At the head of the Ovens Valley, Harrietville is the last village before the climb to Mt Hotham, small, scenic and steeped in gold-mining history.

Things to do

• Walk or ride the Great Valley Trail.
• Explore the Ovens River headwaters and old mining sites.
• Use it as a staging point for Mt Hotham in winter.

Local tip: The drive between Bright and Harrietville is gorgeous in autumn, take it slow and stop for photos.