There's Gold in These Mountains - Walhalla & Mountain Rivers
THERE'S GOLD IN THESE MOUNTAINS
Unveil the magic of Walhalla & Mountain Rivers
BUILD YOUR OWN TYPE OF ADVENTURE
Whether you are travelling with children, chasing outdoor adventure or looking for a peaceful country escape, the Walhalla and Mountain Rivers region offers plenty of ways to shape your visit. The following three-day itineraries combine some of the region's best-known attractions, accommodation, food and outdoor experiences. Use them as complete plans or mix and match the suggestions to create your own adventure.
PLACES SHOWN ON THE MAP
1. Mt St Gwinear
2. Mt Erica
3. Mushroom Rocks
4. Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort
5. Erica Mountain Bike Park
6. Rawson Crater Lake
7. Thomson Dam
8. Walhalla Tramline Walk
9. Long Tunnel Gold Mine
10. Walhalla Cemetery
11. Walhalla Cricket Ground
12. Old Post Office Museum
13. Old Fire Station Museum
14. Chinese Gardens Campsite
15. Woods Point
16. Horseshoe Bend Tunnel
17. Coopers Creek Campsite
18. Aberfeldy Track
19. Poverty Point Bridge
20. Bruntons Bridge Campsite
PLAN FOR THE FAMILY ADVENTURE
This family-friendly itinerary combines camping, heritage attractions, scenic train travel and seasonal activities. The pace is relaxed, with time to explore Walhalla, enjoy the riverside surroundings and introduce children to the region's gold-mining history. Some attractions require advance bookings, while opening times and food options can be limited during the week.
DAY ONE
Pack up the kids, the camping gear, and grab some roadtrip snacks - you're heading off the beaten track!
Follow the road signs to make camp for the night. Coopers Creek campground is a great family-friendly spot on the Thomson River, or get a taste of country hospitality at Erica Caravan Park with barbeque, giant chess, table tennis, foosball, playground and licensed bar for the adults.
Take a moment to enjoy the serenity in Erica, and if you're feeling adventurous check out Horseshoe Bend Tunnel - a scenic river diversion with an intriguing history.
DAY TWO
No trip would be complete without a stopover in lovely Walhalla. Take your time to explore the picturesque village on foot, and embrace your childlike wonder.
Book your family ticket on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, riding through the bushland alongside Stringers Creek to the idyllic Thomson Station - and back again.
If you're feeling spooky, book an evening Walhalla Ghost Tour for terrifying tales and bumps in the night.
DAY THREE
Fold up the tent, empty the esky, and put out the campfire - you're heading home. If you're not ready to leave just yet, a stop at nearby Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is in order.
Depending on the season, either rug up and throw snowballs, or, if the grass is green, book a range of family-friendly activities on the iconic mountain. Think laser tag, trampolines and alpine dingo encounters.
PLAN FOR THE ACTIVE EXPEDITION
This itinerary is designed for visitors who want to spend most of their time outdoors. The surrounding mountains, forests and rivers provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, four-wheel driving, fishing, paddling and other adventurous activities. Routes can be remote and conditions can change quickly, so research your chosen activity, carry suitable equipment and check road, track and weather conditions before setting out.
DAY ONE
We'll let you in on a secret, the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers region, does in fact have spectacular mountains, and rivers - surprise!
Whether you're into fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, dirt biking, mountain biking, river rafting, 4WDing, horseriding or simply being in nature - this is your playground.
Fill your belly with a hearty pub meal at Stockyard Bar & Bistro and rest up at adjoining Rawson Caravan Park, ready for a full day of adventuring.
DAY TWO
Rise, shine, lace up your activity-appropriate footwear, and head for the mountains!
The Aberfeldy Track is considered one of Victoria's greatest 4WD experiences, taking you via Thomson Dam, Woods Point and beyond. Bruntons Bridge offers camping, river access and an Insta-worthy footbridge. Erica MTB Park boasts some of the best rides in Gippsland, and the epic 655km Australian Alps Walking Track kicks off from Walhalla.
Pick you poison, do your research, be prepared, and be sure to bring your camera!
If your muscles are sore from your adventures, do yourself a favour and check into a spa chalet at Mountain Rivers Tourist Park in Rawson.
DAY THREE
Sunrise hike up Mt St Gwinear anyone? One last crossing over Thomson River? Or maybe fancy a quick swim? Chances are you've found another must-do thing that you'll try and squeeze in here.
But, if you're exhausted, take the opportunity to kick back and relax before heading home, you're earned it!
Check if the Wally Pub is open for lunch and a cold beer, then hit the road - we'll see you again soon.
PLAN FOR THE CAREFREE ESCAPE
This slower-paced itinerary focuses on Walhalla's peaceful atmosphere, historic streetscape and secluded mountain setting. It suits couples, solo travellers and anyone wanting to unwind, explore on foot and enjoy the village without rushing. Stay within Walhalla, leave the car parked where possible and allow plenty of time for quiet walks, heritage attractions and the surrounding scenery.
DAY ONE
Resting in a deep green valley surrounded by plunging hills, picture-perfect Walhalla is the secluded oasis time forgot. Lovingly preserved from its once-upon-a-time gold mining era, there's nowhere else quite like this curious village.
Settle in and snuggle up with a good book in one of the charming accommodation options right in town - from a suite of quaint private cottages to bed and breakfasts to the iconic Walhalla's Star Hotel overlooking the Mountaineers Band Rotunda.
