Mansfield, Australia
|
|
Mansfield is a small town (population 2,300) in the foothills of the Victorian part of the Australian Alps. It is approximately 180 km north-east of Melbourne.
Mansfield is the centre of a large shire; it was amalgamated with the nearby town of Benalla (60km) to form Delatite Shire but after community action became the first de-amalgamation in Victoria. Mansfield was formerly heavily dependent on farming and logging, but is now a tourist-centre. It is the support town for the large Australia ski resort Mt Buller. It is associated with the High Country tradition of alpine grazing, celebrated in the film The Man from Snowy River, which was made around Mansfield (based on the poem by Banjo Paterson).
Recreation
Mansfield is very close to two large lakes, Eildon and Nilacootie. During the summer these sites are popular waterskiing destinations.
Mount Buller offers attractions all year round. During winter is it used for skiing, and in the summer hiking and mountain biking are popular. Ski lifts operate year-round allowing hikers and bikers to easily get to the top of the hill.
The bushland around Mansfield is used for horse riding and trail bikes, and extensive tracks wind throughout the region.
Once a year the "Mansfield Balloon Festival" celebrates hot air balloons, and draws crowds and enthusiasts from across the state.