Nestled in a valley, at the base of the Victorian alps, you’ll find the historic village of Walhalla. Once a bustling mining town, this place in Gippsland is now home to just 20 residents, and is a popular destination for tourists in search of history and natural beauty. In the spring, the landscape blooms with fragrant blossoms along the streets and hills, while in autumn, the town is set ablaze with the rich hues of autumn leaves. If you’re planning a visit, now is a great time to do so, because two heritage landmarks in Walhalla have been restored, just in time for spring. You’ll find Walhalla about 2.5 hours away from Melbourne.
Restored heritage landmarks in Walhalla
In the middle of town, you’ll find the lovely Walhalla Bandstand. Built in 1896, this is one of the oldest surviving rotundas in Victoria, and is a popular vantage point for tourists. Designed by Frederick Meyer, this bandstand was a central point for music and community life during the town’s mining boom.
However, this landmark received a bit of damage over the last few years. It’s been restored, with replacement posts, finials and brackets, renewed flashings and a new swale drain for stormwater. It’s also received a fresh coat of paint.
Swing by the rotunda, and feel rewarded by the sight of pretty cherry blossoms and magnolia. You’ll find these gorgeous flowers blooming away on the bridge opposite the rotunda. Depending on conditions, these blossoms reach their peak in late August to early September.
Just a few kilometres away, Poverty Point Bridge (also known as Walhalla Tramway Bridge or Old Steel Bridge), has also been restored. Perched 13 metres above the Thomson River, this bridge is a key part of the southern end of the Australian Alps Walking Track.
Completed in 1900, the 48-metre-long bridge was a part of a network that supplied Walhalla’s gold mines with firewood and mining timber. It was last repaired in 2000, and closed due to its deteriorating condition. It now has new steel tie-beam reinforcements and anchors, as well as replaced timber decking and metal wire mesh on the guardrails. Now that the bridge has been repaired, you can cross over Thomson River, and go for a hike around the surrounding forest.
In August, you’ll see plenty of golden wattle, lighting up the valley around the river. You’ll also see plenty of wattle on the hills around the town itself, as well as through Stringers Creek Gorge, which you can see on a ride on the old timey Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
Spring blooms
As we approach the end of winter, the town of Walhalla will steadily light up with white cherry blossoms. Walk through town and see these delicate blossoms all along the main road and hillside, with great viewing spots on the Main Road bridge over Stringers Creek just south of the Old Walhalla Post Office, opposite the Wally Pub and on the hill behind the rotunda.
In spring, you’ll also see lovely foxgloves on the hillsides, growing between the Star Hotel and the North Gardens camp ground. You’ll also see tiny pink flowers on the tree in front of the Star Hotel, as well as daffodils, jonquils and hellebore blooming in cottage gardens.
More things to do
While you’re there, journey below the surface and take a guided tour of the Walhalla Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. The tour will take you about 260 metres underground, and 300 metres into the hillside, into a large machinery chamber. Learn more about the mining methods and history of the area. Tours run daily and take about 50 minutes. This experience is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Learn more here.
Continue your adventure through history with a ride on the aforementioned Walhalla Goldfields Railway. Starting from Walhalla train station, you’ll travel over trestle bridges through Stringers Creek Gorge. Then, you’ll move downhill, past Happy Creek Station, towards Thomson Station. A one way trip takes around 20 minutes, and a return journey takes one hour. Bookings are recommended.
Back in town, you can take another glimpse into the past by visiting the carefully preserved Walhalla Old Post & Telegram Office Museum.
For a spookier look at history, explore the cemetery, or wait until nightfall to go on a chilling ghost tour. Enjoy a bite to eat at the quirky Walhalla Witchery Cafe & Magical Wares, where you can sip on coffee while surrounded by witchy knick-knacks.
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