King Valley Family Touring Guide
The King Valley is one of Victoria's most beautiful touring regions, with rolling green hills, vineyards, picturesque country towns, mountain scenery, waterfalls and the winding King River.
Located south of Wangaratta in North East Victoria, the valley is famous for its Italian heritage, gourmet food and Prosecco Road wine trail, but there is also plenty for families to enjoy.
Visitors can explore local produce shops, playgrounds, historic sites, scenic lookouts, waterfalls, rivers and picnic areas. The main touring route passes through the towns of Moyhu, Whitfield and Cheshunt, with Milawa, Oxley and Myrrhee offering interesting nearby diversions.
The valley is particularly attractive in autumn when the vineyards change colour, in spring when the countryside is green, and after rain when the seasonal waterfalls may be flowing.
Exploring the King Valley
The most convenient way to explore the King Valley is by car.
From Wangaratta, follow the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road south through Moyhu to Whitfield and Cheshunt. The road travels through open farming country before entering a picturesque valley surrounded by forested hills and mountains.
Milawa and Oxley are worthwhile additions to the journey, particularly for families who enjoy local produce, playgrounds and cycling.
From Whitfield, side trips lead to Powers Lookout, Paradise Falls and Lake William Hovell.
These attractions are spread over a considerable area, so families should allow a full day for a selection of stops or a weekend to explore the region more thoroughly.
Milawa and Oxley - Gourmet Food and Family Attractions
Milawa and Oxley are located north of the main King Valley towns and offer a convenient starting point for a touring holiday.
Milawa Cheese Factory Complex (Milawa)
17 Factory Road, MilawaThe historic former butter factory is home to Milawa Cheese Company, where visitors can browse locally made cheeses and enjoy tastings.
The complex also includes Milawa Bread and other businesses, making it an attractive stop for morning tea, lunch or purchasing local produce.
The surrounding Milawa Gourmet Region is known for mustards, olives, bread, honey and other locally produced food.
Milawa Recreation Reserve Playground (Milawa)
Sportsground Lane, MilawaThis fenced playground is located beside the sporting oval and netball courts.
The playground has equipment under shade sails, including slides, climbing equipment and other play features.
It provides an opportunity for children to stretch their legs between sightseeing stops.
Oxley Memorial Park Playground (Oxley)
Glenrowan-Myrtleford Road, OxleyOxley is another pleasant country town with a playground, picnic facilities and nearby food outlets.
The playground is fenced and shaded, making it a useful stop for families travelling with younger children.
The surrounding region is also popular for recreational cycling and exploring local produce.
Moyhu - Gateway to the King Valley
Moyhu is a small country town surrounded by farming country, with a general store, places to eat and recreation facilities.
Moyhu Lions Park Playground (Moyhu)
Corner Wangaratta-Whitfield Road and Moyhu-Meadow Creek Road, MoyhuThe playground provides a convenient place for families to stop along the main touring route.
Features include slides, swings, climbing equipment, a see-saw and picnic facilities, including sheltered seating and a barbecue.
Moyhu is also a starting point for several scenic cycling routes through the surrounding countryside.
Myrrhee - Brookfield Maze
Brookfield Maze (Myrrhee)
1121 Benalla-Whitfield Road, MyrrheeBrookfield Maze is one of the best dedicated family attractions in the King Valley region.
The traditional hedge maze has more than a kilometre of winding pathways between tall conifer hedges, with visitors challenged to find the centre and discover hidden clues.
The landscaped grounds also feature a labyrinth, lawn games, giant chess, bocce and attractive gardens.
There is a café serving refreshments and light meals, so families can combine the maze with lunch or afternoon tea.
Brookfield Maze is generally open on weekends, public holidays and Victorian school holidays, with weekday visits by appointment.
This is a worthwhile diversion from the main King Valley touring route, particularly for families wanting an activity that will keep children entertained.
Whitfield - The Heart of the King Valley
Whitfield is a picturesque village surrounded by vineyards and mountain scenery.
The town has cafés, a hotel, general store, playgrounds and visitor facilities, making it an excellent base for exploring the southern King Valley.
Whitfield Adventure Playground and Bicycle Hub (Whitfield)
4888 Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, WhitfieldThis modern playground and recreation area is an excellent stopping point for families.
The playground has nature-inspired play equipment designed for a range of ages and abilities.
Facilities include accessible toilets, a free barbecue, shaded seating, drinking water, local information signs and a bicycle maintenance station.
