THE history of Milawa dates back to the time of the Aboriginal tribe of Pangerang – a sub–clan who occupied much of North East Victoria including lands in the Milawa area.

In 1824, explorers Hume and Hovell passed through Milawa and Hovell named the area Oxley Plains after Sir John Oxley, Surveyor General of the Colony of New South Wales.

The cemetery was established in 1864 and was expanded by approximately two acres within the first 12 months.

Milawa makes an excellent base for bike riders with part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail passing through the town and plenty of providores and farm gates dotted throughout the Milawa Gourmet Region.

One of the highlights of cycling the trail is embarking on the comfortable cruise with family and friends from the city of Wangaratta to Milawa.

The trail takes riders past Sam Miranda Winery and the village of Oxley all the way to the crossroads at Milawa, where there is plenty to see and do in the heart of the gourmet region.

Keen photographers may want to stop and capture the misty vineyards and mature trees shedding the last of their autumn leaves, or the historic buildings which sit grandly in the rural landscape.

You can even make a day trip to the nearby snowfields from the Milawa region or hike up scenic lookouts and misty waterfalls, breathe in the fresh alpine air and watch the sun set over this special part of Victoria.

With character, charm and natural beauty in abundance, Milawa is at the crossroads of all North East Victoria has to offer.