ESTABLISHED in the 1940s, Mount Beauty was originally a base for workers on the Kiewa-Hydro Electric Scheme, but is now known as a popular tourist town due to its close proximity to the Falls Creek, Mt Buffalo and Mount Hotham skiing resorts.

Separated from the small township of Tawonga South by the Kiewa River, the two sit at the base of the state's highest mountain - Mount Bogong.

Mt Beauty is well known for its wine, produce and gourmet food and there are a number of wineries in the area who specialise in premium cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Tuscan grape varieties.

There is even a craft brewery for visitors who prefer hops to grapes.

Local cafés and restaurants offer gourmet home-style cooking, pizza, steak, seafood and poultry options but if that sounds a bit fancy, there is also a tavern and a hotel which offer pub classics alongside standard and boutique beer, wine, cocktails or cider.

Many visitors use Mt Beauty for their off-mountain accommodation during the snow season and there is a supermarket, Post Office, specialty shops and pampering options in the main streets of Hollands Street and Kiewa Crescent.

For the more adventurous, action packed mountain bike is on offer as you make your way around the Big Hill Mountain Bike Park trails.

Keen anglers also love to head to the area for in-season fishing in local rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

Whether you want to admire the scenery, use it as your base or just relax and recuperate, Mt Beauty is the place to do it this winter.