The playground is conveniently located opposite the Whitfield Garage in the centre of town.
Whitfield Recreation Reserve Playground (Whitfield)
Mansfield-Whitfield Road, WhitfieldThe recreation reserve has another playground, along with sporting facilities, picnic tables, barbecues and toilets.
The playground has climbing equipment and play structures suitable for younger children.
The surrounding reserve offers space for outdoor recreation and views towards the hills.
Powers Lookout - Spectacular Mountain Views
Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve (Whitlands)
Powers Lookout Road, off Mansfield-Whitfield Road, WhitlandsPowers Lookout is one of the most impressive scenic attractions in the King Valley.
The lookout is located on a rocky escarpment high above the valley, with magnificent views across the surrounding farmland, forests and distant mountain ranges.
The reserve is named after Harry Power, a notorious bushranger who used the area as a hideout during the 1860s and was associated with the young Ned Kelly.
There are two main lookout points.
The first is an accessible viewing platform close to the car park, making it suitable for visitors who do not want to tackle a steep walk.
The second lookout is reached by a short walk through rocky formations involving steps, ladders and narrow sections.
This more adventurous route is best suited to older children who are comfortable climbing and can be closely supervised.
A separate short walk leads towards Harry's Watering Hole, associated with the bushranger's history.
The reserve has picnic tables, shelters and toilets.
Access is via a 3 km unsealed road suitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles in normal conditions.
Cheshunt - Paradise Falls
Paradise Falls and Little Falls (Cheshunt)
Paradise Falls Road, CheshuntParadise Falls is one of the most unusual waterfalls in North East Victoria, with water falling approximately 31 metres over a projecting rock ledge.
A walking track leads from the car park down to a viewing area near the base of the falls.
The walk is approximately 500 metres each way and includes numerous steps, making the return climb more demanding than the downhill walk.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to explore the striking rock formations beneath the overhanging cliff.
Paradise Falls is seasonal and can be completely dry for extended periods. Visitors should not expect flowing water unless there has been sufficient rainfall.
Picnic tables, toilets and other visitor facilities are provided near the car park.
The final 11 km of the approach is along a gravel road that is normally accessible to two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Nearby Little Falls offers another short walking opportunity.
Lake William Hovell - Fishing, Boating and Picnics
Lake William Hovell (Cheshunt South)
Upper King River Road, Cheshunt SouthLake William Hovell is a beautiful mountain reservoir surrounded by forested hills, approximately 18 km south of Cheshunt.
The lake was constructed on the King River and opened in 1971 to provide irrigation water to farms and vineyards downstream.
Today, the lake is a popular recreational destination for families.
Activities include:
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Walking along the foreshore
- Enjoying the lake and mountain views
- Birdwatching
Water levels and water quality can change, and visitors should check for blue-green algae warnings before undertaking water activities.
The lake is a worthwhile destination for a relaxing picnic surrounded by the scenery of the Victorian High Country.
Prosecco Road - Food, Wine and Scenery
The King Valley is particularly famous for Prosecco Road, a touring experience linking wineries and food producers throughout the region.
The area's Italian winemaking heritage developed after European migrant families settled in the valley and established farms, initially including tobacco growing.
Today, the region is recognised for its Italian-style wines, particularly Prosecco, and its authentic Italian cuisine.
Well-known wineries along Prosecco Road include Brown Brothers, Pizzini Wines, Dal Zotto Wines, Sam Miranda and Chrismont.
Although wine tasting is primarily an adult activity, some wineries have restaurants, outdoor dining areas and food experiences that may appeal to families.
Visitors can enjoy Italian-style meals, local produce and beautiful vineyard scenery without participating in wine tastings.
The region also offers cooking classes and special food and wine events, although family suitability and minimum ages should be checked before booking.
For current participating businesses and experiences, see King Valley Prosecco Road.
Cycling in the King Valley
The King Valley region has numerous cycling opportunities, from relatively easy rail trail sections to challenging mountain and gravel rides.
Families looking for a gentle ride should consider the sealed Milawa and Oxley section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
The trail passes through scenic farming country and provides opportunities to visit local produce businesses.
More experienced cyclists can explore the King Valley Road Rides and King Valley Gravel Road Rides.
These routes vary considerably in difficulty and include sections shared with motor vehicles, so they are not all suitable for children.
Other King Valley Experiences
In addition to the main touring attractions, the region offers several other activities.
- Hot air ballooning: Goldrush Ballooning operates sunrise flights over the King Valley from Milawa for children aged six and older who meet the safety requirements.
