One of the great things about Wangaratta is its central location to a number of regional attractions. Whether you are planning on visiting the natural wonders around the Warby Ranges or wineries of the King Valley and Rutherglen Wangaratta is a convenient location. If you are travelling to the snowfields then Bright is a comfortable drive and for a taste of history Glenrowan and Beechworth are close by. Wangaratta’s own Performing Arts Centre hosts regular shows. There are also a number of annual, seasonal and special attractions across the region that attract large numbers of visitors to the region each year. If you are planning on visiting during the holiday season be sure to book your accommodation early as rooms do fill up.

Paradise Falls is one of those places that is often overlooked by visitors to the King Valley but for those that make the effort they are well rewarded. The short walk from the car park leads you down a series of rocky steps into the ravine below that gets cooler and more welcoming as you approach the falls. Be sure to visit after recent rains as the water flow does dry up in the warmer months There are some very interesting conglomerate rock formations along the path and around the falls. If you are particularly lucky you may even see some of the resident Peregrine Falcons that nest in the cliff tops above the falls. Paradise Falls are a great destination for families but do pack a spare set of clothes as the temptation may be to get a bit wet.

There is a good selection of Wangaratta accommodation available to suit all budgets and needs. Offered within central Wangaratta as well as the surrounding communities travelers will find and excellent variety of motels, hotels, pubs, caravan parks, cottages and guest houses specifically catering for both short and longer stay temporary accommodation. There is plenty of accommodation in the heart of Wangaratta plus the nearby regions of the King Valley, Glenrowan, Milawa, Eldorado and many other also have some excellent accommodation choices. Furthermore, with the region hosting a large number of annual festivals, celebrations and events, accommodation can be scarce. For that reason if you require Wangaratta accommodation be sure to book early.

The King Valley is a wonderful area which is easily reached from Wangaratta. The King Valley is famous for its excellent wineries and a variety of natural attractions. Whitfield is the hub of many of the King Valleys attractions with Paradise Falls, Lake William Hovell and Powers Lookout all within easy reach and each is certainly worth the drive.

If you are looking for something unique then one of the many regular Wangaratta and regional markets are a great place to begin your search. Each year residents and visitors alike can enjoy markets such as the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz Market, Oxley Bush Market, Wangaratta Swap Meet as well as those close to Wangaratta in Mansfield, Yarrawonga, Jamieson, Myrtleford, Beechworth, Peechelba, Rutherglen and Benalla. These markets include everything from clothes and popular foods through to unique handcrafts and gourmet local produce and wines. These markets are a great opportunity to stock up the pantry with all your favourites from one convenient location and in many cases by dealing with the producer direct.

The Warby Ranges is only a 10km drive from central Wangaratta and is officially known as the Warby-Ovens National Park. It offers a variety of spots for family picnics and natural experiences such as Ryan’s Lookout, Briens Gorge Falls, The Forest Camp and Pine Gully. Fishing, Camping, Walking, Bike Riding and Gem Prospecting is also available in some areas.

Wangaratta and the surrounding rural communities offer a year full of festivals, celebrations and events that attract people from across the country and in some cases from around the world. Events such as the annual Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Swap Meet are all centrally located, and across the region there are wine and food events which are hugely popular. Wangaratta also offers an excellent selection of accommodations from which to explore and enjoy some of the many events that are held in nearby communities such as Beechworth, Myrtleford, Bright, Rutherglen and Yarrawonga. Wangaratta is also host to regular markets, youth events, senior citizen events and sporting competitions including Australian Rules Football, netball, squash and swimming.

The 2012 Youth Awards presentation ceremony was held on 14 November 2012 at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre. The Awards recognise the achievements, participation and commitment of young people in the Wangaratta Community and are an initiative of the Wangaratta Rural City Council.

Mayor, Cr Rozi Parisotto said, “The Awards acknowledge and encourage participation of young people from all walks of life who are committed to achieving great things in their community”.

In total, one hundred and six nominations were received for young people aged 12–25 years for the following categories:
Sport, Extreme Sport, Employee, Performing Arts, Individual Music, Visual Arts, Community Spirit, Youth Leadership, Inspirational, Youth Ambassador 2012.

“It was so encouraging to see so many young people nominated to receive recognition for their achievements in the various categories. There are many incredible young people in our community who contribute in significant ways” said Mayor Parisotto.

The 2012 Youth Awards were strongly supported by local businesses which are a reflection of the commitment in our community to supporting young people who are endeavoring to achieve great things.

The 2012 Youth Awards presentation ceremony was attended by approximately two hundred guests who were entertained by local musician, Liv Cartledge.

The 2012 Youth Award recipients are:  

Sport

Extreme Sport

Winner

Winner

Georgia Macklan

Tom Barnard

Highly Commended

Highly Commended

Emily Landgren

Samuel Foster

   

Employee

Performing Arts

Winner

Winner

Krystal Cairnes

Amber Bock

Highly Commended

Highly Commended

Andrea Morley

James Christie

Jake Henderson

Rachel Enders

   

Visual Art

Individual Music

Winner

Winner

Samuel Burbury

Erin Ritchie

Highly Commended

Phoebe Webster

Billy Sullivan

Highly Commended

 

Olivia Cartledge

   

Community Service

Youth Leadership

Winner

Winner

Hazel Vaughan

Amanda Roberts

Highly Commended

Highly Commended

Tom Newton

Hazel Vaughan

   

Inspirational

Youth Ambassador 2012

Winner

Winner

Samuel Burbury

Erin Ritchie

Highly commended

Highly commended

Allana Fisher

Amanda Roberts




For further information contact Katy Hawkins (Youth Development Officer) Rural City of Wangaratta on 5722 0819