Walhalla Historic Township offers a wide variety of things to see and do...either right in town or nearby. It's easy to fill in a few days in any season, you'll make discoveries, experience new adventures and find hidden away places that you never knew existed. All are right on our door-step or just down the road.
Things to See & Do
Bike Riding
Mountain bike riding territory abounds around Walhalla Historic Township. From leisurely level tracks following old gold era tramlines, the very pleasant Erica –Thomson Rail Trail (photo above) or to extra steep thrilling downhills for the more experienced rider, you'll find it all in close proximity. It's a great way to explore the area and to test (or improve) your Mountain bike skills. Maps and directions are available for guests of Walhalla's Star Hotel at reception.
Bush Walking
Walhalla Historic Township is great for bush walking, whether it be just a short walk for an hour or two or an overnight camping adventure. In fact, Walhalla is the start of the Australian Alpine Walking Track. If you're really keen you can walk from Walhalla to Canberra, a total of 630 kilometres! Click here for information about the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail.
From Walhalla to Thomson Station (you then catch the train back to town) is just over an hour and is an easy level walk that everyone enjoys.
For those who are a little more adventurous, you can continue along the Tramline Walkway to the Poverty Point Bridge and return to Thomson. In total this is about 12 kilometres and takes a few hours.
A lovely day walk is from Mt St Gwinear carpark to Mt Erica carpark. This walk, which is entirely in the Baw Baw National Park, passes though the alpine plateau and mountain ash forests. An interesting feature is Mushroom Rocks...just like Hanging Rock but without Miranda and the crowds of people.
There are plenty of options, maps and information on the wide variety of walks around Walhalla Historic Township are available from reception at Walhalla's Star Hotel.
Historic Sites
A century ago when Walhalla was a bustling gold town, the hills around the township were dotted with hamlets and satelite towns that were home to thriving communities. Unlike Walhalla which managed to hold on as a town, places like Happy Go Lucky, Maidentown, Mormontown, Poverty Point and Bruntons Bridge simply faded away until the bush took over. Today many relics remain within a short distance of Walhalla Historic Township.
Some are just a walk away, others a short drive. This list is only a small part of the sites you can visit while in Walhalla. Maps and full directions are available for guests of Walhalla's Star Hotel.
Mine Tours
The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine runs tours daily.
Monday to Friday tours are at 1.30pm. Saturday & Sunday PLUS public and school holidays at 12noon, 2pm & 3pm.
The tours take 45 minutes and take you to the huge machinery chamber past all the original gold workings. It's a fascinating tour with excellent tour guides and is highly recommended. The tour is walked but it is flat. Limited car parking is available at the mine entrance, however it is only a short (and very pretty) walk from the Star Hotel.
Snow & Skiing
Mt St Gwinear
Cross country ski or snow shoe to the summit of Mt St Gwinear (1509m) through beautiful Australian alpine scenery on the Baw Baw Plateau. The summit is approximately 2.5 kilometres from the St. Gwinear carpark, it's a bit of a steep climb but well worth the view from the top. Keep an eye out for wombats and other native animals along the way.
It is possible to ski from Mt. St. Gwinear carpark to Mt. Baw Baw. It takes approximately 2-4 hours depending on snow conditions and your skiing experience. To do this ski you should be fully prepared as weather conditions can change quickly.
A toboggan slope and snow play area is located at the St. Gwinear Carpark. Toboggan hire is available from the ski hire in Erica and at the carpark on weekends or when good snow conditions warrant. Contact the Erica Ski Hire on (03) 5165 3353 or click here.
Walhalla's Star Hotel offers a discounted ski package, B&B accommodation and XC skis, boots and poles for $219 per couple.
Mt Baw Baw Now only a short distance away via the NEW South Face Road, Mt Baw Baw opens up a whole new world of snow experiences with boarding, downhill skiing, cross country and snowplay. With 7 lifts, Mt Baw Baw is aimed at first time skiers. It's a great place to learn with gentle slopes and ski school who understand the needs of the first time skier. Guests at Walhalla's Star Hotel are eligible for a $5 discount on lift tickets at Mt Baw Baw. Please enquire.
Town Walk
Throughout Walhalla you'll discover 30 heritage signs that make up the "Walhalla Heritage Walk".
Walhalla Goldfields Railway
The Walhalla Goldfields Railway operates from Walhalla to Thomson Station on every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday PLUS public holidays and the summer school holidays.
Trains depart Walhalla at 11am • 1pm • 3pm*
Trains depart Thomson at 11.40am • 1.40pm • 3.40pm*
* The last train service for the day does not operate in June, July and August.
For fare details and further information please visit the WGR website; www.walhallarail.com