brewery tours as well as local accommodation so you can make the most of your time in this stunning region.
Sip Away At King Valley Wineries
Any wine enthusiast will have heard of King Valley wines, and there’s a good reason they’re so famous! Cool climates, rich soils and the sparkling King River have resulted in a region perfect for winemaking. Combine this with early European migrants who brought with them a passion for good food and quality winemaking, and you can see why the King Valley is so popular!
A few of our favourite family-owned wineries include Dal Zotto Wines, Pizzini Wines, and King Valley Wines. Urban Legends King Valley wine tours are a great way to see everything the region has to offer. Don’t stress about who’s going to be the sober driver, instead sit back and let us take care of the logistics. You’ll be treated like a VIP and have a blast with your friends while sampling the King Valley region’s handcrafted wines, artisan food, and driving around in one of our luxury vehicles.
Magical King Valley Overnight Stays
Merrijig Lodge is a picturesque 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne, and only a short drive to the base of Mt Sterling and Mt Buller, making it the perfect base for all the Urban Legend Tours if you come on an overnight tour with us.
Merrijig Lodge operates year-round, so whether you’re looking for a winter paradise or a summer retreat, you’ve come to the right place! Set on the banks of the Delatite River, this 10-acre property caters for up to 52 guests, with a range of accommodation options to suit every need and every budget – from B&B style guest rooms to self-catered bunks.
A Short Hike to Paradise Falls
Paradise Falls will make you feel like you’ve stepped into fairyland. Only a 20-minute drive from Whitfield, this stunning walk is only 0.5km long and the perfect spot for a picnic. Pack lunch or grab some tasty local produce from Whitfield and soak up the natural wonders of the King Valley.
Unique Flavours at King Valley Distilleries
If wineries aren’t your thing, don’t stress! The King Valley region is bursting with boutique distilleries, handcrafted spirits and artisan gins made from locally sourced grain. Many of these distilleries are family owned-and-run and offer a range of homemade meals or delicious platters filled with seasonal local produce to enjoy alongside your drinks. What more could you want?
Make sure to check out some of our favourite artisan distilleries in the King Valley, including Hurdle Creek Still, Nightingale Bros Alpine Produce and Cider, Hobbledehoy Distillery and Café, and more!
Enjoy a Cold One at King Valley Breweries
Enjoy a locally brewed cold one at one of the popular King Valley breweries. Sit on a deck, surrounded by the natural beauty of the King Valley, and sample craft beers made with fresh mountain water from the King River. Many breweries also have viewing stations where you can watch the process in action and learn some more about the history of the Valley and its beer.
Some of our favourite King Valley breweries to grab a cold pint, tasting paddle, or wood-fired pizza are the Bright Brewery, King Valley Brewing, Bridge Road Brewers, Billson’s Brewery, and a bunch more.
Can’t decide where to go first? Check out our Urban Legend’s King Valley Brewery Tours!
Take a Dip in Lake William Hovell
Whether you’re into fishing, canoeing, hiking, or four-wheel-driving, Lake William Hovell has something for everyone! An 18km trip out of Cheshunt, this charming lake is family-friendly and perfect for all sorts of summer activities. Chuck some snags on the public BBQs and have a refreshing dip in the lake’s cool water. Or, if you’re into fishing, try your luck with the trout and redfin – fresh fish for lunch, anyone? Alternatively, hire a canoe and paddle around in the sunshine, or take a walk through the lake’s stunning surrounds.
Get Adventurous with White Water Rafting on the King River
Feeling like an adrenaline rush? Gain a new perspective of the King River as you glide through rapids and dodge rocks on a white water rafting tour. This experience is perfect for anyone who’s excited to get in the water and learn some new skills, so don’t worry if you’ve never been rafting before. However, while you’ll be surrounded by qualified guides, it’s still important that you’re a competent swimmer and comfortable around water.
There are several companies that offer rafting trips departing from both Bright and Mansfield, so have a look around to find the one that suits you best!
Soak up the beauty of the King Valley
There are so many fun King Valley attractions you’ll never find yourself getting bored. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside, the friendly locals and the delicious food and wine. A couple nights away and you’ll never want to leave again!
Cruise through the Countryside on a Cycling Trail
Whether you enjoy meandering through rolling hills on a road bike or pumping down single tracks on a mountain bike, there is something in the King Valley for every cycling fanatic, or anyone keen to give it a try!
The 100km long Murray to Mountains Rail Trail gives riders the full King Valley experience and is filled with unexpected delights. You’ll find yourself exploring a huge variety of landscapes, from mountains to bushland, rolling farmland to hidden valleys and historic sites. Reward yourself for your cycling efforts and make sure to sample some delicious local treats as you pass through towns including Rutherglen, Milawa, Wangaratta and Wandiligong.
Wangaratta also makes an excellent base for cyclists, with rides starting at a cruisy 18km long and reaching up to 125km long. Zoom along trails that pass through classic Australian countryside, bushland and stunning mountainscapes.
The King Valley has many other cycling trails well worth checking out during your stay. Make sure to pop on a helmet and explore the way along the Cheshunt Cruise to Lake William Hovell, or if you’re feeling energetic the Strade Nero is perfect for those looking for a challenge.
Make sure to check out Ride High Country if you’re interested in a full list of cycling trips for your time in the King Valley wine region.
Shred the Slopes at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham
The King Valley is an ideal spot to be based if you’re a snow bunny and keen to check out the Victorian High Country during the winter months. Falls Creek is a scenic two-hour drive from Wangaratta, and under an hour and a half from Bright. A family-friendly mountain with plenty of runs for beginners (but also with its fair share of more advanced tracks), it’s perfect for day trips and overnight stays alike. Keen for something on the cheaper side that’s a bit less of an adrenaline rush? Falls Creek also has a large range of cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing trails, perfect for making the most of the region’s stunning snowscapes.
Mt Hotham is also conveniently close to the King Valley, a two-hour drive from Wang and only an hour from Bright! This mountain also has something for everyone, but it is particularly known for having some of the most challenging ski/snowboard runs in Victoria. Both mountains are absolutely worth the visit during your time in the King Valley!
