Gold Rush Towns

Posted: December 17, 2016 by admin

Much of Australian history revolves around mining, and Victoria is no exception. Throughout the north central area of the state, there are literally hundreds of gold rush towns, many in amazing condition to this day, even though most date from the mid 1850’s. The best preserved are of course tourist attractions, particularly since they are within a day trip from Melbourne.
I spent a few nights in one of the better ones, Beechworth, at the foot of the Australian Alpine area, and then later a night in Walhalla, population 18. (For those of you that think you are good with a map, just try to find Walhalla!) Walhalla did not survive as well as the others due to the use of wood for building material versus stone and brick, and the role of fire that periodically occurred in its narrow valley. Some structures are original, but many have been rebuilt. Even with active residents all along, Walhalla was the LAST town in Victoria to get electricity, just 18 years ago!

The train station in Maryborough. A classic case of civic ego and pride, they were determined to build a more impressive station that the rival town of Castlemaine. And they sure did! These were small towns, but definitely not poor towns!

Maldon, one of the best preserved gold towns

Maldon

Telegraph station, Beechworth, circa 1854

Beechworth county (shire) government building.

Beechworth fire station

What an elegant Post Office! Beechworth.

The town of Omeo. what is interesting here is that this 1941 vintage Golden Age Hotel is the FIFTH version. Fire is very common in this town, and repeatedly destroyed the town, so this one is the latest version of the hotel. I guess the locals still miss the previous one, but I though this was pretty cool art deco.