OMEO Omeo is one of the few towns in Victoria that is really very isolated. A 100 plus k from Bairnsdale to the South and 110 k from both Mount Beauty and Bright. The former being a very winding road that requires patience. Omeo is a former Gold Rush town, but was also suffered badly in the fires of Black Friday in 1939. The first reported sighting by Europeans of the wide plain that the Aborigines called 'Omeo' was by the naturalist John Lhotsky from the Southern Alps in 1834.The area was first visited by stockmen who drove stock through the region as early as 1835. In 1845 gold was found around Omeo, and in the 1860s the gold rush reached its peak. Earthquakes in 1885 and 1892, and the Black Friday bushfires of 1939, caused damage to Omeo, yet several old buildings remain including the historical Omeo Bank House. Attractions include the Oriental Claims, the Cuckoo Clock shop, and white water rafting on the Mitta Mitta River. The Cobungra River, Bundara River, Big River, and Mitta Mitta River around nearby Anglers Rest, as well as the Tambo River, all provide good trout fishing. Owing to Omeo’s chequered history not a lot that is old has survived. That said heritage is clearly important. The two churches are century plus buildings. The two hotels are classic and great pubs. The Museum and buildings are really good. A great insight into the history of Omeo is on display. The War Memorial is located opposite the Museum. Given Omeo is so isolated a stopover is recommended. The town is a great launch base to Mount Hotham and the ski fields.