Heathcote is a small rural town at the foot of Mount Ida just over 100 klms and 90 minutes drive north of Melbourne (via Hume) on the Highway North.

The area is rich in history and was first explored by Major Mitchell in 1836. It is believed that he was called by Mr. Heathcote, due to the abundance of heather growing in the area.

McIvor Creek (named after one of the leading men of Mitchell) was a popular destination during the gold rush in the 1850s and principles of a major gold strike occurred in 1852 at Golden canyon just behind the Palais de Justice. At the height of the boom in gold mining, 35,000 people lived in huts and tents in the area. Secondary trading enterprises emerged to serve the local population, including three breweries, twenty-two hotels, wineries, two flour mills, a bacon factory and a hospital.

The alluvial gold, however, gradually began to dry up and finally gave mining step of the reefs. Heathcote's population dropped to 6,000 in 1860, while thousands of miners without success gave up and left the gold mines in search of alternative employment. Many of them turned to sheep, cattle or growing wheat as well as the exploitation of trees for a living. In the 1891, the local city population was drastically reduced to only 1090 people.

Today, Heathcote population is around 3000. This is the destination ideal for a day trip or a relaxing long weekend. The city is also a comfortable and pleasant at the car from Melbourne to either Bendigo or Echuca and vice versa.

There are a number of activities and attractions that are offered for all ages, budgets and tastes for recreation. Specific events, held at Heathcote throughout the year include the Bush Market on the first Saturday of each month, the annual Easter Rodeo, Carnival of Bush in September, the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival October and the Chamber of Agriculture in November.

All year round attractions include the Cliffs Pink (a must, remains unique and colorful sweep of the gold mining era), Mount Ida viewpoint, the Camp Hill Prison, the magazine, Vision Rock, Devil's Cave, Valley of the pieces amber liquid, the farm in Southern Yabby Heathcote, Dalhousie Fine Foods, Mona Lisa Gallery and Mount Ida Lavender farm in Paso de la Virgen. Nearby Lake Eppalock there is a popular fishing spot for Redfin and have boat ramps. If burnt rubber is your preferred form of entertainment, Heathcote Park Raceway in nearby Knowsley will provide hours of drag racing entertainment.

Along with these attractions, is a wide range of accommodations, restaurants and wineries. Despite severe drought conditions during recent years, local food and wine producers are gaining an excellent reputation. There are two motels in Heathcote and caravan park is conveniently located in the downtown. There are also camping grounds Dargilan subject, however, you need to provide your own drinking water. A composting toilet is available in the site for use by campers.

Heathcote Golf Club is situated on the outskirts of the city and through recycling of water provides a nice place and uncrowded for a quiet round of golf. Although the club is semi-private, limited opportunities are available to club members not to play there.

The Heathcote Office Tourist Information Center is a source of useful information and is situated in High Street (the reputation of being the longest main street in Australia).

Heathcote has a great variety of flora and fauna. If the nature and the environment is their passion, enjoy a relaxing stroll or a casual picnic in the middle of the Safety Ironbarks Bush and orchids. There are 160 species of birds active in the Heathcote area. If you are a keen bird lover can enjoy waking to the sound of kookaburras, cockatoos, Galahs, Rosellas and thrush Shrike. Keep an eye also to the little blue wren and the robin. Owls, bats and kangaroos are frequent visitors night around the town, too.

You never cease to marvel at the night sky of Heathcote. It is spectacular and is considered one of the best places to observe the stars in Australia. Beautiful sunsets and crystal clear views of the universe at night are the simplest pleasures Heathcote, but nicer.

Heathcote is a pleasant and interesting place to visit. Keep in mind when you are planning your next escape the rat race.

’09 Selkirk RCBHS Camping Trip

Comments are closed