Goldfields of Victoria

Book excerpt: Enormous gold mines, original miners' huts of the 1850s, heritage gardens, unique wineries, wildlife parks, museums, art galleries and markets all showcase the charm and diversity on offer in the Goldfields region. A large section of central Victoria including Macedon, Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Daylesford and Seymour is covered in this beautifully presented book which is the latest in the 'Portraits of Victoria ' series. Sovereign Hill, a goldfield's town in Ballarat, captures the excitement of life in the 1850s, and attracts around 450,000 visitors every year. Bendigo is home to the Central Deborah Gold Mine and includes Australia's oldest working pottery, which was established in 1858. The spa towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs offer mineral springs and relaxing getaways. Mount Macedon is renowned for its heritage listed gardens. The cooler climate attracted Melbourne's elite during the 1870s. Summer retreats and ornamental gardens were established. The discovery of gold near Ballarat in 1851 caused the Victorian gold rush and changed Australia forever. Discoveries at the Mount Alexander goldfields added to the rush. Prior to 1851, Australia was little more than a convict outpost for the British Empire, but the dream of striking it rich enticed hundreds of thousands of people from around the world to travel to Melbourne. The elaborate, grand buildings of Ballarat and Bendigo are testament to the affluence of the gold boom. Castlemaine and Clunes have retained their original buildings preserving the magic of a previous era and attracting movie producers from around the globe. The experiences possible in the Macedon Ranges and surrounding areas, with its magnificent gardens, mineral springs, majestic architecture, gold mines and quaint towns, are staggering. We hope you enjoy this book and feel inspired to explore the uniqueness of these areas. This book is the latest in the 'Portraits of Victoria' series that includes: The Yarra Valley & Surrounds, The Dandenong Ranges, The Mornington Peninsula, Laneways of Melbourne and Melbourne Highlights.