Harrietville, Victoria

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Harrietville Victoria
River flowing into Harrietville Trout Farm
Population:	278^[1]
Postcode:	3741
Location:	351 km (218 mi) NE of Melbourne 105 km (65 mi) SE of Wangaratta 27 km (17 mi) S of Bright
LGA:	Alpine Shire
State District:	Benalla
Federal Division:	Indi

An historical log carting wagon made of logs in the Harrietville Historical Park

Harrietville is a town in Victoria, Australia, located on the Great Alpine Road, in the Alpine Shire. At the 2006 census, Harrietville and the suurounding area had a population of 278.^[1]

The town began as a goldmining settlement during the Victorian Gold Rush. Alluvial gold was mined initially. Many of the early miners were Chinese. Later, the mining shifted to deep reefs accessed via shafts. A large dredge, known as the Tronough Monster, also worked extracting alluvial gold from the Ovens River flats. The dredge extracted gravel and created the hole it floated in, dumping the tailings behind it. It made slow progress along the river flats, eventually stopping when rock reefs were contacted at the base of the surrounding mountains. Three large and deep lakes remain near Harrietville where dredging operations ceased.

Harrietville today provides some accommodation for skiers visiting nearby Mount Hotham. The town hosts a bush market in January and on Easter Sunday. Also in January are an European classical music competition, and a lawn mower grand prix.

Harrietville is a great spot to tackle the Great Alpine Road where the bitumen takes you from the Ovens Valley floor to the rooftop of Australia. The 29 km stretch from Harrietville to Hotham Heights is both challenging and spectacular. It has featured in numerous advertisements for car manufacturers and has developed a cult following for motor cyclists and sports car enthusiasts. Inexpensive accommodation at both ends of the road during Summer make this a great weekend getaway for the motor enthusiast with celebritory beverages available year round at the Snowline Hotel (Harrietville) and The General Store (Mount Hotham). Often featured as a part of the Herald Sun Tour (Victoria's premier professional cycling tour)the route is subject to ice and winds, but can be spectacular, exhilarating and dangerous. A great drive that must be conquered at least once in a lifetime.....