Be sure to step outside and gaze up at the starry night sky - with little competing light the galaxies are spectacular.
DAY TWO
Take the morning to explore this wonderful town on foot, taking time to absorb the history of the streetscape at your own pace. To dig deeper into the rich history of local gold-mining, book a guided tour through the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine.
Spend the afternoon defining your own leisure. Painting, photography or bird-watching are all perfectly suited to this pristine setting.
If you're feeling energetic the Walhalla Tramline Walk offers a fantastic outlook over the town, with the option of continuing onto Poverty Point Bridge. Further afield, near the summit of Mt Erica, is the Mushroom Rocks bushwalk - with monumental granite boulders hidden in thick montane forest.
DAY THREE
And just like that, all good things must come to an end. Soak up the atmosphere of beautifully peaceful Walhalla as much as you can before bidding farewell.
For a final dose of history pay a visit to the Old Walhalla Post Office Museum and the Old Walhalla Fire Station Museum. Take a short stroll up the hill to the significant and unusual Walhalla Cemetery, and take a gander at the landmark Walhalla Cricket Ground.
STAY IN WALHALLA
Windsor House Walhalla
12 Right Hand Branch Road
Call on 0407 519 215
Stringer's Cottage
20 Happy Go Lucky Road
Call on 0425 713 683
Mill House
1 Church Hill Road
Call on 0427 899 709
Walhalla's Star Hotel
130 Main Road
Call on 0436 462 462
Walhalla Coach House
20 Happy Go Lucky Road
Call on 0425 713 683
Wild Cherry B&B
92 Church Hill Road
Call on 0427 975 045
walhallaaccommodation.com.au
Sancreed Cottage
4 Church Hill Road
Call on (03) 8373 4049
Valhalla House B&B
Main Road
Call on (03) 5165 6285
Silvertop Cottages
96 McLelland Road
Call on 0414 537 267
Creek Cottage
205 Main Road 3825
Chinese Gardens Campground
235 Main Road
Call on (03) 5165 6250
Jacomb's Cottage
184 Main Road
Roadside camping is now prohibited within Walhalla.
STAY IN ERICA
Erica Caravan Park
14 Station Street
(03) 5165 3315 or 0400 999 236
Erica Country Retreat
13 Beasleys Road
Call on 0407 812 215
Mountain Farm Accommodation
38 School Road
Call on 0402 379 814
airbnb.com.au
Erica Hotel Motor Inn
8 School Road
Call on (03) 5165 3252
Erica Escape
18a School Road
Call on 0429 555 037
Closter's Cottage
0400 999 236 or 0418 352 352
closterscottage.com
STAY IN RAWSON
Rawson Caravan Park
Depot Road
Call on (03) 5165 3439
rawsoncaravanpark.com.au
Mountain Rivers Tourist Park and Spa Chalets
11 Depot Road
Call on (03) 5165 3231
Ferntree Escape
airbnb.com.au
LOCAL FOOD & DRINK
For basic groceries, pies, coffee and camping needs like ice and firewood:
Erica General Store
1 Henty Street, Erica
Find on Facebook
Rawson Mini Mart
1 Murie Street, Rawson
Call on (03) 5165 3311
Erica Hotel Motor Inn
8 School Road, Erica
Call on (03) 5165 3252
Rawson Stockyard Bar & Bistro
Depot Road, Rawson
Call on (03) 5165 3111
Assaggio del Forno
40 Coopers Creek Road,
Jacob Creek
Call on (03) 5165 3223
The Goods Shed Café
2 Main Road, Walhalla
Call on 0423 422 493
Walhalla Witchery
98 Main Rd Walhalla
Call on 0427 092 010
Walhalla Lodge Hotel
(aka The Wally Pub)
62 Main Road, Walhalla
Call on 0460 516 228
HERITAGE TOURS
Walhalla Goldfields Railway
Experience one of Australia's most spectacular rail journeys, winding through breathtaking natural scenery.
Long Tunnel Gold Mine Tour
Head underground with your knowledgeable guide, and find out how this became one of the worlds' richest gold mines.
Walhalla Ghost Tours
Hear the terrible tales of past souls in a town filled with long-forgotten history and bizarre mystery.
LOCAL TIPS
Local Tip 1
There's no petrol stations in our lovely part of the world, so make sure you fill up before you leave the freeway.
Local Tip 2
Options for eating out can be limited, particularly on weekdays. Support local businesses, call ahead, buy some snacks from the shop, and keep an eye out for idyllic barbeque spots throughout our region.
Local Tip 3
Be prepared for every season, and sometimes a few seasons in one day. Snowchains, snakes, sun protection, rain protection - know what to expect to make the most of our wonderful region.
Local Tip 4
Full of country charm, our charming local businesses aren't always open, particularly on weekdays. Be sure to call ahead and let them know you're coming to avoid disappointment.
Local Tip 5
Throughout our region, GPS data is often inaccurate, and phone reception is not always available. Follow road maps and sign posts, and carry an offline or printed map whenever possible.
Local Tip 6
Be prepared to take it slow and appreciate the beauty of this quirky town.
Local Tip 7
Walhalla is an authentic town, with authentically friendly locals. No paid actors or costumes here, only local people going about their day in this beautifully peaceful mountain village.
