Victoria's colourful, though short lived gold rush has left a lasting and vivid legacy. In their heyday the gold diggings yielded almost 2.6 million ounces of gold each year. As has happened in other parts of the world these riches were followed by a building boom. Lavish private homes resulted in splendid streetscapes. Public money was available for grand buildings and public works such as the Market Building in Castlemaine and the spectacular Maryborough Railway Station which is now a major tourist attraction with an art gallery, craft workshops and antique businesses.
The magnificent architecture of the region is also rich in fine art galleries, museums and historic sites and of course fine food and wine. In fact wine is the new riches of this region.
The Goldfields is a special place, where the dreams and aspirations of the gold rush era are echoed in the landscape. Cities and villages, rich in history, fuse with contemporary vibrancy, creativity and style. Art and culture thrive, legends live on and a wealth of new treasures awaits.
Must Do
- Visit one of the most significant collections of historic wood fired kilns in the world at the Bendigo Pottery complex.
- Take a ride through the last 150 years on the majestic Vintage Talking Tram.
- Explore a real gold mine on one of the underground mine tours at Bendigo's Central Deborah Gold Mine.
- Drive at your own pace via the Great Grape Road or the Bendigo Winemakers trail to find quality wines.
- Experience the thrill of accelerated freefall skydiving experience.
- Tag along on a guided tour of Bendigo’s magnificent Town Hall.
- Adrenaline seekers experience zero gravity at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre.
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