An itinerary ideal for a family.
Nestled between the mountains of the Victorian High Country lies the little-known town of Jamieson. A hidden gem waiting to be explored. At only 3 hours drive from Melbourne, Jamieson is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
So pack your car, get the kids ready and head off on this great little family adventure.
Day 1 - Arrival in Jamieson. Away from the highway.
Hop in the car, turn on the music and head into the Victorian High country. Stop in Mansfield to have a bite to eat in one of the lovely cafés. Browse the various boutiques, funky gift shops, books, country outfitters, camping and outdoor stores. Then stock up on supplies and some delicious local produce before driving the last 35 kilometres to Jamieson. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way, this is when the real adventure begins!
Jamieson township offers a variety of accommodation options with self-contained holiday houses, cottages and Airbnb’s as well as Jamieson Caravan Park with powered sites, cabins and glamping tents.
Once you have checked into your accommodation it’s time to relax. If the weather allows for it, take a dip in the Jamieson river or float down on a tube. Guaranteed fun for the whole family. As the evening falls there is no better place for a sundowner than along the river. Enjoy a nice picnic or barbecue and end the day by a warm campfire.
Day 2 - Exploring Jamieson. Trees, history and the river.
Have a leisurely start to the day with a stroll around town. One of Jamieson’s charms are its beautiful deciduous trees. Lush and green in spring and summer, the leaves turn all shades of yellow, orange and red during autumn. There is a self-guided walk for the real tree lovers.
If you are keen to learn a bit more about Jamieson’s fascinating gold rush history grab yourself a ‘Self Guided Heritage Walk’ and ‘Cemetery Walk’ leaflet and start exploring. You will find a sign at each historic site with interesting information, stories and old photos.
Whilst on your walk pop into the historic museum in the old Courthouse that is run by volunteers from the Jamieson and District Historic Society. Right next to the museum you can visit the Gallery on Nash, a little shop full of colourful local art and crafts as well as a nursery. The perfect place to pick up a souvenir.
In the afternoon, it’s time to get active. Make your way to the Jamieson Caravan Park where you can hire kayaks for a great downstream adventure. Get into the water right next to the caravan park and paddle around for a bit to get acquainted with your kayak before you head off. Exploring the area from the river gives you a whole new perspective. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and tranquillity along the way and have fun paddling through the rapids.
Get out of your kayaks at the Jamieson Brewery & Grill which is conveniently located along the river. What better way to end your kayaking adventure than with a hearty meal and cold locally brewed beer at the brewery’s restaurant while admiring the view of the mountains. The kids can use their last bit of energy on the big jumping pillow and the playground. Take the courtesy bus back to town.
Alternatively enjoy some time by the river with the kids. Play with rocks, skim stones, and look for ducks and platypus. There is always something to discover. You can also try your hand at fishing. Bait and gear are available at the Jamieson General Store. Just make sure you get your fishing licence first. Then take the courtesy bus to the Jamieson Brewery & Grill for that delicious dinner and local beer.
When returning to your accommodation make sure to look up on a clear night and enjoy the star light sky.
Day 3 - Echoes of the past. The gold rush era.
Start the day with breakfast and coffee at the General Store, a real hub for anyone visiting Jamieson and the perfect place to fuel up for today’s adventures.
Get in your car and drive towards Woods Point. Stop at Scots Mist Day Reserve along the Goulburn River and learn about the “No Sweat” gold diggings. Imagine the men digging away in the forest to find their fortune. It wouldn’t have been an easy life in the remote mountains of the High Country.
Continue on and in about 20 minutes you will reach Tunnel Bend where you can find a tunnel that was constructed to divert the Goulburn River. Another relic of the gold rush days. On your way back to Jamieson, enjoy the scenery and spot old cottages and mining artefacts in the fields.
If you are up for a little side trip, take the 4-wheel drive track to the old Star of the West Goldmine. It was once the richest local mine where much of the gold in this area was found in the 1800’s. Well worth a visit! Evidence of old mines, huts, and chimneys reward those who make the trip.
When it’s time for lunch, pick up some supplies and head to ‘The Island’ for a picnic. Find a spot in the grass or a picnic bench and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is plenty of space for the kids to run around and don’t forget to walk right to the end of the island where you can see the Jamieson and the Goulburn rivers meet.
To work up an appetite before dinner, choose one of the several short walks around Jamieson. You can also combine a few of these walking tracks for a longer hike.
End this day full of history in style with an exotic dinner in the old Colonial Bank building. The Colonial Bank opened in 1868 but instead of a bank it now houses a fantastic Thai Restaurant. Willi’s Thai Junction serves up authentic Thai cuisine in a beautiful setting. Fresh, colourful and full of spices to indulge those tastebuds.
Day 4 - Family fun. Wild animals and wine tasting.
Cook up a hearty breakfast before heading out for the day. The Mansfield Zoo makes for the perfect family outing and is only a 20 minutes drive from Jamieson. Hand feed the animals, laugh at the cheeky meerkats, and admire the white lions. With its park like setting and spectacular views of Mt Buller, Mansfield Zoo is a wonderful place to spend the morning and the kids will certainly experience a fabulous wildlife encounter.
In the afternoon it’s time for a relaxing activity. A short 3 kilometre drive into the Jamieson Valley you can find Mount Terrible Wines. This beautiful little winery produces some of the best cool climate Pinot Noir in the country. Although there is no cellar door you can contact Mt Terrible Wines directly for a visit.
Alternatively, you can visit the Delatite Winery before returning to Jamieson. This beautiful winery is located close to the Mansfield Zoo and their cellar door is open 7 days a week. Enjoy spectacular views while tasting award winning wine.
After a day full of family fun and wine tasting stroll to The Courthouse Hotel on Jamieson’s Main Street and indulge in some good old fashioned pub food.
Then head back to your accommodation to relax with your family on your last evening in this unique little town.
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