Besties Getaway

Published on 03 September 2025

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Gather your crew and escape to North East Victoria for a relaxed, flavour-filled adventure. From gourmet tastings to sweeping landscapes and iconic history, this itinerary is perfect for groups looking to unwind, explore, and indulge. 

 

Getting There & Travel Tips 

Wangaratta is just a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Melbourne via the scenic Hume Freeway. Your first stop, Milawa, is only 20 minutes (17 km) from Wangaratta, with King Valley and Glenrowan also within 30–45 minutes, making it easy to explore the region without long drives. 

Group Travel Tips: 

  • Book a local bus tour for wine days. No need to worry about driving! 

  • Reserve group-friendly accommodation early. Airbnbs, country cottages, and boutique stays are popular. 

  • Make winery bookings in advance, especially for tastings and lunch. 

  • Bring a camera. This region is full of photo-worthy moments! 

 

 

Day 1 – A Gourmet Start in Milawa 

Kick off your group escape in Milawa, where gourmet indulgence meets country charm. Start your morning browsing boutique shops filled with locally made cheeses, mustards, honey, and preserves. The scent of fresh bread and the buzz of cellar doors set the tone for a delicious day ahead. 

Stop in at the Milawa Cheese Company for tastings and a peek into the cheesemaking process, then wander across to Milawa Mustards for a spicy surprise. For lunch, choose from hatted restaurants, rustic pubs, or cosy cafés, there’s something to suit every palate. 

In the afternoon, check into your group-friendly accommodation. Whether it’s a country-style cottage, a peaceful Airbnb, or a boutique guesthouse, Milawa offers plenty of options to relax and reconnect. Enjoy the serenity of open landscapes, maybe with a glass of local wine in hand, and settle in for a quiet evening away from the city buzz. 

Group of people sitting around an outdoor table enjoying a meal with plates of food, wine glasses, and bottles, surrounded by trees and greenery.

 

Day 2 – Wine & Wonder in King Valley 

Wake up to fresh country air and prepare for a full day exploring the King Valley, a region known for its Italian wine styles and breathtaking scenery. 

Start with a scenic drive to Powers Lookout, where panoramic views stretch across the valley. If your group loves nature, a detour to Paradise Falls offers a peaceful walk and a stunning waterfall backdrop. 

Then it’s time to indulge. Hop aboard a local group bus tour and let someone else do the driving. Spend the afternoon sipping Prosecco, chatting with passionate winemakers, and enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the valley’s picturesque wineries. The rolling hills, vineyard views, and warm hospitality make this a highlight of the trip. 

As the sun sets, head to a local pub or café for dinner. Many venues showcase regional wines and hearty meals made with fresh, local produce, perfect for winding down after a day of indulgence. 

Four people enjoying a picnic around a wooden table with food and drinks, one pouring a drink into another’s glass, with a tent and trees in the background.

 

Day 3 – Glenrowan: Legends & Local Flavours 

On your final day, head to Glenrowan, famously known as the site of Ned Kelly’s last stand. Begin at the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, where immersive displays bring the legend to life. Try on the life-size Kelly helmet for a fun photo, then grab a map and follow the Siege Walk, which guides you through key historical sites. 

If your group prefers more wine over history, Glenrowan also offers local wineries and craft breweries perfect for a relaxed tasting session. 

Before heading home, enjoy a casual lunch in town, perhaps at a bakery or café, and stock up on local goodies to take with you. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a memorable group getaway. 

Four people enjoying a picnic on a red and blue checkered blanket in a vineyard, with food and drinks laid out, surrounded by grapevines and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.

 

Trip Highlights

  • Milawa Gourmet Region – Boutique shops and gourmet tastings. Located 20 mins (17 km) from Wangaratta. No bookings needed for shops; lunch bookings recommended. 

  • Brown Brothers Winery – Iconic winery with lawn dining and tastings. Located in Milawa. Bookings recommended via Brown Brothers website

  • King Valley Bus Tours – Hassle-free group wine experiences. Bookings essential via local tour operators

  • Local Pubs & Cafés – Found throughout Milawa, King Valley, and Glenrowan. Bookings recommended for groups. 

  • Ned Kelly Discovery Hub – Immersive history experience. Located in Glenrowan, 15 mins (17 km) from Wangaratta. No booking required for general entry; group bookings via Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre. 

  • Group Accommodation – Airbnbs, cottages, and boutique stays across the region. Book early via Visit Wangaratta or preferred platforms

Group of people sitting at a dining table with plates and bottles of water; one person holding up a smartphone to capture a photo or video of another wearing a hat.