The ultimate travel guide to Victoria's Goldfields region

What are the Goldfields in Victoria?

The Victorian gold rush of the 1850s transformed central Victoria's quiet pastoral settlements into some of the richest and fastest-growing towns in the world. People flocked from across the globe in search of fortune, and the boom left behind a legacy of grand buildings, ornate gardens and an enduring love of gold.

Today, the Goldfields region stretches across central Victoria, with Ballarat and Bendigo as its major hubs. Heritage streets, miners' cottages and preserved diggings reveal a fascinating story of the region's prosperity and resilience.

But Victoria's Goldfields region is more than its past: it's also a thriving destination for art, culture, food, wine and nature.

Ballarat: gold rush grandeur and modern appeal

Ballarat's wide boulevards and grand 19th-century architecture tell the story of a city built on gold. Stroll along Sturt Street, admire the Ballarat Town Hall and Craig's Royal Hotel, and wander the leafy Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree.

More: The best things to see and do in Ballarat for free

Best activities in Ballarat

No visit to Ballarat is complete without experiencing Sovereign Hill, Australia's most famous open-air museum. This recreated pioneer goldfields town brings the 1850s to life, complete with costumed characters, mine tours and live demonstrations. Try your hand at panning for real gold, ride a horse-drawn carriage, or send to kids to an 1850s schoolhouse with slates and chalk.

Follow up with a trip to the Eureka Centre, located at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. This was the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade and home to the Eureka Flag, with a permanent exhibition, monuments and memorials.

The Ballarat Wildlife Park is always worth a visit, with over 400 species of native Aussie animals across 15 hectares of natural bush. Animal encounters are often available for an added fee.

Art lovers should visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the oldest and one of the best regional galleries in Australia. It's currently closed for interior ungrades, but plans to re-open in early 2026.

Kids will love Kryal Castle, a fantasy medieval theme park full of jousting tournaments, magical characters and special events. Follow up with a round at Gold Rush Mini Golf: two 18-hole mini golf courses plus an arcade.

Best walks in Ballarat

For a lovely walk, head to Lake Wendouree in central Ballarat for a pretty 6km loop track full of birdlife. It's bordered by the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, full of floral beds, exotic trees and Italian marble statues.

Mount Buninyong is just outside of Ballarat, offering numerous walks across an extinct volcanic mountain thrumming with wildlife like wallabies. The 1.2km Crater Walk circuit is particularly stunning thanks to the summit viewing platform.

There's also the 44km Eureka Track, a gorgeous section of the famous Goldfields Track that stretches from Mt Buninyong to Ballarat all the way to Creswick.

Best events and festivals in Ballarat

Ballarat's standout event is the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, celebrating amazing photography with a different central theme every two years.

Its also well-known for the Ballarat Begonia Festival, with thousands of blooming begonias on display over the long weekend in March.

The Ballarat Heritage Festival is popular as well, showcasing the city's heritage and arts scene over the month of May with events like the Ballarat Beard & Stache Competition, the Vintage Car Show, and the Eureka Express steam train rides.

Market lovers should visit the Ballarat Farmers Market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, and the The Design Exchange Winter Market held in the beautiful Ballarat Mining Exchange building.

More into music? Visit Summer Sundays in January, the Ballarat Blues Festival in August or Spilt Milk in December.

Best places to eat and drink in Ballarat

After a day of sightseeing, indulge in Ballarat's thriving culinary scene. The city's laneways hide stylish cafes and craft breweries, while the surrounding countryside is dotted with wineries and farm gates.

Pipers by the Lake offers breakfast and lunch by the pretty Lake Wendouree: perfect before your stroll.

Try dinner at Underbar, a Michelin-inspired dining experience from chef Derek Boath that highlights local ingredients.

For something more casual, opt for the popular brewpubs Hop Temple or Aunty Jacks, wood-fired pizza at The Forge Pizzeria, Latin American dishes at Pancho, or classic pub grub at Craig's Royal Hotel.

Finish off with a tipple at cocktail speakeasy 18th Amendment, gothic bar The Crypt, or the live music Piano Bar Ballarat.

Bendigo: a city of art, architecture and gold

Bendigo's fortunes were forged in gold, and the city still proudly showcases its heritage.

Best activities in Bendigo

Bendigo's star attraction is the Central Deborah Gold Mine, where you can descend 61 metres through gold mining tunnels on a guided tour. Your ticket also grants you access to the surface museum, which includes original mining buildings and equipment.

Ride the vintage Bendigo Tramways, which offer a tour of the city's historic landmarks aboard the Vintage Talking Tram Tour. You can also book into the Blues Tram or the Groove Tram: pop-up experiences aboard the historic trams with live blues music or general entertainment respectively. Make sure to visit the onsite Tram Museum too, or join the Depot Discovery Tour to explore Australia's oldest operating tram depot.

