BBQGoldfields Guide is the most comprehensive online resource for both locals and tourists looking to explore the Victorian Goldfields. Featuring over 500 (and counting) local attractions, Goldfields Guide offers detailed information, photos, and location maps for: waterfalls, caves, swimming spots, walking tracks, campgrounds, picnic areas, playgrounds, nature reserves, lookouts, gold rush ruins and relics, abandoned mines, historic cemeteries, and more.
Some of the places listed on Goldfields Guide have been so popular that they deserve a page all of their own. The following list of amazing places are Goldfields Guide's top 10 most popular attractions!
1. Blue Waters, Creswick VIC
Blue Waters is a stunningly beautiful waterhole located within the Creswick Regional Park, right off the Melbourne Road and just minutes from the town centre. Once an open cut mine, Blue Waters is now a gorgeous scenic area fantastic for bushwalking, gold prospecting, four wheel driving and photography. Surrounded by striking red cliffs, the water is incredibly clear and shines an iridescent blue when the sun hits it.
2. Carman's Tunnel, Maldon VIC
Take a candlelit underground tour of Carman's Tunnel in Maldon and explore the unaltered features and techniques of 1880's gold mining! Prices are amazing at $7.50 for adults and $2.50 for children. The tour operators are very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the mine and the local area.
Visit this gorgeous park in Vaughan for a barbecue, sample the mineral water from provided taps, then take a stroll along the beautiful Loddon River all to the beautiful sound of birds singing in the trees. Children will have a great time on the giant hillside slide and climbing rocks and trees. Spend the day for a picnic/barbecue or stay overnight at the park's free campground. While visiting Vaughan Springs, be sure to check out the Vaughan Chinese Pioneer Cemetery and nearby Glenluce Springs.
4. Teddington Hut Camping Area, Redbank VIC
Tired of setting up tents? Try sleeping by the fireplace in this interesting 1955 wooden hut within the beautiful Kara Kara National Park! The Teddington Hut Camping Area is freely available for campers to use, and features basic camping facilities - picnic table, wood fire BBQ, toilet and a cubicle for hanging a camp shower.
5. Lal Lal Falls, Lal Lal VIC
Lal Lal Falls is a spectacular waterfall near Ballarat with an impressive drop into a large, rocky gorge. The reserve features a large grassy area, playground, picnic tables, toilets, and an undercover area containing one table, BBQs, seats and information boards. Be sure to check out nearby Moorabool Falls and the Iron Mine and Blast Furnace while you're there!
6. Morton's Welcome Inn, Waanyarra VIC
Morton's Welcome Inn was built by convict Michael Morton in 1850 as a replica of his home in Ireland. The building was a home for Morton's family of eight, a provisions store and also a public bar for miners (licenced 1866-83). The impressive stone building is still standing in the bush not far from Dunolly and is definitely a must-see.
7. Laanecoorie River Recreation Reserve, Laanecoorie VIC
The Laanecoorie River Recreation Reserve is a fantastic campground along the Loddon River in the quiet town of Laanecoorie. The campground has plenty of space, a designated tent area, and lots of room for caravans/motorhomes. The river bank is lined with attractive trees, rocks and logs, and offers plenty of comfortable spots for fishing. A boat ramp is located at the far end of the reserve.
8. Chinamans Campground, Mount Cole VIC
Chinamans Campground is a fantastic, free, dog-friendly camping area within the Mount Cole State Forest - a beautiful scenic area with amazing views, popular for camping, horse riding, four wheel driving, walking and picnicking. This campground features an undercover picnic area, wood fire barbecues, scattered picnic tables, plenty of room for caravans and RVs, and even a small horse pen.
9. Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings, Castlemaine VIC
Bring a picnic lunch and take an easy stroll through the Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings in Castlemaine for a fun and educational afternoon. A well formed, pram friendly, 400 metre walking track travels in a circuit around the site past many points of interest and detailed information signs. An ancient river bed, mine shafts, the engine shed, water pipes and machinery are among the many fascinating features of this short walk.
10. Waterfalls Campground, Percydale VIC
Located within the Pyrenees State Forest, the Waterfalls Campground is about a 20 minute drive from Avoca. A short walk from the campground along a creek brings you to a gorgeous seasonal waterfall. Water will be flowing after a heavy rain season, but even in dry seasons the huge rock wall is a sight to behold! This is a spacious campground with wood fire barbeues, picnic tables, toilets, walking tracks and information signs.
What's your favourite place in the Victorian Goldfields? Let us know in the comments below.
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