Rushworth

The old goldmining town of Rushworth in Victoria's Goldfields displays its original character in its many historic buildings, while offering visitors the chance to explore typically Central Victorian wilderness. Now a service centre for the surrounding farming community, Rushworth has preserved its golden past. High Street and its adjacent streets are a National Trust Urban Conservation Area. Take the High Street Heritage Walk and explore the town's history through its impressive, restored architecture and historical landmarks. The fire lookout tower at Growlers Hill provides a scenic view of the town, the Waranga Reservoir, the Rushworth Forest and the Goulburn Valley. South of the town lie the remains of a thriving gold rush township at the Whroo Historic Reserve, including a 25-metre open-cut mine on the hill. The Rushworth State Forest, to the south of town via Whroo Road, consists of red ironbark, yellow gum and grey box eucalypts. Take a walk in autumn and spring and see a profusion of wildflowers and orchids amid the towering eucalypts. Keep an eye out for the kangaroos, wallabies, possums, wallaroos and the 100 bird species that call the forest home. Rushworth is approximately 180 kilometres from Melbourne, or around two hours by car along the Hume Freeway and the Goulburn Valley Highway.