Your cheat sheet to Victoria’s Goldfields region

THIS area once produced most of the world’s gold. But the Victorian Goldfields, about an hour from Melbourne, is still as impressive as ever — and it offers a lot of other gems, too.

Spend some time exploring Victoria’s Goldfields region.

A REGION full of riches — that sums up the Goldfields.

Built on the wealth of the 1850s and 1860s gold rushes — hence its name — this famous patch oozes history, opulence, and excitement.

It is resplendent and fascinating, where striking old buildings and first-rate cultural attractions blend with grand gardens and glorious grapes that produce some of Victoria’s finest wines.

Whether you’re after a memorable family holiday or a romantic escape, this handy cheat sheet will easily acquaint you with a prized pocket of turf.

The sun is shining — what should I do?

Top of the list should be a stroll around Lake Wendouree in Ballarat followed by a wander through the adjoining Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the gardens’ busts of Australian Prime Ministers.

The busts of Australian Prime Ministers are on display in the unique Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

The refurbished Castlemaine Botanical Gardens are well-suited to walks.

They are home to colourful elm and oak-lined avenues as well as Lake Joanna.

If you’re particularly energetic, tackle part of the 210km-long Goldfields Track by foot or pedal, soaking up countless forest views and historical towns.

Or enjoy a history lesson with visual appeal by joining one of many self-guided heritage walking trails. The gorgeous town of Maldon is gifted with “the most intact heritage streetscape”, according to the National Trust.

A ride like no other at Sovereign Hill.

Where are the best places to soak up the region’s rich past?

• Sovereign Hill, Ballarat: One of Victoria’s most popular attractions. This open-air museum features a recreated gold-rush village and underground mine. Pan for gold and be enthralled by its magnificent sound and light show.

• The Museum of Australian Democracy, Ballarat: Located on the site of the dramatic 1854 Eureka Stockade. Uses this important event as a basis to cleverly explore the issues of democracy and people’s rights.

Sovereign Hill promises a step back in time.

• Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo: Traces the history of Chinese culture within Bendigo and its surrounds through a series of absorbing indoor and outdoor attractions. Includes seriously ancient relics.

• Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo: Home of Australia’s deepest underground mine tour. Explore a once bustling gold mine situated 61m below the surface.

• Vintage Talking Tram, Bendigo: A novel history lesson. These iconic trams reveal Bendigo’s past while visitors take in the city’s sights.

• Buda Historic Home & Garden, Castlemaine: A well-preserved home and garden from the gold-rush days. Boasts an enviable collection of furniture, art, and other period items.

Take in the sights of Bendigo while learning about its past on an iconic vintage talking tram.

What’s the best family-friendly attraction?

We’ve already mentioned Sovereign Hill, and next on the list should be the Discovery Science & Technology Centre in Bendigo.

It’s loaded with interactive exhibits to captivate kids big and small and includes a planetarium.

Children will be dazzled by Kryal Castle adventure park in Ballarat, a mythical, medieval world full of wizards, dragons, and knights, and a series of great activities.

Ballarat Bird World is home to an astounding assortment of winged wonders while all manner of animals is on show at Ballarat Wildlife Park.

Or hop on board the Victorian Goldfields Railway steam train as it chugs between Castlemaine and Maldon most weekends and Wednesdays, gifting gorgeous views.

A steam train ride is the best way to soak up the gorgeous views on offer between Castlemaine and Maldon.

What about a spot of culture?

Hands down, the best way to embrace Goldfields culture is to spend time within the confines of a top-class art gallery.

Ballarat Regional Gallery is the oldest and largest regional gallery in the country and showcases outstanding works from some of Australia’s most revered artists.

Founded in 1887, Bendigo Regional Gallery is equally as compelling. It’s home to an immense collection of excellent art and regularly attracts first-class exhibitions.

Castlemaine Art Museum showcases an enviable collection of Australian art and historical pieces relevant to the local area. It’s housed within an eye-catching art deco building.

Get your daily dose of culture at the Castlemaine Art Museum, where you can view a range of Australian art.

Where can I find the best photo ops?

Climb to the top of the Poppet Head lookout tower in Rosalind Park for beautiful, panoramic views of Bendigo and its surrounds. Follow that with a stroll along View St to photograph impressive heritage architecture.

Built more than 125 years ago, the Maryborough Railway Station is magnificent inside and out. It’s without doubt the prized attraction in this small town, roughly halfway between Ballarat and Bendigo.

The stunning sights at Rosalind Park.

A 30-minute drive north of Ballarat is the enticing township of Clunes, which offers an instantly appealing main street where time appears to have stood still.

The wealth of historical structures in Ballarat make for great photos, as does Lake Wendouree, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

What about a budget tip?

Grab a coffee from Bean and Barrow and then combine creativity and history with a walk along the Lindsay Art Trail in Creswick. The trail pays homage to the famous Lindsay family — think The Magic Pudding — through a series of points of interest. This charming township is just 15 minutes from Ballarat.

Old-world Bendigo.

Are there any wineries nearby?

Yes! Cellar doors abound in the Goldfields region with four wine regions to

choose from. Options are:

• Pyrenees: Abundant wineries, mainly clustered around Moonambel and Avoca. Hearty reds lead the way, most notably cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

Winery recommendations: Taltarni is highly regarded for its sparkling rose; Blue Pyrenees brings a touch of France to Victoria.

Sample a sparkling rose at Taltarni winery in the Pyrenees.

• Heathcote: 50-plus wineries and vineyards are dotted within this area. Renowned for its award-winning shiraz.

Winery recommendations: Family-owned Sanguine Estate picks up awards about as often as it picks grapes; Flynn’s Wines produces sensational vino to pair with its delicious food.

• Bendigo: Generally made up of boutique wineries scattered around the city and surrounds. Reds receive most attention.

Winery recommendations: Balgownie Estate is the older sibling to its Yarra Valley site; Harcourt Valley Vineyards has more medals than Michael Phelps could ever dream of.

• Ballarat: A cool-climate region with a great reputation. Signature grapes in include pinot noir and sparkling.

Winery recommendation: Mount Buninyong Winery is quirky to say the least but delivers a winery experience to remember.

Bendigo is a picture-perfect town.

I’m looking for a classic pub. What have you got?

Indulge in quality “pub grub” at the stylish, red-bricked Avoca Hotel in Avoca.

It has a mouth-watering menu with a strong local flavour, and its wine and craft beer list has a similarly communal emphasis.

Warm and inviting, The Mallow in Ballarat is a top-notch gastropub with plenty of rewards for the palate and an ever-changing tap selection.

Treat your tastebuds to a tasty meal at Avoca Hotel, in Avoca.

The American Creswick in Creswick is another historical, cosy offering that provides an authentic Goldfields experience. Or stop by the Railway Hotel in Castlemaine.

In addition, several craft breweries are nestled within the Goldfields region.

Top picks are The Athletic Club Brewery in Ballarat and Castlemaine Brewing Company: special mention goes to its Celtic Red Ale.

This article first appeared on BIG4.com.au.