Explore Walhalla
Here are some highlights…
Long Tunnel Extended Mine Tour
Explore what life was like for the gold miners’ deep underground, and find out how they made this one of the worlds’ richest gold mines, with over 13 tons removed from up to 1km underground. Today you can venture deep into the hillside on a 45 minute guided tour. The tour takes visitors 150m below the surface and 300m into the hillside to the huge machinery chamber hewn from solid rock over a century ago. A large outcrop of the famous Cohen’s Reef can be also be seen from inside the mine. There’s also a free museum with samples of gold-bearing quartz, original photos of the miners, and many industrial relics from the mining days.
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $50.00. Adults $20.00 Concession $15.00.
Tours daily at 1.30pm. Weekends, school and public holidays 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.
Make sure you get there 20 minutes before the tour so you have time to purchase your tickets and get your helmets (just like a real miner!). Tours go underground at the advertised time.
Walhalla Goldfields Railway
Ride this unique narrow-gauge train on its spectacular journey through Stringer’s Creek Gorge, over the historic Thomson River Bridge, and into Thomson Station. Particularly pretty in Autumn when the elms and poplars show their vivid golds and oranges. A return trip takes about an hour. Great fun for kids and adults alike.
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus public and school holidays, leaving Walhalla at 11am, and 1pm. Return fares $20 per adult and $15 for kids. Please note that the timetable may differ from the above, and it is best to check directly with the railway. Bookings are recommended.
If you would like to know more head to www.walhallarail.com
Ghost Tours
Not for the faint hearted, wander the dark valley by lantern light hearing shocking tales of the trials and tribulations of life in Walhalla 150 years ago, including the sadly short life of Sarah Anne Hanks, Walhalla’s only smallpox victim. Packed with history and the personal stories of the people who lived in Walhalla. Guided night tours are available on Saturdays by pre-booking at the Corner Store/Museum on (03)5165 6250. Give them a call for more information!
Walhalla Cemetary & Walhalla Cricket Ground
A short (albeit steep) walk will take you to the original Walhalla Cemetary at the south end of town. Another short but steep walk will take you up the side of the valley to the original Walhalla Cricket Ground, located at the north end of town. The Cricket Ground is still used today.
Bushwalking, Mountain Bike Riding & Birdwatching
Enjoy the fresh mountain air and tree ferns with stunning walks in and around Walhalla. There’s the Tramline Walkway with stunning views overlooking Walhalla, a walk up to the original Cricket Ground sitting high over the town, hiking to Poverty Point and the Old Steel Bridge on the Thomson River, a short section of the Great Alpine Walking Track from Walhalla to O’Shea’s Mill Pond, and the Rail Trail from Thomson Station to Erica, to mention just a few.
You can pick up maps from the Corner Store/Museum, open every day 10am-4pm.
Remember to keep an eye out for our local wildlife such as wallabies, king parrots and rosellas, honeyeaters like the Eastern spinebill, kookaburras, lyrebirds and black cockatoos. See how many you can spot! More often heard than seen is the ‘Woop Woop’ bird, otherwise known as the Wonga Pigeon.
Mushroom Rocks
Grab your walking shoes! A 30 minute drive from Walhalla you will find the stunning but easy 3km walk to Mushroom Rocks near the summit of Mount Erica. This is an area filled with monumental and fascinating granite formations scattered throughout the Myrtle Beech rainforest. For those fit and adventurous people out there the walk continues past the rocks. the There’s also a much shorter Beech Gully Nature Walk for those who don’t fancy the longer hike. This place is really worth a visit. Wander the rock maze, and be amazed!
Museum & Gold Era Shops
The Corner Store and Museum has books and souvenirs to remind you of your visit to Walhalla. Call them for information on day tours and activities in and around Walhalla on (03)5165 6250. The Museum has recently undergone a major renovation and cataloguing of it’s historical collection. A wealth of history and personal stories of life in Walhalla during the 1890’s through to 1914. Well worth a visit! Coffee is also available 10am-4pm daily at the Corner Store, plus basic supplies like long life milk and firewood.
You can also enjoy a sweet treat at the Simply Walhalla Lolly Shop (open Wednesdays and weekends).
The Pub
Enjoy a great meal and friendly atmosphere at The Walhalla Lodge Hotel, otherwise known as the Wally Pub! The Wally Pub is your venue for lunch and dinner in Walhalla, open every day except Mondays & Tuesdays. Phone 5165 6226 to book, or message through Facebook. Best to phone ahead as the Wally Pub can be very busy on public holidays, and may close fairly early during the week in non-peak times. Check out the unique outdoor dining area cut into the rocky side of the valley.
Cafe’s
Walhalla Witchery is your local cafe for coffee and light meals, located on the Main Street in the old general store, and open every day 10am to 3pm. Recently fully renovated inside by the new owners and looking fabulous! Phone 03 5165 6227.
On weekends and Wednesdays there is a pop-up cafe at the Walhalla Goldfields Railway Goods Shed.
Coopers Creek and the Thomson River
A great area for swimming with good waterholes and mini rapids for the kids. There’s also great fly fishing in the upper reaches of the Thomson River.
Brunton’s Bridge
Located on the old coach road that connected Walhalla and Cowwarr, Brunton’s Bridge was completed in 1888 and is worth a look as an example of how late nineteenth bridge technology was adapted to suit very difficult terrain. Just the steel skeleton of the bridge exists today. The day facilities and campground have recently received a major refurbishment.
Thomson Reservoir
The Thomson reservoir, Melbourne’s largest water supply, is just a 25 minute drive on a sealed road. Drive across the dam wall and take in the views.
Winter Skiing & Snowplay
Mount St. Gwinear is just half an hour away for sightseeing and snowplay, tobogganning, cross country, and snow shoeing. A great place for beginners or small children to enjoy their first experience of the Victorian snowfields. Slopes are patrolled and there’s a heated day shelter.
You can be on the slopes at Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort in just one hour via the South Face Road. There’s a kids’ toboggan run and a range of ski slopes to suit all skill levels, café’s and restaurants, and a luxurious spa where you can warm up after a day in the snow.
Remember to always carry snow chains!
Chains, ski gear and clothing are available for hire from Erica Ski Hire.
Fishing
Grab your fishing gear! There is great fishing to be done in the upper reaches of the nearby Thomson River, while enjoying the region’s beauty and solitude. Fly fishing for trout will challenge the most ardent angler.
4WD Tours
Ron Camier runs award winning 4WD tours or Tag Along Tours around the spectacular countryside of Walhalla so be sure to get out and about with Ron for a truly memorable experience. Visit the old copper mine and hear about the history of the surrounding area.
There are also plenty of 4WD tracks to explore on your own. If you don’t own a 4WD there are still many other trips to take. The Lake Thomson dam is just a short drive on sealed roads and really shows you the effects of the drought first hand.
www.mountaintopexperience.com (03)51346876