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.

For information on places to stay, places to eat, attractions and calendar of events -
Visit the Pyrenees Tourism Web Site CLICK HERE

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.

Mt Lonarch Gallery  Beaufort Road, MT LONARCH. Vic. 3468, Phone/Fax: (03) 5466 2258
Unique in Australia. Australian Made Original Designs. All pieces made and painted on site. 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.

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 Hills Wine Store, 123 High Street, AVOCA. 3467
The Pyrenees Wine Store is located in the main street of Avoca in the heart of the Pyrenees Region showcasing the wines of the Region and the opportunity to relax and enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine or settle in and dine with us.

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 Country House, 
125 High Street, AVOCA. (03) 5465 3888
A well kept secret hidden behind a 1940s bank building and close to all amenities. Features 4 Queen-sized guest bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, cheerful sunroom, comfortable lounge with wood fire, and a hearty country breakfast served in the dining room overlooking a shady garden and the Avoca River.

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.

Cave Hill Creek Group Accommodation,  
Glut Road, Beaufort. 3373 Phone: (03) 5349 7381
Group Accommodation, Recreation and Outdoor Education. Located in an amphitheatre of mountains Cave Hill Creek accommodates up to 86 persons with separate supervisor facilities and has spacious dining and recreation area.

Golden Age Hotel,
11 Havelock Street, BEAUFORT. Phone: (03) 5349 2502
 Stay in a 150 year old pub in Beaufort - the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine Region and the Goldfields. Recently renovated, quality accommodation, off street parking. Country style meals in the dining room with a large range of local wines.

Grenoca Self Contained Accommodation
102 Rutherford St., AVOCA. Maree Green PH: (03) 9763 9886 or 0403 133035
Journey into the past with a stay in the Historical Old Manse built in the 1880's. Situated in a quiet street in Avoca it is close to the renowned Pyrenees Wineries, the Grampians local tourist attractions and Ballarat.

Mackereth House,
112 Dawsons Road, AVOCA. Phone: (03) 9390 9270
The ultimate place to relax and soak up the history, by staying at the original vineyard of the Pyrenees. Stay in the comfort of a renovated 3 bedroom Victorian house with full kitchen, wood and gas heating. Wander around 4 acres of gardens, 1 acre of vines and step through the original 1860s homestead.  Only 2 kms from centre of Avoca.

Montgrange,
Cemetery Rd MOONAMBEL. 3478. Phone: (03) 5467 2376
Contemporary country living and stylish comfort in the heart of the Pyrenees. Set on eighty acres, this one bedroom red cedar cabin offers sweeping views of the valley and ranges while being central to wineries, hotel & petanque piste.

Moonbeam Cottages
Mountain Creek Road MOONAMBEL 3478
Dennis Fleming.Tel/Fax: 5467 2350
Mud brick self-contained cottages situated in the centre of the Pyrenees Wineries. Quiet location. Accommodating one to four couples.

Mooramong Homestead, Glenelg Hwy, SKIPTON. 3361 Phone: (03) 5340 6556
A unique National Trust property. Homestead, gardens, nature reserve and accommodation on a working farm near Skipton in the Western District of Victoria. A perfect environment to unwind free from the distractions of city life! Farmstay accommodation available in 2 self contained cottages and group accommodation in the Shearers quarters.

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. Children under 16 stay free.

Mt. Lonarch Gallery B&B
Beaufort-Amphitheatre Road MT. LONARCH 3468.
Peter & Lorraine Lucey. Tel: 5466 2258
Situated at the foot of Mt Lonarch, and overlooking a natural amphitheatre, this country-styled residence is also home to Australia's decorative Fine Bone China works. Double, twin or single rooms are available. Light or full breakfast available.

Rock Brook
Homebush Road, BUNG BONG 3465
Ian & Julie Bucknall Tel: 5460 5454
Charming 130 year old self contained cottage (with loft) set on a quiet sheep and cattle grazing property. Features fully equipped kitchen, open fires and tennis court. 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.

Victoria Hotel,
138 High Street, AVOCA. Victoria. 3467. Phone: (03) 5465 3362
A classic country hotel offering comfortable, affordable accommodation in the heart of the Pyrenees region. Includes the Pyrenees Cellars restaurant serving innovative Australian cuisine and local wines. Seniors Card discounts available.

Warrenmang Vineyard Resort
Mountain Creek Road, MOONAMBEL 3478
Athalie & Luigi Bazzani Tel: 5467 2233 Fax: 5467 2309
Warrenmang resort is a paradise for lovers of wine, food and nature. Chalet style cottages with attic bedrooms and outdoor balconies provide a perfect retreat. Award winning restaurant.