Bendigo has reinvented itself as a regional arts powerhouse. The Bendigo Art Gallery hosts world-class exhibitions, from Australian masters to international fashion retrospectives. If it's a nice day, explore Bedngio's vibrant street art trail that winds through laneways and public spaces.

Stroll through the Golden Dragon Museum to learn about the city's rich Chinese heritage. You can also visit the heritage-listed Bendigo Joss House Temple, dedicated to the god of war and prosperity Guan-Di (Kwan Gong).

Visit the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, a giant Buddhist monument with the statue-filled interfaith Peace Park, a grand Buddhist temple and beautiful relics like the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace. There's a vegatarian cafe onsite for a bite to eat too.

Fortuna Villa is a gorgeous historic residence - think stained glass, solid marble baths and grand staircases - with an ornamental lake and extensive gardens. Explore the villa on a private guided tour or enjoy a traditional high tea on open days.

Finally, visit Australia's oldest and largest working pottery at Bendigo Pottery. Here you can shop for ceramic tableware and cookware, look through the interpretive museum, or join hands-on workshops such as painting ceramics.

Best walks in Bendigo

Meander around the Bendigo Botanic Gardens to discover natural wetlands, pretty gardens and picnic areas. Or pop over to Lake Weroona on a warm day to enjoy the 1.4km circuit walk interspersed with playgrounds and BBQs: perfect for a family outing.

In the Greater Bendigo National Park, tackle the One Tree Hill Tower Loop (6km) for fragrant box- and iron-bark trees plus views over the region.

If you're up for a challenge, the Leanganook Track stretches a massive 61km from Castlemaine to Bendigo; it's part of the 210km Goldfields Track along the Great Dividing Range.

Best events and festivals in Bendigo

The Bendigo Chamber Music Festival sweeps into town each February, performing multiple concerts in beautiful venues across Bendigo.

Bendigo BLOOM is a must-visit for garden lovers, full of tulip displays and floral installations as the regional city celebrates spring in all its glory.

Across the summer season, Summer in the Parks features free or low-cost outdoor events like outdoor cinemas, live music and community actvities.

Don't forget to visit the Bendigo Showgrounds Market for fresh produce and artisan goods almost every Sunday at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds.

Best places to eat and drink in Bendigo

Bendigo's food and wine scene blends sophistication with local charm.

Enjoy a pint at the historic Goldmines Hotel, or tuck into classic dishes at the Botanical Hotel. Great cafes include The Boardwalk and Hoogah, while casual dining options include Mexican at Cantina, Italian at Borchelli, or the diner Ghosty's.

Taste cool-climate regional wines at Balgownie Estate just minutes from the city centre.

More: The best free things to do in Bendigo

Creswick: nature and adventure

Nestled between Ballarat and Daylesford, Creswick was once a bustling gold rush town and is now a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Best activities in Creswick

The Creswick Woollen Mills, established in 1947, offers alpaca, merino, cashmere and possum wool apparel, accessories and homewares. You can purchase natural fibre products, visit the interactive exhibit 'A Very Fine Yarn' to trace wool from paddock to product, or meet farm animals outside on weekends and school holidays.

Tour the Creswick Museum to peruse artwork and items of significance from Creswick's history, all housed in the town's former town hall. It's currently only open on Saturdays.

If the weather's warm, visit Calambeen Park to fish or swim in the lakes. Back in the gold mining days, this was the location of Creswick's Chinese miners' settlement.

Creswick is also a mountain biking destination. Catering to all skill levels, the Djuwang Baring trail network consists of 60km of trails that traverse the cultural lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Starting at Hammon Park, choose a trail that suits your fitness level and cycle to places such as St Georges Lake or Koala Park for a picnic.

Best walks in Creswick

The Creswick State Forest (also called the Creswick Regional Park) is a playground for hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers. Follow the La Gerche Forest Walk (2km), named after forester John La Gerche, to learn about the region's pioneering reforestation efforts. Multiple walking trails start from Slaty Creek, which is also the only camping area in the park.

Nearby, St George's Lake offers a 1.8km shoreline walk along this artifical but beautiful lake, once a mining dam known as Govvy Dam. You can even swim after your walk if you like.

Trekkers will love the 52km Wallaby Track, which passes from Creswick to Daylesford as part of the 210km Goldfields Track. You can also walk the other way from Creswick to Mount Buninyong on the 44km Eureka Track.

Best events and festivals in Creswick

The Creswick Market is on the third Saturday of each month, rain or shine. Along with the homegrown produce and handmade crafts, there's live music, a playground for the kids, and gardens to picnic in.

CresFest, a folk and roots music festival, takes place in April each year. This joyous live music event offers performances by both local and international musicians.

