Victoria's Goldfields
Bounded by Ballarat, Bendigo, St Arnaud, Ararat and Stawell, the Goldfields region is full of ornate Victorian architecture and picturesque botanical gardens, a testament to the dreams and wealth of those who created them — it's living history at its best.When gold was first discovered in the quiet little town of Clunes in 1851, a great era was ushered in. One that, in a few hectic years changed the course of Australia’s social and economic history.
Prospectors from all over the world swarmed to this fabulously rich region and fortunes were made overnight during the intense and frantic activity that followed. And while the goldrush has passed into history you can still capture the spirit of it's pioneers at such places as Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, Australia’s foremost outdoor museum. Here you can experience life of the 1850’s goldrush recreated in faithful and fascinating detail.
At the Central Deborah Mine in Bendigo you can don a miners hard hat and light and a guide will take you on a tour 61 metres underground.
