Omeo
VIC 3898 • Victoria
About Omeo
Omeo is a historic small town nestled in the Victorian High Country, situated in the East Gippsland Shire at an elevation of approximately 700 metres above sea level. With a population of around 411 residents according to the 2021 Census, it lies deep in a valley surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Alpine National Park, roughly 145 kilometres north of Bairnsdale. Omeo's origins trace back to the 1860s gold rush, when alluvial gold was discovered at the Oriental Diggings on the town's western edge, giving rise to one of Victoria's most remote high-country settlements.
Today Omeo draws visitors with its striking alpine scenery, gold rush heritage, and position along the Great Alpine Road — one of Australia's most spectacular drives. The town offers a general store, hotel, petrol station, and a small primary school, serving as a service hub for surrounding cattle-grazing properties. Outdoor enthusiasts come for skiing at nearby Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, trout fishing in mountain streams, and hiking in the Alpine National Park. The close-knit community maintains a proud pioneering spirit and a warm welcome for travellers passing through.
Omeo falls under postcode 3898 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ovens Valley (Northern Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- McDowall's/Dyson's coach — Bairnsdale (connecting V/Line rail) approx. 2 hr 30 min
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport; the Great Alpine Road can be closed in winter due to snow
Small town centre is walkable but all regional travel requires a private vehicle
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Day Avenue