Yackandandah

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Everyone has been to or knows of Beechworth in the North East of Victoria, nestled at the base of the Victorian Alpine Region. With its handsome sandstone buildings, famous bakery and the reputation of having Ned Kelly incarcerated in the Beechworth gaol, Beechworth offers the visitor myriad rich tourist experiences.

But have you ever ventured out through Beechworth towards Wodonga and visited ?

Well if you haven't I suggest you do so.


, like its name, is surprising. As you drive into the amazing tree lined streets of Yack (as the locals call it), you pass by beautiful old houses and the local state school on the left, which takes you back to a time gone by. The picture postcard elaborately fenced Memorial Gardens is on the right. As you enter the main street huge tall palm trees grow, this is reminiscent of the approach to the Los Angeles you see in movies - yes, this is right in the middle of the mountains in Victoria. It's impressive at the least.

[ADVERT]The main street of is small but offers many experiences to the visitor. Visit the bearded and ponytailed Rolf in his antique and collectable shop which is housed in a very old double story building next to the Star Hotel. Rolf's shop is packed with collectables and antiques which literally fill every available space in the shop and on the footpath outside.

Down the street from Rolf you will find bakeries and vintage shops abundant with little treasures to both eat and buy. One I like to stop and eat in is Java Janes. You will see Jane sitting outside the cafe dressed in fashionable attire according to the season or inside if the weather is cold. Please don't interrupt her reading as she takes her job seriously. I have watched many people take a second look at Jane as they pass, as she does look quite real!

Continue walking past the old Bank of Australia and stop when you come to the building that used to be the Motor Garage. It still has the original painted sign still on the front. Step inside to find beautiful art work by talented artists from the local region. Inspiring and unusual pieces line the walls and windows of this unique gallery now named Spiritus Art Gallery. It is open every day except Tuesday. Sharing the space with the Spiritus you will find next door beautifully crafted tables and chairs made by a wood craftsman from up on the Murray who uses very old timbers to create his magnificent furniture.

Cross the road to find more shops and cafes and another hotel called the Hotel built in the unusual Tudor style quite out of character for the street.

Travelling northward going out of town you will cross the historic bluestone bridge and can stop for a picnic in the Sir Isaac Isaac's park named after Sir Isaac Isaacs (1855-1948). He was an Australian governor-general, judge and politician who lived in as a child in the little wooden house on the left of the bluestone bridge before the park.

A day spent in Yack will surprise and please. It's worth the drive and if you wish to stay around one more day you will find good reasonable priced accommodation just a two minute drive around the corner on the Myrtleford road at the Townshiphill Motel. The price includes a complimentary continental breakfast and wonderful views overlooking the Baranduda Range. I highly recommend a visit to this picturesque town.

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