Updated on January 22, 2024
Walhalla, Victoria – Stepping Back in Time.
Walhalla is a special little town with an extensive gold mining history, beautifully preserved buildings, and a charm that can catch visitors by surprise.
Set in a deep valley, 184 km east of Melbourne, surrounded by dense bush, Walhalla is remote and beautiful. 4 wheel drive tracks are plentiful, camping options are numerous, this is a must-visit destination for local and international visitors.
It had been some years since our last visit and it was pleasing to find the town has not been over developed or ruined by tourism as can often happen, the charm of the historic buildings and homes has been preserved with care.
From 1863 until 1914, this town was one of the richest gold mining regions in Australia. Churches, a large school, numerous shops, and about 10 hotels served the community of more than 3,000.
Around 1914, when gold mining could no longer sustain the town, the area was mostly abandoned. Some buildings were pulled apart and rebuilt in other towns after being transported to their destinations by train, and many buildings were left to fall into disrepair and become fuel for bushfires.
What had been a booming gold mining town, became a ghost town until the 1990s when an appreciation of the history began to take hold. Building and renovations began, restoring what was left of homes and businesses. Power was not connected to the town until December 1998 – the last town in Victoria to be connected.
The population of permanent residents now numbers less than 20.
Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine
“Tour deep under the mountain in Walhalla as you venture on a fascinating tour of the original workings of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine…one of the most successful mines in Victoria’s history. The mine is basically as it was when it closed in 1911 and tours today take approximately 45 minutes”. Read more on the Long Tunnel Gold Mine…
Make time to visit the Long Tunnel Mine and museum when in Walhalla, it is one of the highlights of the town and gives an insight into the working life of residents from a time long gone.
After the tour, walk the track near the entrance to the mine along the hillside and down to the road again, through the free camping area. The views of Walhalla from up there are lovely.
Walhalla Cemetery
Walhalla cemetery is one of the most unusual in Victoria. Set on the steep hillside, more than 100 graves tell the story of the past. A walk up to the cemetery is definitely another ‘must-do’.
Walhalla Cricket Ground
A 2km return walk uphill on a winding track brings visitors to one of the more remote cricket grounds in Australia.
Back in the days of gold mining flat land was precious, and the answer to make room for a sports field was to slice the top off a hill, in their spare time. It is a 1km walk up a zig-zag track, a good start for a game of cricket!
Many a match was played with some fantastic tales to tell about all sorts of dubious tactics. Take your own bat and ball, play a game on this historic Aussie cricket pitch.
Make time to walk up to the cricket ground and read the interesting signs along the way telling stories of local cricket games, bike riding, and other activities played over a century ago.
Goldfields Railway
A narrow-gauge train follows Stringers Creek Gorge from Walhalla to the Thomson River. Originally opened in 1910, the train line closed in 1944 until enthusiasts began a restoration project and re-opened the line to tourists.
ABOVE: Walhalla Railway Station & Band Rotunda near the restored Star Hotel.
Free and paid camping in Walhalla
Chinese Gardens Camping Ground, situated approximately 2 km north of the Walhalla Township on the main road. It may be closed during winter months.
Set on the banks of Stringer’s Creek, the land was farmed by Chinese market gardeners during the height of Walhalla’s gold rush in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Free camping in Walhalla – ‘Walhalla North Gardens’ is in a car park on the left just through the town on the main road. There is a simple toilet block (no showers) BBQ area, fire pits, grass area for tents and space for camper vans and trailers in the car park.
Map Link to Walhalla North Gardens Free Camping
Free Camping Coopers Creek Reserve
Our 2013 base camp was at Coopers Creek Reserve, a brilliant spot by the river with a fire pit to cook over and roast marshmallows.
Coopers Creek is one of the easiest free campgrounds to access near Walhalla. Two free camp areas and a day visitor area are set alongside the Thomson River, perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing and accessing 4wd tracks.
The first camping area when entering the reserve has a reasonably open and sunny aspect with firepits and toilets. The sites are all numbered. The second area is open seasonally.
A day visitor area has the prime position by the river and also has firepits to use, bring your own wood.
There is a canoe launching area for paddlers coming down the river on the Thomson River Canoe Trail or to launch and paddle the 9km kayak/canoe trip down to Brunton’s Bridge and beyond.
Access is also permitted for 4wd owners to cross the river and explore tracks further afield. Take note of warning signs, rules and water depths.
Map Link to Coopers Creek Free Camping
Thomson Bridge Free Campground
On the main road into Walhalla, the Thomson Bridge camp ground is to the left before crossing the bridge. This is also the end of the line for the Goldfields Tourist Railway from Walhalla and a canoe launching spot for the Thomson River Canoe Trail.
The camping area is fairly small, recently upgraded with toilets and one large, communal firepit. It is above the river with no close access.
Map Link to Thomson Bridge Free Camping
Brunton’s Bridge Free Camping
Another very popular camping area, Brunton’s Bridge can be accessed from two directions along unsealed roads, suitable for 2 wd vehicles. Note: Only 4wd vehicles can go from the south all the way through to Walhalla as there is a river crossing (dependent on river levels).
There is free camping above the river in a terraced setting, with firepits and toilets. On the other side of the river is a small camping area with no toilets.
4wd owners can cross the Thomson River at the point. Please note that 2wd vehicles cannot cross the river.
Brunton’s Bridge, listed on Victoria’s Heritage Register was originally constructed in 1886 to bring supplies to Walhalla by horse and bullock drawn wagons. The iron and timber bridge was 211 feet long and 21 feet wide. Due to bush fires there is no longer any timber on the bridge, the walkway that exists now was constructed in 2009.
From the Walhalla direction, it is a 12.5km/30 min drive along the beautifully named Happy Go Lucky Road.
Map Link to Brunton’s Bridge Free Camping
Aberfeldy River Free Campground
About 17km/30 mins drive north of Walhalla, on the main Walhalla Road, this free camping area beside the Aberfeldy River is a good place to relax, fish, explore the 4wd tracks, and enjoy the Australian bush setting.
Map Link to Aberfeldy River Free Camping
Walhalla Accommodation
Accommodation in this historic mining town is plentiful, some of our favourite places that we recommend:
The Walhalla Coach House
The Walhalla Coach House is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom family holiday home located in the beautiful Walhalla valley, and will accommodate up to 8 people comfortably. Nestled above Stringer’s Creek and shaded by massive mountain ash and blackwood trees, it is private and secluded, yet only a short walk to the historic town centre.
The Star Hotel
Walhalla’s Star Hotel provides stylish accommodation in twelve large suites in the heart of the township. For over 18 years, Walhalla’s Star Hotel has provided a fabulous break from the ordinary in beautiful surroundings. Walhalla is the most wonderful town to visit and a stay at the Star Hotel is the icing on the cake.
Stringer’s Cottage
Stringer’s Cottage is a charming one-bedroom miner’s cottage on the outskirts of the historic village of Walhalla and is fully self-contained. Featuring a cozy wood fire, galley kitchen, and indoor toilet/shower, it has all the creature comforts at hand including a luxurious queen-size bed. Nestled above Stringer’s Creek and shaded by massive mountain ash and blackwood trees.
Sounds like a great little spot
It is so different to other areas of Victoria, a real gem.