Best places to eat and drink in Creswick

Enjoy casual bistro meals along with a wide range of local beers and wines at the Springs Bar and Terrace, located at the RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick. Also onsite is Three Founders, a modern dining restaurant with local produce and seasonal ingredients.

Otherwise, you can grab pastries from Le Peche Gourmand or pizzas and burgers from Raffa's.

For a tipple, Meredith Wines is just a seven-minute drive out of Creswick. Its cellar door allows you to enjoy their minimal-intervention, food-friendly wines - plus cuisine from Black Cat Truffles.

Castlemaine: creative energy and charm

Castlemaine's gold rush past has evolved into a thriving town full of arts and foodie culture. Wander through Mostyn Street, lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, to get a sense of its past.

Best activities in Castlemaine

The Mill Castlemaine, a transformed 1870s woollen mill complex, is now a hub for artisan makers, vintage stores and gourmet food. It's the perfect spot for brunch, shopping and a taste of the town's creative spirit.

Browse the Castlemaine Art Museum, full of Australian art and historical items, or the many independent galleries showcasing local artists - such as Lot 19. Follow up with a stroll around the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens, full of open landscaped gardens surrounding an ornamental lake.

History lovers can explore Buda Historic Home & Garden, an authentic goldfields villa that housed the creative Leviny family for 118 years. Wander its three acres of heritage gardens and browse the significant collection of furniture, artworks and personal belongings.

Visit Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation & Wildlife Centre to get up close with native animals like dingos, koalas, emus, wombats and reptiles. This not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary runs encounters at set times throughout the day.

Best walks in Castlemaine

Castlemaine is surrounded by bushland and scenic trails ideal for walking and cycling.

The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is full of abandoned gold rush mines and ruins peppered through box-ironbark forests with bushwalking trails aplenty.

Trek part of the Goldfields Track on the Dry Diggings Track (58km from Castlemaien to Daylesford) or Leanganook Track (61km from Castlemaine to Bendigo). The 'Cry Joe' section of Dry Diggings takes you to Vaughan Springs, a beautiful swimming hole - or you can just drive there.

If you're up for a 25-minute drive, visit The Cascades just north of Metcalfe for rock pools and swimming holes surrounded by picnic tables. It's best visited after some rain.

Best events and festivals in Castlemaine

The Castlemaine Artists' Market is held on the first Sunday of each month, displaying talented artists and designers from central Victoria. Live music and food vendors make it a fun day out.

Keep an eye out for the Castlemaine Jazz Festival - jazz lovers can find performances, jams and masterclasses can be found all over town during the King's Birthday long weekend in June each year.

Best places to eat and drink in Castlemaine

At brunch, head to Saffs Cafe or Togs for lovely menus with something for everyone.

Castlemaine has a wealth of great country pubs for dinner, including the Cumberland Hotel, Bridge Hotel and Castlemaine Railway Hotel. If you're in the mood for Italian, then Bella Fresca impresses with its wood-fired pizzas.

For dessert, head to Cabosse & Feve for artisan chocolate made onsite with ethical, traceable cocoa beans.

Maryborough: hidden treasures

Maryborough's stately streets and ornate buildings are a legacy of its rich gold rush history. The Maryborough Railway Station, with its towering clock tower and sweeping platform, is one of the most impressive regional railway stations in Australia. Mark Twain once remarked that it seemed "built for a population of a million".

Best activities in Maryborough

Visit the Maryborough Midlands Historical Society to uncover local stories, or stroll the Heritage Walking Trail to admire landmarks such as the town hall, courthouse and post office. Make sure to check out Worsley Cottage, an 1894 bluestone surrounded by cottage gardens, and the 1944 slab Squatters Hut at its rear.

The Central Goldfields Art Gallery features works by local and regional artists in the historic 1861 fire station. Its recently undergone a major redevelopment and is just a short walk from several cafes and restaurants.

On the first and third Sundays of each month, the Maryborough Regional Park Market fills the showgrounds with stalls selling fresh produce, crafts and antiques. It's one of the largest country markets in Victoria.

Best walks in Maryborough

Paddys Ranges State Park is full of relics of the gold mining era, with wildflowers in spring and over 140 species of native birds calling from the trees. There's a 40-minute return track from the picnic area that winds through the forest to an old eucalyptus distillery dam and back. You might see prospectors here too!

In town, venture up Bristol Hill for panoramic views over Maryborough from the pioneer memorial tower.

Best places to eat and drink in Maryborough

Grab a hearty bite to eat in Maryborough at The Station, a modern Australian restaurant at the town's railway station, or Pipes Bistro - owned by the Maryborough Highland Society.

You can also enjoy a round of golf after a meal at the Fairway Bistro, or relax in the lounge before dinner at the Bull & Mouth Hotel.

