The journey from Bairnsdale into Victoria’s High Country is now marked by clear signs of autumn, with poplar trees at Tambo Crossing turning gold and local gardens shifting into shades of red and burgundy.
The seasonal change also signals the approaching winter period, when snowfall is expected to draw visitors to the region’s alpine areas.
In Omeo, a town of about 580 residents, tourism continues to play a significant role in the local economy, with visitors flowing through in both autumn and peak winter seasons.
Dean Rose and his wife Deborah, owners of the Crazy Cow Café and Bakery in Omeo’s main street, say coach tours and adventure tourism are key contributors to business activity throughout the year.
“We regularly see coaches bringing visitors up through the High Country,” Mr Rose said.
The couple also report strong trade from mountain biking tourism, with shuttle services transporting riders to the top of Mt Sam, where a network of intermediate and advanced trails attracts riders from across the country.
“People come from WA, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia — but not the Northern Territory,” Mr Rose said.
“They range from teenagers through to people in their 80s, and from beginners to highly skilled riders.”
He said while the sport brings strong economic benefits to Omeo, it can also carry risks, noting there have been incidents requiring emergency response, including helicopter transfers to Bairnsdale Hospital.
Mountain biking events and independent riders regularly travel in groups, with some visiting in numbers of 10 to 20 at a time and booking accommodation locally. Endurance events such as multi-peak “Bush Biker” rides, which link areas including Falls Creek and Harrietville, also contribute to visitation.
However, Mr Rose said the town had faced challenges in recent years, including impacts from fuel supply disruptions earlier this year.
Long-time resident and small business operator Leonie Prendergast, 91, who runs a cuckoo clock and antiques shop in Omeo’s main street, said small business remains central to the town’s identity.
“Small business is the lifeblood of Omeo,” Ms Prendergast said.
She said the town’s economic base has shifted over time, from agriculture and rural supplies to a more tourism-driven economy, supported by accommodation providers and recreational trails.
“Visitors and the bike tracks are very important now,” she said, also noting ongoing development of a historic precinct supported by council funding.
Among her regular visitors is William Harding, who often calls into the shop with his father to seek advice on collectibles, including clocks and heirloom watches.
On a recent visit, Ms Prendergast encouraged him to hold onto a family marquisate watch, suggesting its value is likely to increase over time.
As autumn deepens, local businesses say the seasonal shift continues to highlight Omeo’s role as both a gateway to the High Country and a destination in its own right for adventure tourism and heritage experiences.
