During its 97 years of operation, the Victoria Hill mine yielded about $8bn worth of gold in today’s values and was the deepest mine in the world at 4,613 feet. The mine appeared on Australia’s first pound note printed in 1913.

View 150 year old Coath Cottage nearby which was almost destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and has since undergone restoration.

Climb the poppet head tower for magnificent views of Bendigo and wander through the reserve where you’ll find several historical and natural landmarks as well as old mining relics from the golden days.

Note the Goldmines Hotel across Marong Road, opposite the reserve. Built in 1872, it is historically significant - unlike many historic hotels which have had their layout remodeled and refurbished this hotel has retained its individual rooms and layout.

Adorned by original décor, antiques and collectables it has a remarkably authentic feel, with beautiful old gardens creating a quaint atmosphere.

Victoria Hill Mining Reserve is located at 24-32 Happy Valley Road (off Marong Road), Ironbark (1km west of Bendigo CBD).