Dargo
Dargo, a small township in the picturesque Dargo Valley, is 321 km east of Melbourne and 40 km north of Bairnsdale along a road which stretches alongside stretches of both the Wonnangatta and Dargo Rivers.
Its history includes exploration by Angus McMillan and a major rush along the river and further east at Mount Pleasant, the largest mining settlement in the area, which was later renamed Grant.
Grant was home to the Good Hope Mine, which brought prosperity for a time, but the ore ultimately proved too costly to extract. Miners started leaving the area and the town was deserted by 1916.
Today Dargo is a timber and cattle town and the surrounding area is noted for its willow and huge walnut trees, many of which are 100 years old. Dargo now supplies Victoria with about 10 per cent of its walnuts.
Dargo Visitor Information Centres
The Dargo Hotel - telephone: (03) 5140 1231
Dargo General Store & Post Office - telephone: (03) 5140 1219
Things to do around Dargo |
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| Walking |
There are a number of popular walking tracks in the area, notably the Blue Rag Range. |
| Fishing | Trout fishing is popular in the local rivers - Wonnangatta, Wongungarra, Crooked and Dargo. |
| Touring |
Four-wheel drivers may wish to explore the Wonnangatta-Moroka National Park and the old goldmining sites of Hogtown, Talbotville, Bulltown, Crooked River and Grant. Lakes and Wilderness Tourism Visitors Information Centres have a wide range of publications that will assist visitors wishing to tour the area. Freecall 1800 637 060.
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Places to eat in Dargo |
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| Dargo Valley Winery |
The Winery produces chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, traminer, riesling, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. Bed-and-breakfast accommodation is available and there are picnic and barbecue areas. The cellar door is open from midday to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. on weekends (closed Friday). Best to call prior to a visit: - (03) 5140 1228. |
