| Walhalla is a unique part of Victoria with a historic mining heritage. The town has less than 20 permanent residents and in 1998, it became the last “town” in Victoria to get connected to electricity grid. There is still no mobile telephone or terrestrial television reception within Walhalla. This small Gippsland town was established during the Gold-rushes of the mid 1800s and has boomed and busted in spectacular fashion.
Today, Walhalla provides its visitors with a beautiful living snapshot of the Victorian Gold Era. It offers an authentic visitor experience, representing the juxtaposition between the natural and built environment. The area is rich in natural attractions and Walhalla provides a base from which visitors can explore the region. Every year, over 100,000 people visit Walhalla, with a growing interest from international and interstate visitors.
Things to do
Daily tours are available from the authentic Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine.
The community organisation the Walhalla Heritage and Development League manages the local Post Office and Museum, including the Fire Station and Printing museums. They also offer Ghost Tours and town tours.
The Walhalla Goldfields Railway runs train services from the Thomson River to Walhalla via the very scenic Stringers George. The line is a faithful reconstruction of the original line that was supposed to bring wealth and permanency to the town, instead it was completed just as the mines were closing and assisting in the great exodus that followed.
Tea, coffee, drinks, snacks and up to full meals are available from the General Store, GreyHorse Cafe, Lolly Shoppe and Walhalla Coffee located on the Main Street.
Walhalla is the start (or finish) of the Australian Alps Walking Track which is the grandest and most difficult wilderness walk in Australia with over 27,000 metres of climbing and descending (equivalent to more than 3 ascents and descents of Mt Everest!). This equates to between 550m and 800m of climbing and descending each day - definitely not a flat walk! It also crosses a lot of Australia's best alpine scenery making it a very scenic varied walk. The official length is 650 km and requires extensive preparation and food drops to complete, but you can easily walk the first part of track towards the Thomson River and return in a day.
Accommodation
The boutique 12 room Star Hotel offers 4 Star accommodation for couples [not suited for children]. There is a licensed restaurant and it is located opposite the famous Band Rotunda.
Bed and Breakfasts are available throughout the township from Windsor House, Jacomb's Cottage and Brewery Creek Cottage. Caravan and tent based camping is available for free at the North Gardens.
Self catering accommodation options are also available from Mann’s Cottage, The Walhalla Log Cabin and The Coach House, Walhalla for individual, couples and families. Larger groups can be accommodated at Tisdall Lodge Walhalla.
The Mechanics Hall has a single bedroom unit (Creek Cottage) a perfect getaway. Creek Cottage is centrally located just 50 metres from the Post Office. Rooms are newly furnished and include kitchen facilities, microwave and full size fridge. Tea and coffee supplied. DVD player provided.
 Natural Attractions
Visit the recently refurbished Brunton’s Bridge, Coopers Creek township and old Walhalla suburbs of Mormontown, Maidentown and Happy Go lucky. Exciting 4WD driving can be found via the aptly named “Deep Creek Number 1” Track with endless adventures beyond.
Tourism
Walhalla provides its visitors with a beautiful living snapshot of the Victorian Gold Era. It offers an authentic visitor experience, representing the juxtaposition between the natural and built environment. The area is rich in natural attractions and Walhalla provides a base from which visitors can explore the region. The lifeblood of the town is tourism and the town is actively marketed and promoted by the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers Tourism Inc., West Gippsland Regional Tourism Association, Latrobe City Business Tourism Association and Destination Gippsland.
Tourism Victoria has extensive listings of attractions in and around Walhalla.
Local Government
Walhalla is formally within the Baw Baw Shire, but is closely located to the nearby Latrobe City and Wellington Shire.
State Government
Walhalla is within the Walhalla Historic Area, managed by Parks Victoria. Historic reserves, building and places are registered with and protected by Heritage Victoria.
The extensive Crown Land throughout the area is managed Crown Land Services Division of the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Local Gold Mining Companies
Orion Gold NL (formerly Goldstar) is actively test drilling in the area and further north the Morning Star Gold and Heron Resources companies are attempting to recommence gold mining at Woods Points and the A1 Settlement.
|
