Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gourmet food region. The valley extends south along the King River, through the tiny
towns of Mohyu, Whitfield and Cheshunt, with a sprinkling of 20 or so wineries noted for
Italian varietals and cool-climate wines such as sangiovese, barbera, sparkling prosecco
and pinot grigio. Check out www.winesofthekingvalley.com.au .
Among the best are Dal Zotto Estate ( 03-5729 8321; www.dalzotto.com.au ; Main Rd, Whitfield;
10am-5pm) , which also has an Italian-style trattoria open on weekends, and Pizzini (
03-5729
8278; www.pizzini.com.au ; 175 King Valley Rd, Whitfield; 10am-5pm) .
There's good camping along the King River and a few places to stay around Whitfield.
WORTH A TRIP
POWER'S LOOKOUT
The back road from Mansfield to Whitfield in the King Valley is a seriously scenic drive - sure beats the Hume
Hwy. About 20km from Whitfield and 3km down a signposted gravel road is Power's Lookout, with the greatest
view over the King Valley and the Victorian Alps you could hope to see. The lookout was named after Harry
Power, a 19th-century bushranger who teamed up with a young Ned Kelly and taught him a thing or two. Al-
though he committed more than 30 armed crimes, Power was considered something of a gentleman, never killing
anyone and occasionally offering not to rob those he thought couldn't afford it. He even apologised as he depar-
ted with his loot and horses. Power knew the mountains intimately and used this lookout as his hideout, from
where he could survey the land for approaching trouble. But in 1870 he was betrayed for a £500 reward, captured
here as he slept, and sent to jail for 15 years.
Today, you can survey the valley and ranges just as Power did. There's a lookout at the picnic area, but don't
miss the short walk to the rocky No 2 lookout - superb!
Milawa Gourmet Region
On the Snow Rd, between Wangaratta and Myrtleford, the Milawa/Oxley gourmet region
( www.milawagourmet.com ) is the place to indulge your tastebuds. As well as wine tast-
ing, you can sample cheese, olives, mustards and marinades, or dine in some of the re-
gion's best restaurants.
At Oxley, wineries include John Gehrig Wines ( 03-5727 3395; www.johngehrigwines.com.au ; 80
Gehrigs Lane; 10am-5pm) , which has rare varieties such as verjuice, and the unmistakeable
Sam Miranda ( 03-5727 3888; www.sammiranda.com.au ; 1019 Snow Rd 10am-5pm) with its
architecturally-designed cellar door and wide range of Italian-style wines.
About 5km further on, the main street of Milawa boasts Milawa Mustards ( 03-5727 3202;
www.milawamustards.com.au ; The Cross Roads; 10am-5pm) , which offers tastings of its handmade
seeded mustards, herbed vinegars and preserves; the Olive Shop (
03-5727 3887;
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