Overview
Venture into the Loddon Valley to explore stunning natural attractions and fascinating historic sites. Get active in the outdoors, try your hand at prospecting and relax with a visit to a winery.
Covering an area of 6700 square kilometres, the valley takes in the townships of Boort, Bridgewater, Dingee, Eddington, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Laanecoorie, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.
The valley is easily reached by car from Melbourne and Bendigo, and makes a great base for exploring central Victoria.
The great outdoors
Get out and about in the valley's parks and reserves. Hit the trails of Pyramid Hills for spectacular views or take your binoculars to twitch at the Black Box woodlands in Leaghur State Park. At Moliagul Historic and Cultural Features Reserve, visit the monument to the Welcome Stranger, the largest gold nugget ever found. To set up a base for exploring, pitch your tent at Terrick Terrick National Park or at Kooyoora State Park, where you can explore the Melville Caves, the one-time hideout of bushranger Captain Melville.
On the water
Make a splash. The valley's river and lakes are perfect for water sports of all kinds. Drop a line in the Loddon River or try your luck at Serpentine Creek, Lake Boort and Kow Swamp. Dive in at Little Lake Boort and Laanecoorie Reservoir. Visit Lake Boort to watch for freshwater turtles and birdlife.
Gold
Feeling lucky? Bring your detector! Prospectors have been striking gold around Wedderburn, Inglewood, Rheola, Kingower and Tarnagulla since the 1850s. You never know your luck – more than 80 per cent of the world's largest nuggets have been discovered in the district. Try popular prospecting spots Inglewood Conservation Reserve and Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve.
Wine time
Taste your way around the cellar doors at local wineries. Located in the Bendigo wine region, the valley's wineries will have you sampling cool climate reds and whites in perfectly tranquil surrounds.
