People flocked to Victoria for several decades following the discovery of gold in 1851. Tens of thousands of hopefuls mined their claims; some finding riches beyond their imagination while others could only look on in frustration. Although enormous quantities were found - particularly in Mt Alexander where 4 million ounces of alluvial gold were collected - some people found themselves turning up only tiny flakes.
With the prosperity of gold breathing excitement into the area and actually tripling the population of Australia, many industrious people saw the opportunity to really strike it rich - by providing services to the miners. They arrived ready to build hotels, homes, restaurants and stores, sell or rent their wares for a high premium and farm or cook to provide food for the wealthy and the hungry. Today, we are fortunate that many of these buildings still exist and have been restored, allowing future generations to enjoy their functionality and beautiful architecture.
Although the gold rush era was more than 100 years ago, there were some lasting impacts. Australia's first ever unions were born thanks to the 1854 battle at Eureka Stockade - where miners banded together to fight oppression and poor working conditions. Today, many Aussies are descended from gold diggers who took a lengthy sea voyage from their homelands on other continents. After the gold rush ended, most chose to stay and spread to the various states to find a new way to make ends meet (or to spend their gold money).
Today, the Victorian Goldfields remain rich in beauty and attractions worthy of travelling cross-country to enjoy. Whether you want to travel back in time to the gold rush era by visiting an attraction like Sovereign Hill or by exploring the many historic towns, you'll feel as though you've struck gold.
Attractions
Arguably, the most famous and coveted is in the town of Ballarat where you'll find Sovereign Hill - a living museum with hundreds of characters in period costume, where you can roam the town of 60 buildings as if you were in the 1800s. Here you may pan for gold, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and watch live-action shows and demonstrations of life during the gold rush. This is a must-see attraction and worth the visit to the goldfields in its own right.
If you are still hungry for more gold, drive to the town of Bendigo and take a tour of the restored Central Deborah Mine. Between 1870 and 1880, Bendigo was the largest mining site in the world.
Other attractions in the region include heritage walks, museums, galleries, festivals and gardens. Lovers of fine food will find plenty to keep their palates happy with the many delicious restaurants and wineries of the region. Finally, there are plenty of great parks and lakes to bring a picnic and simply relax.
When to go
The region has lovely weather and open attractions year-round. If you'd like to book your holiday around a festival or special show, check out the calendar at Visit Victoria.
How to get there
From Melbourne, the goldfields are a two to three-hour drive, or up to two hours by V/Line train (contact VicLink on 13 16 38 for train timetables). If you're flying into Melbourne, another option is to take the Bendigo Airport Service - bookings are required at 03 5439 4044.
If you plan to fly or take a train, consider renting a car to help you get around to the various attractions and towns.
Accommodation
There are some truly unique places to rest your head in the region. You probably never dreamed you'd ever sleep in a church, but the historic St Francis Church in Carisbrook is absolutely stunning and very comfortable. Built in the 1860s, this church is the epitome of elegance, with its grandfather clock, stunning interior architecture and open fire.
If you're not up for sleeping in a church - how about a post office? Also built in the 1860s, the luxurious Old Post Office bed and breakfast is nestled in the historic town of St Arnaud.
The Victorian Goldfields are filled with a huge variety of distinctive, comfortable and luxurious accommodation options - and many are a lot of fun for the kids as well. Ranging from cosy cabins, self-contained apartments and holiday homes, to hotels and motels - you'll find them all in the TakeABreak Goldfields accommodation listings.
Ideal length of visit
If you are a true history buff, you could spend weeks exploring the historic buildings, galleries, and attractions. However, most visitors will find a long weekend of exploring, or a few days included in a longer holiday of Victoria to be a good sample of the area.
Further information
You will find loads of useful and interesting information about the Victorian Goldfields at Visit Victoria.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, "I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would enjoy." Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Kylie Jane Degeling wrote this article
