View of Bendigo, Victoria's fourth largest city.

Goldfields

Unearth the riches of the Goldfields impressive art galleries, fascinating museums, and indulge your taste buds with fresh food and boutique wines.

The goldfields region of Victoria is a fascinating and unique area to explore. It was once the centre of a gold rush, with people from all over the world flocking to the region in search of their fortune. Today, the area is still rich in history and culture, offering visitors a chance to experience some of Australia’s most important historical sites. Let’s take a closer look at what this region has to offer.

The goldfields region is located in central Victoria, approximately 2 hours from Melbourne. There are several townships that make up the area, each with its own unique character and charm. From quaint country pubs to old-world homesteads, there’s something for everyone in this part of the world.

The major cities are Ballarat and Bendigo as well as smaller centres including Daylesford, Castlemaine and Maryborough. It extends as far north as Inglewood and St Arnaud. It encroaches on the Western District near Ararat. Other significant towns include Maldon, Creswick, Clunes, Avoca and Buninyong.

What You Can See

One of the most popular attractions in the goldfields is Sovereign Hill, an outdoor museum that recreates life during the 1850s goldrush era. Visitors can explore a recreated mining town complete with shops, cottages and streetscapes all reminiscent of life during this time period.

The region is also home to many other attractions such as Castlemaine Gaol, Bendigo Pottery Museum and Central Deborah Gold Mine – giving visitors insight into what it was like to live during this era of rapid development and growth. You can also visit nearby Ballarat Botanical Gardens which offers stunning views across Lake Wendouree and surrounding bushland.

What to Do in The Goldfields?

Additionally, there are numerous walking trails scattered throughout the area providing great opportunities for exploration and discovery along nature walks or mountain bike rides through lush forests and national parks.

The area retains a significant gold mining industry and remains a popular for fossicking. Spend an afternoon panning for real gold at Sovereign Hill. Or take in some of the picturesque cycling and walking trails in stunning forests, open bushland and historic towns. Go for a hike, have a picnic, view local wildlife, and learn about the regions gold rush history among beautifully preserved towns.

The goldfields region is an incredible part of Australia that provides an unparalleled opportunity for exploration and discovery into our country’s past. From picturesque townships to historic sites, there’s something here for everyone! So grab your walking shoes or mountain bike and get ready to explore one of Australia’s most iconic regions!



Poseidon Nugget Sparks Gold Rush

The Poseidon rush at Tarnagulla, near Bendigo, promises to prove the richest gold field opened in Victoria for many years. Two exceptionally large nuggets were discovered there today.

About 3pm T. Stephenson and B. Williamson picked out a lump of gold weighing 373 ounces. A few minutes later a shout from an adjoining claim announced the discovery of another large piece. With that, S. Woodall, one of a party of four, staggered out of his hole with a lump of gold weighing about one cwt. It is over a foot in length and resembles the Welcome Stranger it is smaller.

The Age, 14 December 1906

THINGS TO SEE

MORE ABOUT VIC

MAJOR TOWNS & CITIES

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  • Barmah National Park - Echuca
    Barmah National Park - Echuca
    Discover the serene beauty of Barmah National Park, nestled by the winding Murray River near Echuca.
  • Phillip Island Surf
    Phillip Island Surf
    From ultra-blue waves to bright turquoise tides, Woolamai Beach on Phillip Island is the dream destination for beachgoers and surfers alike.
  • Ghostly Legends of Luna Park Melbourne
    Ghostly Legends of Luna Park Melbourne
    Luna Park, Melbourne's iconic amusement park, is a place of laughter and fun. But did you know that it also has a darker side?
  • Craigs' Hut
    Craigs' Hut
    Mount Stirling is located a 3 hour drive from Melbourne and it is here you will find Craig's Hut, the famous cattlemen's hut featured in The Man From Snowy River.
  • Melbourne's Southbank
    Melbourne's Southbank
    Southbank is located along 2km of the Yarra River and lined by wide pedestrian promenades offering scenic views of the river and city skyline.
  • River Trading
    River Trading
    Paddlesteamers are a part of Australia's romantic culture. While an integral part of the Murray transport system, they combined the magic of outback Australia and the River itself.
  • Ballarat
    Ballarat
    Ballarat is the most significant gold rush boomtown in Australia, which saw the Victorian gold rush of the 1850's transform Ballarat from a small sheep station to a major settlement.
  • Tracks, trails and reserves
    Tracks, trails and reserves
    When trekking through the Victorian High Country make sure to hit the tracks and trails of national parks and reserves across the High Country.
  • The Twelve Apostles
    The Twelve Apostles
    The 12 Apostles is one of the most visited natural sites in Australia and this coastline is responsible for the sinking of up to eighty vessels.
Melbourne's Southbank
Melbourne's Southbank

Southbank is located along 2km of the Yarra River and lined by wide pedestrian promenades offering scenic views of the river and city skyline.

River Trading
River Trading

Paddlesteamers are a part of Australia's romantic culture. While an integral part of the Murray transport system, they combined the magic of outback Australia and the River itself.

The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles

The 12 Apostles is one of the most visited natural sites in Australia and this coastline is responsible for the sinking of up to eighty vessels.

Woolamai Beach, Phillip Island
Phillip Island Surf

From ultra-blue waves to bright turquoise tides, Woolamai Beach on Phillip Island is the dream destination for beachgoers and surfers alike.

Barmah National Park - Echuca
Barmah National Park - Echuca

Discover the serene beauty of Barmah National Park, nestled by the winding Murray River near Echuca.

Ghostly Legends of Luna Park Melbourne
Ghostly Legends of Luna Park Melbourne

Luna Park, Melbourne's iconic amusement park, is a place of laughter and fun. But did you know that it also has a darker side?

Tracks, trails and reserves
Tracks, trails and reserves

When trekking through the Victorian High Country make sure to hit the tracks and trails of national parks and reserves across the High Country.

Craigs' Hut
Craigs' Hut

Mount Stirling is located a 3 hour drive from Melbourne and it is here you will find Craig's Hut, the famous cattlemen's hut featured in The Man From Snowy River.

Victoria - Overview
About Victoria

Victoria combines heritage, nature, arts, architecture and class. It has a variety of landscapes from the dry outback, to snowy mountains & lush forests to an inspiring coastline.

Ballarat
Ballarat

Ballarat is the most significant gold rush boomtown in Australia, which saw the Victorian gold rush of the 1850's transform Ballarat from a small sheep station to a major settlement.


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