NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
The Pink Cliffs Reserve is a Heathcote must-see. You can wander through the spectacular mini gorges uncovered by mining activity. A photographer's delight.
Many picnic spots, walks of all levels, easily accessible lookouts that provide a bird's eye view of Central Victoria , plus native flora and fauna provide hours of enjoyment.
Many beautifully preserved heritage buildings line Heathcote's High St . Take a walk through the past using our map of 29 buildings to guide you.
Historical footprints can be found in our cemeteries at Heathcote, Graytown and Redcastle. Gravestones tell the story of pioneering hardships and early deaths, a reminder of Chinese miners, of German and Italian detainees and prisoners-of-war.
We are surrounded by old mining sites, some of which have significant cultural significance. Our land is ancient, our community is vibrant, the locals are friendly and informative.
Explore the gold rush and war era historic features, or simply enjoy
the solitude of the ironbark and box eucalyptus bush settings. Mt
Ida and Viewing Rock provide magnificent views of Heathcote and the
surrounding area; while Mt. Black and Melvilles Lookout provide the
visitor with access to the National Park at the Graytown end – note the differences between the forests near Heathcote and those
at Graytown. Wildflowers abound in season and over 160 species of
birds can be observed locally.
Bushwalking, cycling, orienteering, photography, wildflowers, birdwatching, sightseeing - gold prospecting and gemstone fossicking. With dark skies away from city lights, Heathcote is an ideal locality for astronomers and stargazers.
Destinations within the town precinct include historic buildings such as the newly refurbished Old Goal, Courthouse, Council Office and other significant buildings.
Popular picnic spots include Barrack Reserve, the Rotunda at the Dargile camping and picnic area, the Valley of the Liquidambars, Pink Cliffs, along McIvor Creek and Forest Drive ; walks or drives to nearby lookouts at Viewing Rock and Mt. Ida .
Pink
Cliffs
 This interesting and colourful phenomenon was created by early gold
mining activities. Sluicing work was carried on until the early 1880’s
and it was in this period that work in the Pink Cliff’s area
revealed these colourful “hills”.
Take a picnic and spend
time meandering about the reserve.
Mt Ida
Imagine you‘re sitting on the top of the world where Victoria’s
remaining Box Ironbark forests disappear into the hazy horizon in
all directions around you. Views from Mt Ida should inspire even the
hardest to please outdoor enthusiast. Good to take the car….
A more challenging walk.
 Viewing Rock
From here you can view the township of Heathcote, which is reputed
to have the longest main street in the southern hemisphere. Take a
hike down to the Powder magazine. Witness a spectacular array of orchids,
or just sit and listen to the harmony of the Grey Shrike Thrush birdsong – A relatively easy climbing hour and half round walk or, take
the car and drive up – well worth the view.
Dargile Reserve
 If an overnight stay is more to your style, pitch a tent at the Dargile
Camping and Picnic area and wake up to a choir of birds. This area,
about 8 kms from Heathcote along Plantation Road has basic facilities
which includes a composting toilet, wood fired BBQ’s and shelter
facility - you will need to bring your own drinking water.
Other activities include bird watching, bike riding, nature study,
orienteering, bushwalking and photography, or stargaze in the evening
at the magical night sky. |