Maldon: Australia's first notable town

Recognised by the National Trust as Australia’s first 'notable town', Maldon is a living museum of the gold rush era. Its main street is a picture-perfect collection of heritage shopfronts, iron lace balconies and vintage stores. Stroll along Main Street to browse antique shops, galleries, and cosy cafes that transport you back to the 19th century.

Best activities in Maldon

Hop aboard the Victorian Goldfields Railway, a heritage steam train that runs between Maldon and Castlemaine, for a nostalgic journey through rolling countryside. It's a favourite for families and history buffs alike, with regular themed events and a decadent first-class carriage.

Browse the Cascade Art Gallery, set in a former Gothic Revival church, for curated fine art exhibitions specialising in paintings, limited-edition fine art prints, and bronze and ceramic sculptures.

Finally, visit the Maldon District Museum and History Research Centre to understand what life was like back when Maldon began. There are plenty of photographs, artefacts and historical records here.

Best walks in Maldon

Head to the Maldon Historic Area for forests and grassy woodlands dotted with gold mining-era relics. Climb Mount Tarrengower for sweeping views of the region and picnic at Butt's Reserve or Carman's Tunnel before trying one of the bushwalks in the area.

Best events and festivals in Maldon

The Maldon Folk Festival comes to town each year for music, dance and theatre performances aplenty. It's been running since 1974 and has proved its worth time and time again.

Best places to eat and drink in Maldon

Enjoy a hearty pub meal at the Maldon Hotel or a coffee at one of the town's charming tearooms, like the gorgeous pink-themed Maldon Rose.

If visiting on a Sunday, head out to Panacea Estate for a family-friendly winery cellar door complete with tastings and cheese boards.

Heathcote: wine country

Heathcote is famous for its wines, grown in the region's ancient soils. Spend a day touring cellar doors to sample award-winning reds paired with local produce.

Best activities in Heathcote

Heathcote's gold rush history is still visible in its heritage streets and nearby diggings. Visit the Heathcote Visitor Centre to learn about local trails and attractions.

Don't miss Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve, full of mini gorges and cliffs made from fine pink clay on the edge of town. Their colours change with the angle of the sun throughout the day.

Lake Eppalock is located on the Campaspe River 20 minutes out of Heathcote. It's available for fishing, boating, waterskiing and swimming, with designated picnic areas and BBQ facilities.

Best walks in Heathcote

Venture into the Heathcote-Graytown National Park, which encompasses the McIvor Range and Mount Ida, for wildlife refuges, Aboriginal cultural sites and the largest remaining box-ironbark forest in Victoria. Great trails include the Devils Cave Loop (3.1km) and the McIvor Creek Trail (3.5km).

The O'Keefe Rail Trail offers a 50km walking and cycling trail between Heathcote and Bendigo's Lake Weeroona, with a causeway across Lake Eppalock and plenty of native woodland.

Best events and festivals in Heathcote

The Heathcote Film Festival in September presents an eclectic mix of short films from Australia and overseas.

In October, the Heathcote Wine & Food Festival showcases wine tastings from prominent vineyards in the area, plus plenty of live music.

Best places to eat and drink in Heathcote

Heathcote's small-town charm shines through in its welcoming cafes and country pubs. Enjoy a hearty meal at the Union Hotel, a favourite with locals and visitors alike, or a pint at Victoria's oldest National Trust-listed country pub, the Tooborac Hotel. Meanwhile, Gaffney's Bakery is great for a snack or road trip fuel.

Try the Heathcote Wine Hub to try selection of Heathcote-area wines at the historic 1863 church in the heart of town. Then embark on a round trip through local wineries like Heathcote Winery (with its cellar door set in an 1850s mining produce store), McIvor Estate (an Italian-style vineyard and olive grove), Sanguine Estate (family winemaking since the 1860s), Shiraz Republic (a 25-acre vineyard hosting live music sessions), Three Dams Estate (Spanish-style wines and cantina) and Munari Wines (makers of the famous Heathcote Shiraz).

Not a wine lover? Try Palling Bros Brewery for handcrafted artisan beer, bistro dining and live music instead.

How to get to (and around) the Goldfields

By car

The Goldfields region is easily accessible from Melbourne: it's just 90 minutes by car to Ballarat or Bendigo via the Western or Calder Highway. A car is also the best way to explore the region at your own pace, allowing you to visit multiple towns, wineries and attractions. Stay road trip happy with 24/7 roadside assistance.

By train

Regular V/Line trains also connect Melbourne to Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maryborough. It’s free to take a bike on V/Line trains, but space is limited. It's recommended that you travel at off-peak times. Prior to boarding, speak to station staff or the conductor, to find out if there is space for you to travel with a bicycle. Your bike must be checked in at a staffed station at least 30 minutes before your service departs. You can use the V/Line Plan your Journey tool and the V/Line app to see how many bicycles can be carried on each scheduled V/Line service.