The Pyrenees Shire is an extremely productive agricultural region covering an area of 3,500 square kilometres. The Shire takes its name from the ranges in the north named by Major Mitchell in 1836 as they reminded him of the Pyrenees in Europe.

It is renowned for its cereal and hay crops, wool, viticultural and forestry activity. Thirty percent of the work force is involved in agriculture, which produces commodities with a gross value in the range of $70m each year.

Large proportions of the Pyrenees residents live in the two major towns of Avoca (1,000) and Beaufort (1,200). Both towns were established on gold but have reverted to service centres for the agricultural community. A number of smaller towns are dotted throughout the Shire all contributing to the wellbeing of the region.

The climate varies from the north to the south of the region. North of the Pyrenees Ranges there exists a warmer, drier climate with rainfall in the vicinity 650mm per year. South of the Pyrenees Ranges has a cooler, wetter climate with a rainfall in excess of 750mm per year. The region's landscape is pleasant and varied - the north is characterised by gentle hills, highland plains and vineyards. The southern section has the slopes and plains with scattered out crops. Areas not under pasture or cereal crops remain under natural forest or pine plantation. The best example of this is seen in the Mt. Cole State Forest and the Mt. Buangor State Park.

The recreational interests of the community and visitor are well served across the region with most towns having their own sporting facilities. Apart from the normal sporting activity hang gliding from Mt. Cole and the French game of Petanque in Avoca attract considerable interest from the local community and visitor alike.

ATTRACTIONS & DINING

The natural beauty of the Mt. Cole State Forest and the Pyrenees Ranges makes bush walking a pleasure or picnics in the locations are just as enjoyable. The three race meetings at the Avoca Shire Turf Club in conjunction with the wineries of the region make a memorable day for the family or social group.

The fifteen wineries of the region and their range of wine will cater for all tastes and those that take the opportunity to visit are well rewarded. Petanque, the French game of bowls, is very popular in Avoca and the two tournaments held each year have created a large following and it is not unusual to see 200 people competing for the honours.

Pyrenees Wine Region - One of Australia's great natural attractions. Situated on the lower slopes of the Pyrenees Ranges, and surrounding areas,  you will discover a diversity of vineyards.

Imperial Egg Gallery, 18 Neill St (Western Highway) BEAUFORT, 3373 Phone: (03) 5349 2297
Art that dates back to the world of the Pharoahs can be seen in the world of today. Eggs that were part of the Druids and Inca's of yesteryear. Come and view a scene from our past, a collection of unique art and beauty.

Mt Lonarch Gallery  Beaufort/Amphitheatre Road, MT LONARCH. Vic. 3468, Phone/Fax: (03) 5466 2258
A unique studio and gallery offering original Australian fine bone china collectibles made and decorated on the premises.  Australian Made Original Designs. Special orders welcomed. Buses welcomed Rural Atmosphere. Beautiful Scenery. Country Walks. Relaxing and Peaceful. Disabled Access. Special needs can be catered for. Meals can be arranged. Kangaroos and Bird Life.

Moonambel Hotel, Brooke Street, MOONAMBEL. PH: (03) 5467 2273
Open 12pm til late every day of the week, the Moonambel Hotel offers lunch and dinner and a range of local wines from the Pyrenees Wine region. New Owners Kevin and Drew Sutherland look forward to welcoming you with their country hospitality.

Olive and Lavender Store, 106 High Street, AVOCA. PH: (03) 5465 3777
Olive and lavender products, giftware, homeware, garden furniture, lavender and olive tree nursery, gourmet light lunches, Crivelle coffee and a range of teas - all in the heart of the Pyrenees Wine Region.

Pyrenees Hotel, Williamson Street, LEXTON 3352. Phone: (03) 5466 7215
Historic Hotel located at the Gateway to the Pyrenees Wineries at Lexton. The Hotel is renowned for its great value hotel meals. Come and try our Thursday Night Parma and Pot $15, Friday Night Fish and Chips and our Sunday Roast, $12. 12pm - 2pm

Three Troupers Brewery, MT COLE. Phone: 0419 497 379 or 0428 497 377
Locally owned and operated, Three Troupers Brewery is located at the base of Mt Cole. Each brew is made from a generations old family recipe, using the clearest natural spring water and the finest grain and hops from the beautiful Pyrenees region. Our first release is a golden Pale Ale.

Westbury Antiques, 119 High Street, AVOCA. Phone: (03) 5465 3406 or mobile 0412 949721
Established 1983 in Melbourne but now in Avoca and situated in the High Street opposite the Visitor Information Centre. Specialising in period furniture and decorative arts. Avoca is at the entrance to the Pyrenees wine region.

