Merrijig: Delatite River, Howqua Track and Rodeo

The river and the road give Merrijig two distinct points of reference for planning a trip. The Delatite River flows through the town and on to Lake Eildon; at the same time, the Howqua Track branches off the Mt Buller Road here. This means your stay can focus on riverside scenery or a planned drive into the bush. When looking for accommodation in Merrijig, it is worth first considering which perspective will shape your travel plans.

The river as a guide

The Delatite River flows through Merrijig and on to Lake Eildon. The Howqua River is a different waterway and is one of the endpoints of the Howqua Track. When looking at the routes on a map, this distinction helps you keep two geographical features separate: the river running through the town and the route into the bush. This helps you associate the names Delatite River and Howqua River with their respective, distinct landscapes.

The Howqua Track: a road into the bush

The Howqua Track branches off the Mt Buller Road in Merrijig. It is a well-formed gravel road suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles and trailers. Weather can affect both road conditions and suitability. The route runs about 40 kilometres into the bush, eventually reaching the Howqua River and Fry’s Hut. Both the approximate distance and road conditions are therefore relevant to your plans. Check conditions and possible closures before setting out, as both can change.

Rodeo, film history and a day tour

The Merrijig Rodeo takes place each year on the Saturday of the long Labour Day weekend in March. Check the specific date for the relevant year before planning your trip if you would like to combine your visit with the event. The films The Man from Snowy River were filmed in Merrijig and the surrounding area. This filming location therefore includes both the town and its surroundings, adding a cultural dimension to the landscape.

The day tour from Merrijig follows ridgelines with views down into the Delatite Valley (as of September 2026). Terrain and availability may change; check these details before planning. Your trip can therefore bring together different interests: an annual event, film history and a tour featuring scenic views.

Planning your stay

There is a specific difference to consider when choosing your travel dates: the rodeo takes place on a Saturday in March, while road conditions and weather need to be considered for a drive along the Howqua Track. The film history connects Merrijig and its surroundings without being tied to the rodeo weekend. If you are taking account of several interests within your travel group, this comparison can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Broadford, Culgoa, Tyabb, Toolondo, Doncaster, Nathalia, Terang, Elsternwick.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.