Anglers · Mountain bikers · Cyclists · Escape seekers
October to April for trout fishing (season opens in October). Summer for mountain biking and swimming in the river. Autumn for beautiful colour along the valley roads. Winter is quiet and cold — the town largely hibernates.
Jamieson is the Victoria that most Victorians don't know exists — a tiny township of 200 people tucked at the confluence of the Jamieson and Goulburn Rivers, deep in the ranges east of Eildon. There are no traffic lights, no chain stores, no phone signal in the valley, and no sense that the modern world is particularly close. What there is: some of the finest wild trout fishing in the state, a celebrated country brewery, a network of epic mountain bike trails, and a stillness that is increasingly rare within a three-hour drive of Melbourne.
Why Jamieson makes a perfect Melbourne weekend getaway
The fishing around Jamieson is exceptional. The Jamieson River above town is a gin-clear mountain stream with wild brown trout, protected as a fly fishing only section that demands patience and skill. The upper Goulburn River below Lake Eildon has rainbow trout of considerable size, and the network of smaller tributaries — Big River, Howqua, Delatite — offer varied fishing across different terrains and water types. The Jamieson Fly Fishing Festival, held each October, draws anglers from across the country and is the town's major annual event.
The Jamieson Brewery, established in 1999, produces a range of ales and lagers that have become among the most sought-after craft beers in regional Victoria. The brewery tap room, open on weekends, sits above the river with an outlook across the valley that is one of the finest beer-garden views in the state. The range includes a much-loved pale ale and a winter stout that locals regard as essential to the Jamieson experience. Tours of the brewery are available on weekends.
The mountain biking around Jamieson has developed a strong following among Melbourne riders. The Jamieson Trails network, built by local volunteers over many years, covers over 60 kilometres of singletrack through the surrounding ranges — from flowing beginner trails through river flats to technical black-diamond descents from the ridge tops. The Rubicon Rail Trail, following an old timber tramway through state forest from Rubicon to Taggerty, is an excellent 26km one-way ride that can be combined with a Jamieson trip. The surrounding roads are also excellent for road cycling, with long quiet climbs through the Great Dividing Range foothills.
Top things to do in Jamieson
Jamieson River Fly Fishing
The Jamieson River above town is a protected fly-fishing-only section with wild brown trout in crystal-clear mountain water. A valid Victorian fishing licence is required. Local knowledge is invaluable — ask at the general store for current conditions.
Jamieson Brewery
One of regional Victoria's most celebrated craft breweries, with a riverside tap room open on weekends. The pale ale and seasonal stout are particular highlights. Brewery tours available weekends — call ahead to confirm times.
Jamieson Trails Mountain Biking
A community-built network of over 60km of singletrack ranging from easy flowing trails through the river flats to demanding technical descents from the ridge tops. Trail maps available at the general store and online at trailhub.com.au.
Lake Eildon
The enormous reservoir 30 minutes from Jamieson is one of Victoria's great boating, fishing and water sports destinations. Hire a houseboat from Eildon town for an extraordinary way to spend a long weekend on the water.
Howqua River Valley
The Howqua River south of Eildon, accessible via a dirt road from Jamieson, winds through a remote valley of river flats and forested ranges. Excellent for swimming in summer, fishing in season, and 4WD exploration through beautiful backcountry.
Rubicon Rail Trail
A 26km cycling trail following an old timber tramway through state forest from Rubicon to Taggerty — largely downhill and through beautiful tall eucalypt forest. Best done as a one-way ride with a car shuttle from Taggerty.
Practical tips for your Jamieson trip
- Phone signal disappears in the Jamieson valley — download offline maps (Maps.me, Avenza) and the trail maps before leaving Mansfield.
- The Jamieson Brewery tap room is open weekends only — plan your visit accordingly. Arrive early in summer as the deck fills quickly on warm afternoons.
- A Victorian fishing licence is required for all fishing in the Jamieson River and surrounds — purchase online at vfa.vic.gov.au before you leave Melbourne.
- The Jamieson to Kevington road (along the Jamieson River upstream) is unsealed but generally passable in a standard car — it accesses the best wild swimming holes and upstream fishing spots.
- Fuel up in Mansfield (45 min from Jamieson) — there is no reliable petrol in the valley. The general store in Jamieson is the only shop, with limited opening hours.
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