Destinations
When gold was discovered in Victoria over 150 years ago it left a rich and lasting legacy in almost every town in the Goldfields. Today visitors can tour the majestic Victorian streetscapes of Bendigo and Ballarat with their grand hotels and public buildings, or explore delightful villages such as Maldon, Castlemaine, Heathcote and Dunolly.
Around the galleries
The Goldfields region is an arts and cultural haven boasting outstanding galleries with rich collections of local and European art. Wander through two of Australia's finest regional galleries – the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Bendigo Art Gallery – and see Edwardian and modern works at the Castlemaine Art Gallery. Take the kids along to an event at the Central Goldfields Gallery, or hunt out smaller private collections and artist studios dotted all over the region.
Looking back
Discover gold rush history at one of the region's historic attractions. Sovereign Hill and the Central Deborah Gold Mine offer fascinating insights into Victoria's thriving gold rush life during the 1850s and 1860s.
Regional flavours
Take a break from exploring the Goldfields at a local cafe or stylish eatery. Visit stellar restaurants making use of the region's fine fresh produce. Sample locally produced wines, olives, apples, cheeses and more, direct from the farm gate or cellar door.
Great outdoors
Explore the region's outdoors along the 210 kilometre Goldfields Track or wander through one of the many stately gardens in the area, some dating back to the 1860s.
Discover the rich history and heritage of Ballarat and explore the site of the world's largest deposit of alluvial gold.
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Explore Victoria's golden heritage in elegant Bendigo, where 'boom town' architecture nestles among century-old gardens and established trees.
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Castlemaine's history is visible in its fine public buildings, ornate hotels and century-old shops selling everything from gourmet food to antiques.
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Visit the area that turned up more gold nuggets than any other region in Australia, including the largest nugget in the world, the ‘Welcome Stranger’.
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Visit Heathcote and discover a quaint town nestled in a picturesque bush setting at the foot of the McIvor Range.
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Wander down historic streetscape in Maldon, Australia's first 'notable town' as proclaimed by the National Trust in 1966.
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Discover Maryborough, a progressive town where contemporary architecture is combined with the ornate facades of gold rush buildings.
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