- Local produce: Visit Milawa and surrounding villages for cheeses, bread, mustards, olives and other regional products.
- Bushranger history: Learn about Harry Power and his connection with Ned Kelly at Powers Lookout.
- Fishing: The King River and Lake William Hovell offer fishing opportunities, subject to current Victorian regulations.
- Birdwatching: Look for native birds in the forests, river valleys and bushland reserves.
- Photography: Enjoy spectacular views of vineyards, rolling hills, rivers and mountains throughout the valley.
- Seasonal events: The region hosts food, wine, art and community events throughout the year, some of which include children's activities.
Suggested Family Touring Itinerary
Families visiting the King Valley for one day could follow this general itinerary.
- Morning: Start at Milawa Cheese Factory Complex for local produce and refreshments, followed by a playground stop at Milawa or Oxley.
- Late morning: Drive through Moyhu towards Whitfield, enjoying the countryside and vineyard scenery.
- Lunch: Stop in Whitfield for lunch and visit the Adventure Playground and Bicycle Hub.
- Afternoon: Choose either Powers Lookout for spectacular views, Paradise Falls for a short bushwalk, or Lake William Hovell for a relaxing picnic.
Families wanting to visit the maze, waterfalls, lake and lookout should consider spreading the activities over two days rather than rushing between locations.
Getting There
The King Valley is approximately three hours' drive from Melbourne via the Hume Freeway and Wangaratta.
From Wangaratta, the main route follows Wangaratta-Whitfield Road through Moyhu and Whitfield to Cheshunt.
Visitors can also approach the region from Mansfield via the Mansfield-Whitfield Road, which passes through attractive mountain country.
Milawa and Oxley are accessible from Wangaratta via the Snow Road and surrounding local roads.
The side trips to Powers Lookout and Paradise Falls involve gravel roads.
There is no direct road connection between Powers Lookout Road and Upper King River Road. Visitors travelling between Powers Lookout and Lake William Hovell need to return through Whitfield and Cheshunt.
Facilities
Facilities are available in towns and at selected tourist attractions.
- Public toilets in several townships and recreation areas
- Children's playgrounds
- Picnic tables and barbecue facilities
- Cafés, restaurants and general stores
- Food and produce shops
- Tourist information signs
- Car parking at major visitor attractions
- Walking tracks and scenic lookouts
- Fishing and boating facilities at Lake William Hovell
- Accommodation, including caravan parks, cabins and guesthouses
Important Information
Many attractions are spread across a large rural and mountain area, so planning is recommended.
- Carry drinking water, particularly when visiting waterfalls and bushland reserves.
- Check opening hours before visiting businesses and paid attractions.
- Check road and track conditions before travelling on gravel roads.
- Take care on steep walking tracks, particularly at Powers Lookout and Paradise Falls.
- Supervise children around rivers, lakes and waterfalls.
- Check fire danger, weather forecasts and any park closures before visiting.
- Mobile phone reception can be unreliable in some mountainous areas.
- Allow plenty of travel time and avoid trying to visit every attraction in one day.
Review:
The King Valley is an excellent destination for families wanting to combine beautiful scenery, country towns, outdoor recreation and interesting attractions.
Although the region is best known for wineries and gourmet food, there is much more to discover beyond Prosecco Road.
Powers Lookout is a particular highlight, combining spectacular mountain views with an interesting connection to Victoria's bushranger history.
Paradise Falls provides a striking natural attraction, although visitors need to understand that the waterfall may be dry even when the walking track is open.
Lake William Hovell offers a completely different experience, with peaceful water views, fishing and picnic facilities surrounded by mountain scenery.
For younger children, the upgraded Whitfield Adventure Playground and the playgrounds around Milawa, Moyhu and Oxley provide opportunities for play between longer periods in the car.
Brookfield Maze is another standout family attraction, with enough activities to justify making it a substantial stop on the tour.
The combination of local produce and outdoor attractions makes the region appealing throughout the year, particularly during the colourful autumn months and the greener spring season.
The main limitation is the distance between attractions, with some side trips requiring travel along gravel roads or through mountainous areas.
Rather than trying to see everything in a single day, families will enjoy the region more by selecting a few attractions or staying overnight.
With its wonderful scenery, charming villages, Italian heritage and variety of family activities, the King Valley is a rewarding destination for a scenic driving holiday in North East Victoria.
Web Links
→ www.visitwangaratta.com.au/Explore/King-Valley
