Natural Attractions

Discover reminders of Heathcote’s golden history among tranquil bush settings. Enjoy a walk, a bike ride or a drive and simply relax with a picnic while taking in the panoramic views. The natural highlights are many in this picturesque region.

Pink Cliffs Reserve

This interesting and colourful phenomenon was brought to light by early gold-mining activities. Sluicing work was carried on until the early 1880s and it was in this period that work in the Pink Cliffs area brought to light these colourful “hills”. Walking tracks offer a pleasant and interesting stroll, spotting birds and wildflowers.

Valley of Liquidambers

Close to the centre of town and adjacent to the McIvor Creek and caravan park, you’ll find this valley area to be a great spot for a picnic. It is superbly colourful in autumn. Take a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back into the main street.

Viewing Rock

From here you can view the township of Heathcote. Take a walk from the Powder Magazine up the incline through the forest to the rock for a great view of the town and surrounding area.

Devil's Cave

A slight deviation close to the top of Viewing Rock will bring the traveller to Devil’s Cave where Aborigines and, later, gold miners sheltered. This is a 1½ hour return easy to moderate climbing walk.

Stranger's Rock

Located near Knowsley to the north of Heathcote, Stranger’s Rock is a well-known example of volcanic intrusions that were active during Cambrian times and broke through the complex layers of earth to bring changes. The surrounding area is the largest Cambrian rock outcrop in Victoria.

Dargile Reserve

A tranquil camping ground with a wood fired BBQ in the rotunda and a composting toilet. Good for wildflowers, look out for the stand of local grass trees and ironbarks that were once prolific in the area. Rodneys Track and the Mt Ida Ridge Walk are amongst the many tracks here.

McIvor Creek

This pristine creek runs parallel to the the main street in Heathcote. During his 1836 expedition, Major Mitchell named McIvor Creek after a member of his party. Fishing and birdwatching are both popular.