CHILTERN

Chiltern

Quick facts

Population approximately 1,100
247 kilometres north-east of Melbourne
Authentic nineteenth century buildings
Childhood home of Australian author Henry Handel Richardson.

Surrounded by fertile agricultural and pastoral land, the town of Chiltern came of age following the discovery of gold in the 1850s. The town's nineteenth century streetscape is still remarkably intact, and it has provided the setting for a number of well-known Australian period films.

Take a self-guided walk through the streets, past impressive buildings such as the post office, court house and masonic hall, as well as the original police cells. Call in at the Athenaeum Library Museum in the main street to see photographs, mining equipment and artefacts from the goldfields.

Activities and attractions

Take a self-guided tour of Chiltern's historic buildings and museums - 21 buildings in the town are registered or owned by the National Trust
Visit Lakeview House, the elegant former home of distinguished author Henry Handel (Ethel) Richardson, who penned the Australian classic The Fortunes of Richard Mahony
Visit the Federal Standard newspaper office and Dow's Pharmacy and discover how much things have changed since the 19th century
Browse through the automotive memorabilia at Stephen's Motor Museum
Enjoy 360-degree views over the countryside from the nearby Mount Pilot Lookout
Discover goldfield relics and native bird life on quiet forest trails through the Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park.

Events