The district’s First Nation history is through the people of the Gunaikurnai, Duduroa and Jaithmathang nations who have connection to country and cultural interests in the Omeo District area. Pathways used for intergroup travel have shaped modern routes like the Omeo Highway and Great Alpine Road.
Europe an exploration began in 1834 when naturalist John Lhotsky reported seeing a vast plain called ‘Omeo’ - a name meaning “mountains” in indigenous language. The district is home to some of East Gippsland’s earliest European settlements, with a proud pastoral and gold-mining history reflected in landmarks such as the Oriental Claims, Cassilis Cemetery, and the historic Omeo Magistrates Courthouse.
Today, the Omeo District is a hub for outdoor adventure. Visitors enjoy white water rafting, 4WD touring, fishing, camping, bushwalking, and mountain biking at the Omeo Mountain Bike Park. Its proximity to the High Country makes it a popular route for those travelling the Great Alpine Road and Omeo Highway todestinations like Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, and the Alpine National Park.
Omeo District comprises of the following key localities (in alphabetical order):Anglers Rest, Benambra, Cobungra, Ensay, Omeo, Swifts Creek, Tambo Crossing
Other localities include (in alphabetical order): Bindi, Bingo Munjie, Brookville, Bundara, Cassilis, Cobberas, Dartmouth, Doctors Flat, Ensay North, Glen Valley, Hinnomunjie, Livingstone Valley, Marthavale, Nariel Valley, Nelse, Nunniong, Omeo Valley, Reedy Flat, Shannonvale, Stirling, The Sisters and The Brothers, TomGroggin, Tongio, Uplands, and Wentworth.
A Place Plan is an easy-to-read guide that brings together community's vision and practical ideas with the work of Council and partners into one coordinated plan. It’s shaped by Council's existing strategies, but with a local focus -making sure what we do reflects the unique needs and priorities of each district, as well as each locality within a district.
Each plan explores opportunities for the area, helping Council understand what matters most at a local level and apply a “place lens” to how we plan, invest, and deliver services.
· Omeo Region Community Plan 2012-2017
· Maximising future outcomes for the Omeo region 2020
· Disasters Resilience Plan for Communities of the Omeo Region 2024 update
See below for more information and resources on your locality.
Visit the East Gippsland Community Directory for Omeo District organisations, entities and businesses that provide services or opportunities listing
For Council Strategies and Plans, visit Strategies and Plans
For emergency management information in the Omeo District visit the East Gippsland Emergency Dashboard
View the Local Incident Management Plan (LIMP)
The friendly staff at the Omeo Service Centre are ready to assist you.
Monday to Friday, 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
179 Day Avenue, Omeo
Phone: (03) 5153 9500
Place Facilitator – North
Place Facilitators are Council officers who help support partnerships across community and Council.
They play a vital role in communicating Council strategies and decisions, while also enhancing community engagement to support locally appropriate outcomes. Additionally, they contribute to building community capacity, improving emergency preparedness, identifying grant opportunities, and offering an accessible point of contact for residents, visitors, and agencies.
Northern districts Place Facilitator is:
Emma Halafihi
M: 0458426458
Anglers Rest is a remote locality in the high country, known for its proximity to rivers and national parks. It is popular with visitors seeking great fishing and camping experiences.
Anglers Rest Locality Snapshot
Benambra is a rural locality known for its agricultural landscape and proximity to Lake Omeo. It has historical significance as one of the earliest settled areas in Victoria’s high country and provides access to nearby national parks.
Council-led Improvement Projects
Community assets and facilities
Cobungra is a high country locality surrounded by natural bushland. It provides access to outdoor recreation and is located near the Alpine National Park.
The area is sparsely populated and valued for its natural environment.
Ensay is a small community located along the Tambo River.
It is known for its farming heritage and quiet rural setting.
The area is serviced by facilities supporting the community.
Community assets and facilities
Omeo is an alpine town located along the Great Alpine Road and where the Omeo Highway begins.
It has a rich history linked to the gold rush era and offers access to outdoor activities and heritage sites.
The town serves as a regional centre for surrounding communities.
Council-led Improvement Projects
Community assets and facilities
Swifts Creek is situated in the Tambo Valley and has a background in forestry and agriculture.
It features community facilities, a local gallery, and serves as a service centre for residents and visitors travelling through the region.
Swifts Creek Locality Snapshot
Council-led Improvement Projects
Community assets and facilities
Tambo Crossing is a historic locality positioned on the Tambo River.
It played a role in early transport routes to the goldfields and now offers a quiet setting with opportunities for camping and fishing.
Tambo Crossing Locality Snapshot
Community assets and facilities