Goldfields Region of Victoria

• By: Editor
• On: 03/Dec/2008
• In: Australia Travel Tips

The Goldfields Region is located right in the centre of the Victoria state, around 100km north west of Melbourne. Everywhere you go in the region you'll be reminded of the Australian Gold Rush in the mid 19th century.

Gold was first discovered in the area in 1851, and as a result settlers and speculators from other parts of Australia, the UK, the USA and China arrived in their droves, resulting in a major growth in population. Within five years of the discovery of gold, almost 100,000 people lived here.

The area around Mount Alexander in particular had an abundant natural resource of gold and as a result thousands flocked here to make their fortunes. The discovery of gold led to the development of further industries in the region, such as the service industry and manfacturing sector, and this led to major wealth in the area. Today you can see the magnificent Victorian architecture that is a testament to a time when gold capital of the Australian nation.

How to get here from Melbourne…

The Goldfields Region is easy enough to get to from Melbourne. The easiest way is to take the Western Freeway (M8), which takes you through the Ballan and Bacchus Marsh areas to Ballarat, a driving distance of 116km. It shouldn't take any more than 1.5 hours.

After Ballarat, you need to get onto the Calder highway (A79), which takes you through the impressive Macedon ranges and through Kyneton to the town of Castlemaine, and continues onto the town of Bendigo. You can also get to Bendigo on the Hume Highway from Melbourne (M31). Head north past Beveridge and get onto the Northern Highway (B75).

The easiest way to discover the Goldfields Region is by car.  As we always advise, your best bet is to organise your car hire before you travel. It will save you time and hassle when you get to your destination. For competitive car hire rates and instant confirmation check out our car hire Melbourne page.