• Gold Rush Heritage - Accessible Full Day Itinerary

Destinations

Maryborough Dunolly Moliagul

Transport
Duration

01 day(s)

Discover the fascinating history of the Victorian gold rush on this family friendly, all-abilities itinerary out of Melbourne. 

Visiting iconic locations like the Maryborough Railway Station, the Dunolly Historic Precinct and the Welcome Stranger Monument, you'll explore the heart of Victoria's Central Goldfields. 

Overnight in Maryborough before returning home to Melbourne or make it a full day out in the fresh air and wide open spaces this picturesque region has to offer.

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Day : Historic Central Goldfields Discovery

Coming from Melbourne you can either head north on the Calder Freeway to Castlemaine before following the signs to Maryborough. Alternatively you can take the Western Freeway towards Ballarat, turning off at Bungaree to follow the signs to Creswick and Clunes and then on to Maryborough. Which ever way you go it will take you a little over two hours. 

Transport
Stops

  • Maryborough Railway Station is a grand old building
Stop : Maryborough Railway Station
Station Street, Maryborough VIC 3465

When in 1895 the famous writer Mark Twain, visited Maryborough Railway Station he quipped that “You can put the whole population of Maryborough into it with a sofa a piece and have room for more.”

When it was built in 1890 rumours circulated that the plans were actually intended for Maryborough in Queensland, or perhaps Melbourne’s Spencer Street Station as it was so elaborate and large.

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Stop : The Station Café Restaurant Bar
Maryborough Railway Station 29 Station Street, Maryborough, 3465

Located at the iconic Maryborough Railway Station complex, offering a focus on fresh produce, and menu curated by Head Chef. The Station Café Restaurant Bar also offers a unique ambiance, alfresco din...

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  • The courthouse is one of the largest in Victoria outside of Melbourne
Stop : McLandress Square
Civic Square, Maryborough VIC 3465

The great wealth of the gold rush era, and the stunning architecture of the period, is beautifully apparent in Maryborough’s McLandress Square.

The town’s civic centre features European-style heritage buildings including the imposing Italianate palazzo-style post office, which was built in 1877 and still serves as a post office today. 

McLandress Square also features one of the largest courthouses outside of Melbourne, the building has served as a courthouse continuously since its inception. At night, McLandress Square lights up, showcasing the detail and the beauty of these stately and elegant buildings.

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  • Friendly service at Dunolly Bakery
Stop : Dunolly Bakery
97 Broadway, Dunolly VIC 3472

Grab a pie or maybe a sandwich and enjoy some lunch at the Dunolly Bakery. Dine in or takeaway to relax in the nearby Rene Fox Memorial Gardens.

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  • Learn about this historic gold rush town
Stop : Dunolly Historic Precinct
40-44 Market Street, Dunolly VIC 3472

The Dunolly Historic Precinct showcases the rich gold era heritage of this captivating town. The crowning jewel is the Dunolly Courthouse, which was built in 1863 as the original town hall, complete with library, reading room, council chamber and offices. The Dunolly Town hall was built in 1884 and originally was used as the county court, before swapping functions with the original Borough of Dunolly Town Hall in 1890. The nearby police stables and lock up were constructed in 1863 and complete the historic legal precinct.

Spend the afternoon exploring this interesting window into the history of Victoria's Central Goldfields.

Guided tours are available by appointment.

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Stop : Welcome Stranger Monument
Monument Road, Moliagul VIC 3472

In February 1869 just 3cm beneath the soil the largest recorded alluvial gold nugget – known as the Welcome Stranger was found. The 61cm by 31cm nugget was taken to Dunolly to be measured on the bank’s scales, however at 69kg the gold needed to be broken on an anvil to actually fit on the scales. Today, the Moliagul Historic Reserve is a picturesque picnic spot with a walking track showcasing points of interest from the gold rush era and a granite obelisk marking the spot of the incredible discovery.

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Explore each day