DEDERANG
The sign as you enter declares Dederang to be the 'Cream of the Country', and it's not wrong. Dairy farming is a big part of life here, and with lush green pastures straddling the Kiewa River, the milk produced here is top notch. Grab some at the store and have a taste for yourself – us locals won't buy anything else.
ABOUT DEDERANG
The rural town of Dederang is located in the Kiewa Valley, 36km north of Mount Beauty on Dhudhuroa Country. The town is named after the Dederang pastoral run that occupied this part of the valley dating back to 1838. The name Dederang is referenced in a book by John George Saxton printed in 1907 as meaning 'hailstones'. Dederang may be small, but it has a strong community, and it's a great place to visit if you want to get a sense of the 'real' country life. Go fishing, have a hit of golf, a game of tennis, enjoy a walk by the river, and finish up with a drink at the old Dederang Hotel.
THINGS TO DO
1. Have a swim or go fishing for trout at the Dederang Streamside Reserve on Keegans Lane, Boyds Bridge in Kergunyah South or at Mongans Bridge.
2. Spend the day at the Dederang Picnic Races.
3. Have a game of golf at the nine-hole sandscrapes course at the Dederang Golf Club.
4. Go for a walk, 4WD or horse ride to Mount Jack or Mount Big Ben in the State Forests around Dederang.
5. Watch the Dederang Mount Beauty Football Club thrash it out in a fiery game of country AFL.
DEDERANG PICNIC RACES
One of Australia’s oldest race meetings, the Dederang Picnic Races has been a premier event on Victoria’s country racing calendar since 1865.
The annual race meeting swells the town's small population from just around 400 to over 6,000 as spectators flock to the track in their best suits and frocks. The Dederang Picnic Races is a great day for families, with six horse races, entertainment for the kids, live music and a market.
It all culminates in the 7th race of the day; the famous Dederang Mile – also known as the 'Madman's Mile' – when the spectators themselves go for a run.
PLACES TO EAT
The General Store Dederang
Grab the newspaper and sit down to a fine coffee and some homemade cake, or takeaway dim sum at The General Store Dederang. Open every day. Weekdays, 9am-5pm and Weekends, 9am-3pm.
Dederang Hotel
Hang with the locals at the Dederang Hotel. A classic old pub that is open every day, serving lunch from 12pm-1.30pm and dinner from 5.30pm. You may even win the Friday night meat-tray.
PLACES TO STAY
Edelweiss Cottage B&B
Make yourself at home at the Edelweiss Cottage in Dederang.
Farmhouse B&B
Experience life on a farm at Dederang's Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast.
Running Creek Castle
Feel like royalty on a stay at the Running Creek Castle in Kancoona near Dederang.
FISHING SPOTS
It's officially listed as one of Victoria's premier fishing destinations, and with pristine waters and plentiful trout, you'll soon discover why.
