Tallangatta was originally founded in the 1870s and served as a rail gateway for the Mitta Valley and Upper Murray Valley. Gold and tin mining occurred in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. After the mining era, Tallangatta became a service centre for the local farming community, with a butter factory operating throughout much of the 1900s.
Tallangatta is famously known as the ‘town that moved in the 50s’. The town relocated eight kilometres west to allow for the expansion of Lake Hume, flooding the original township. The 10K run starts on the water’s edge of the old town, and when the lake is low, you can still make out some of the old town’s features.
Today, ‘new’ Tallangatta is a bustling little town with a supermarket, several cafes, takeaway stores, pubs, many parks, schools, a medical clinic, petrol stations, and more. Tallangatta was an important stop on the Cudgewa Rail Line, which was used to carry materials for the construction of the Hume Weir and the Snowy Mountain Scheme. Now, as part of the High Country Rail Trail and home to the Pub to Pelican Marathon, it is a spectacular destination for bike riding, walking, and running.
When you need to refuel after your run, Tallangatta has some great cafes – head to Yellow Picket Fence Café, Lakoala, FIKA, or Tallangatta Bakery, all located on Towong Street. Alternatively, you’ll find genuine country hospitality and great pub grub at either the Tallangatta Hotel or Victoria Hotel. Don’t forget, the IGA has all your essentials covered!
Before you head home, be sure to take a drive up to the Tallangatta Lookout to appreciate the town’s majestic setting on the foreshore of Lake Hume. The Lookout Road is a popular hill climb training route for runners and cyclists alike. If you don’t think you went hard enough at the marathon, this little road will sort you out!
For any accommodation queries, contact the Corryong Visitor Information Centre on 02 6076 2277.
