Mountain Rivers Tourist Park is an ideal base for visiting Walhalla, just 15-20 minutes’ drive from here. From Rawson head towards Traralgon then turn left at the Walhalla sign.
History
Hidden in a steep-sided valley, Walhalla is Gippsland’s most evocative and loved historic town. After the discovery of gold in 1863 Walhalla thrived as one of Australia’s richest towns with over 4000 people living in the area at its peak in the 1880s. Fires, flood and disease were among the pioneering hardships endured by its tough and vibrant population. When gold ran out in 1914 the decline was rapid, and for most of the 20th century Walhalla was frozen in time. Electricity was only connected in 1998, but now many of its original features are being faithfully restored and opened to visitors.
Things to do
Main street meander: Tramline walking track, hilltop cricket ground, Spetts Cottage, The Old Hospital, Windsor House, Mountaineer Brass Band Rotunda, St Johns Church, ‘faulty’ war memorial, Old Fire Station, Mechanics Institute, Bank Vault, Post & Telegraph Office, and hillside cemetery.
Tours
Please contact operators for their current opening hours
- Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour, ¾ hour. Ph 5165 6259.
- Walhalla Goldfield Railways tourist train ride, 1 hour. Ph 5165 6280.
- The Corner Store Museum and Walhalla Ghost Tours. Ph 5165 6250.
- Mountain-Top Experience 4WD tours of Walhalla’s ghost towns, mines and mountains. This includes the “Copper Mine Adventure”- seeing old lime kilns and splashing through the Thomson River. Tours are half or full day. Ph 0429 121 952 or see Alan on site.
Places to eat
Please contact each service for their current opening hours.
Walhalla General Store and Miners Café. Ph 5165 6227.
Greyhorse Café. Lunches Ph 0436 462 462.
Kitty’s Café. Ph 0422 298 109.
The Wally Pub. Counter meals. Ph 5165 6226.
More information can be found at http://www.visitwalhalla.com
