Welcome Stranger Monument
The first recorded discovery of gold in Moliagul was in September 1852 and, before long, the area was flooded with over 4,000 miners. Two of those miners, John Deason and Richard Oates, had arrived i...
Read MoreBendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Every visit will reveal new surprises and experiences.
Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.
Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.
Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.
Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
Throughout the year, find fabulous festivals and events offering the perfect chance to meet the friendly residents, taste the great local produce and see why Heathcote is one of the best, and most beautiful, places in the world.
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Visit Region2km southwest of the town of Moliagul is a granite obelisk erected in 1897 to mark the discovery site of the Welcome Stranger. Found in 1869, the 69kg gold nugget is the largest alluvial, or reef, nugget in the world.
The Moliagul Historical Reserve, in addition to marking the famous location, is also a fantastic place for a day out. With a picnic area, featuring tables, wood fire barbeques and an undercover area, alongside space for camping with a few spots to pitch tents and caravan access, the reserve is also just a few minutes drive from toilet and camping facilities at Moliagul Campground. Signage at the reserve offers details about the discovery and the lives of John Deason and Richard Oates, the fortunate miners who uncovered the Welcome Stranger.
A map is available for an 850m circuit around the surrounding bushland showing fascinating examples of alluvial mining, the house sites of Deason and Oates, a Chinese grave and the site of a Chinese camp.
The first recorded discovery of gold in Moliagul was in September 1852 and, before long, the area was flooded with over 4,000 miners. Two of those miners, John Deason and Richard Oates, had arrived i...
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