PYRENEES ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

Avoca Cottages
33 Napier Street, AVOCA. 3467. Free Call: 1800 123 355
Located in the heart of Avoca these refreshingly new 1 & 2 bedroom cottages offer full kitchen facilities, double spa baths, heating and cooling, and one with wheelchair access. Tours of the Pyrenees wineries and conference facilities available.

Avoca Motel,
159 High Street, AVOCA, Victoria Phone: (03) 5465 3464
Centrally located in historic Avoca, close to the Pyrenees Wineries and the Pyrenees Ranges. Offers 12 ground floor units, close to restaurant, organised winery tour and transport to and from venues.

Blacks Creek Farm Accommodation, RMB 384, BEAUFORT. Phone: (03) 5340 2177
Accommodation in two cottages set in a peaceful and relaxing 5 acre garden catering for 10 and 4 people. Our accommodation is private, safe, clean and comfortable. Access to swimming pool, lit tennis court, campfire area and childrens sandpits. Self contained or Bed & Breakfast Accommodation.

Beaufort Motel, 18 Neill St (Western Highway) BEAUFORT, 3373 Phone: (03) 5349 2297
Peter and Edis invite you to stay and enjoy great accommodation and hospitality at Beaufort's only motel. Parkland setting, large car park for trailers and boats, children's play area, continental breakfast and a range of room options.

Cave Hill Creek, 110 The Glut Road, Beaufort. 3373 Phone: (03) 5349 7381
School Camps, Weekend and Holiday Retreats, Functions.
Cave Hill Creek provides accommodation and outdoor activities for all types of groups. Situated in a picturesque creek valley, overlooking a private lake and surrounded by the mountains of Mt Cole State Forest, Cave Hill Creek can accommodate up to 100 guests in comfortable bunk style accommodation. Minimum group size 35.

Moonbeam Cottages
Mountain Creek Road MOONAMBEL 3478
Dennis Fleming. Tel/Fax: 5467 2350 Mobile: 0408 518456
Cosy mudbrick accommodation set on a picturesque 20 acre bush property in the heart of the Pyrenees Wineries, choice of seven different cottages. Private couples and group accommodation a speciality.

Mount Cole Cottage, 11 Freespoint Road, Raglan. Phone: (03) 5349 7236
Relax in a peaceful bush setting in a rustic self contained cottage at the foot of Mount Cole, amidst the local wildlife and 1980’s picturesque mud brick buildings. Bushwalk in Mt Cole State Forest or Mount Buangor State Park. Nearby - Beaufort Cafes & the Pyrenees Wineries.

Pyrenees Hotel, Williamson Street, LEXTON 3352. Phone: (03) 5466 7215
Historic Hotel located at the Gateway to the Pyrenees Wineries at Lexton. The Hotel has 6 rooms (4 double & 2 twin single), all upstairs with a view of the surrounding township & countryside.  The Hotel is renowned for it’s great value hotel meals and legendary homemade deserts. The Hotel also has a relaxing beer garden adjacent to the Burnbank Creek.

Pyrenees Motel, 102 High Street, Avoca. Phone: (03) 5465 3693
Located in the heart of Avoca  the Pyrenees Motel offers distinctive accommodation and caters for all members of the family. Family rooms, cot, single. twins and doubles. Continental or home style cooked breakfast available.

Red Hand Studio Gallery Accommodation at 'Mireside', 90 Hickmans Creek Road, Elmhurst 3469 Phone: (03) 5354 8367
Red Hand Studio B&B is nestled in an extensive garden at the foot of Mt Cole Sanctuary. Bring your dog and your bicycle. Our garden is an inviting place to read, paint, watch the birds or enjoy the quiet rural atmosphere.

Rock Brook
168 Gordon Road BUNG BONG 3465
Ian & Julie Bucknall Tel: 5460 5454
Charming 130 year old 2 bedroom, self contained cottage set on a quiet sheep and cropping property. Features fully equipped kitchen, open fire, tennis court and games room. Only 20 minutes from the Pyrenees wineries.

Summerfield Accommodation Units
Main Road, MOONAMBEL 3478
Ian Summerfield
Tel: 54672264 Fax: 5467 2380
Well-appointed self-contained accommodation offers privacy and comfort. The kitchen is fully equipped and stacked with breakfast provisions. It is an excellent base from which to explore the wine region.

Tandamuki Cottage, Greens Lane, MOONAMBEL 3478. Phone: (03) 5467 2365
Self-contained two bedroom cottage with beautiful views of the Pyrenees. The cottage is a 10 minute walk to the general store, pub and the village common, and central to all the Pyrenees wineries.