What the hell is there to do in Walhalla?

A historic gem hidden in the lush valleys of the Victorian Alps, Walhalla is bursting with charm. Just 185km east of Melbourne, Walhalla was a bustling gold town in the 1860s – and one of Victoria’s most successful gold mining towns.

It’s no longer a hub of industry activity, but a thriving tourist town with much to offer all year round – rain, hail or shine.

Much of your route from Melbourne is an easy drive on the freeway. Take the exit to Moe and head north towards Walhalla, taking in some beautiful winding roads on the way. Shortly after Rawson you’ll hop onto the C461 towards your destination – the hills peak, roads narrow and the drive is more involved; so take your time to ensure you arrive safely and relaxed.

Entering the town of Walhalla, feels like a wonderful step back in time. While there’s been much progress, there’s been no compromise to its character or history in the name of commercialisation. It wasn’t until 1998 that Walhalla was connected to electricity – the last town in Victoria to do so. Its heritage remains intact.

In its gold-rush prime, Walhalla’s population was in excess of 3000 people and home to ten hotels, multiple churches, a school and many stores. With the end of the gold rush, the town hit a rapid decline. It’s now home to fewer than 20 full time residents, many of who are responsible for the upkeep of the town – the exotic plant life and pristine streetscapes a major drawcard for the ever-pretty Walhalla.

Over the years it has been thoughtfully restored and updated, and today offers a variety of unique tours and experiences to help discover its fascinating history. Walhalla now attracts around 130,000 visitors annually.

It’s a town best explored on foot, and owing to its topography, does not offer a lot of parking, so be sure to pack good walking shoes. There are many walking tracks and must-see attractions, including the cemetery that is perched on the town’s hillside and tells a sad story of the town’s once thriving history.

If you’re feeling fit, the cricket ground – a levelled field hand-cut from the mountainous terrain – is a short but steep climb from behind the Star Hotel.

There are many guided historic tours to take part in, and even a spooky ghost tour! The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine tour is a highlight, as is the Walhalla Goldfields Railway journey weaving through the spectacular Stringers Creek Gorge to the Thomson River Bridge.

While Walhalla is far from your ultimate foodie destination, you’d be hard pressed to get a better value-for-money feed than at the Wally Pub at the Lodge Hotel. Get your coffee fix at The Grey Horse Café, and find comfort and warmth and old-school hospitality overnight at the Star Hotel, or one of the many quaint Bed and Breakfasts.

The key focus of our trip has been exploring the many four-wheel-drive tracks in the region. But like any off-road adventure, we’d advise that you seek some professional guidance because, like the weather, the track conditions are ever-changing. That said, there’s definitely a lot of fun to be had, with a track to suit all abilities.

And if you’re chasing some snow time, Mt Baw Baw’s family friendly Alpine Resort is close by too.

We’d recommend you pack for the weekend, because there’s plenty to do and see, and plenty of accommodation options, too. From the fully refurbished Star Hotel to Bed and Breakfast and even camping options this really is a town that caters to every lifestyle. It’s a very popular spot, so it’s essential you book in advance (even your camp site) to avoid disappointment.

Walhalla has its charm all year round, so whether it’s a romantic weekend for two or a family-size adventure, it’s a special destination we guarantee you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

Fact box
The trip – Melbourne to Walhalla
Distance – 369km round trip
Top 3 – Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, Bush Walking
Top Eat – Wally Pub at The Lodge Hotel
Top Tip – Pack walking shoes and warm clothes (even in summer)

Quick links:
http://www.starhotel.com.au
http://www.walhallarail.com.au/
http://www.walhallaboard.org.au/
http://www.visitwalhalla.com/
http://www.4wdtrip.com.au/