If you’re in search of some stunning autumn leaves, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Walhalla. Nestled in a valley, at the base of the Victorian Alps, this historic village was once a bustling mining town. Now, in autumn, it’s filled with gold of a different kind, when the trees are set ablaze with rich hues of yellow, orange and crimson. You’ll find this picturesque village in Gippsland, about 2.5 hours drive away from Melbourne.
Walhalla
Wind your way through the forested hills and feel like you’ve travelled back in time when you stumble across this sleepy village. In the late 1800s, Walhall was home to over 4000 people. Now, it has just 20 residents. Walk through the centre of town and admire the heritage buildings and colourful streetscapes.
If it’s autumn leaves you’re after, you’ll find plenty of colour around the Old Mountain Brass Band Rotunda by the main road. Keep going up to the picturesque Windsor House, which is framed by crimson lipstick maples. For splendid views of Walhalla and the valley, follow the old tramline on the Walhalla Tramline Walk, climb up the hills and take in picture-perfect views of the landscape below.
Just remember that this old-world location is tucked within a deep valley, so there’s less daylight hours. Do plan ahead to make sure you get plenty of time in the sun.
More things to do
Leave the autumn leaves behind and journey below the surface with 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 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. Booking ahead is recommended. See more here.
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.
Stay in Walhalla and use it as a base on your next weekend getaway. Spend some time enjoying the great outdoors, and exploring the surrounding forests. Stroll on one of the walking tracks, go for a bike ride and check out the Thomson River.