Central Victoria

The attraction of walking in Central Victoria

The discovery of the Victorian Goldfields in the 1850s brought worldwide fame and enormous prosperity to the central Victorian region. Today, visitors can enjoy the many legacies of the gold rush era. The historic goldfields towns and surrounding countryside offer a fascinating heritage experience and an array of attractions - extensive gold mining ruins, regional art galleries, botanical gardens, vineyards, historic architecture, antique stores, food providores, breweries, restaurants, cafes and a wide selection of charming accommodation.

The grand architecture, landscaped gardens and picturesque lakes of Ballarat and Bendigo are all reminders of the wealth generated during the great Victorian gold rush. Visitors to Ballarat have a unique opportunity to experience an impressive and extensive recreation of a goldfields town at Sovereign Hill. Both Ballarat and Bendigo are home to world class art galleries which regularly stage exclusive exhibitions featuring rare international collections. Another popular attraction in Bendigo is the Central Deborah Mine complex which offers underground mine tours.

Central Victoria also has the largest concentration of natural mineral springs in the state, particularly around the heritage towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. This has led to the region becoming a hub for hydrotherapy, therapeutic spa treatments and health retreats. The Mineral Springs Reserve in Hepburn Springs is home to the iconic Hepburn Springs Bathhouse and Spa. Nearby in Daylesford, gourmet dining and spa treatments are on offer at the award winning Lake House restaurant and hotel, set perfectly on the banks of Lake Daylesford.

Landscape in Central Victoria is varied. There are thick forests (natural bushland and plantations), hilly volcanic terrain, flat pasturelands and dramatic river gorges. The areas surrounding Daylesford and Hepburn Springs feature wet temperate woodland. Further north, the scenery transitions to rocky ridgeline lookouts with fabulous views across the golden dry plains around Castlemaine and Bendigo. Evidence of the gold rush era is everywhere, ranging from deep narrow gullies eroded by gold sluicing watercourses to areas pockmarked with mining holes and shafts.

Interested in walking in Central Victoria?

Central Victoria offers many day and multi-day walking trails. A number of walk tour operators are active in the area, offering a variety of walking trips. We can help you choose an operator that best suits your interests and requirements.

One of the best multi-day walks in the region is the Goldfields Track. Click the button below for a description of the Goldfields Track. We can help you to plan and book your Goldfields Track walk (guided or self-guided). We can also assist you with transport, accommodation and travel insurance.

The Goldfields Track is just one of the many Central Victorian walks we can tell you about and help you to plan and book. Click below to learn more.