Midway between Ballarat and Bendigo, Maryborough is right in the centre of the famous golden triangle.

The historic Maryborough Railway Station has recently been transformed into a unique tourism hub for visitors and the community and now offers a state-of-the-art Visitors Centre presenting all the central goldfields has to offer.

Tourism officer Lee Duffin said the staff have been thrilled with the reception from the public.

“Feedback from our visitors is overwhelmingly positive, they especially love the new theatrette and animation of the Welcome Stranger story,” Lee said.

“Visitors love the space in the historic Station. The location of the Visitors Centre right next door the beautiful Station café really is a marriage made in heaven for visitors and locals alike.”

The Centre’s newly opened theatrette allows visitors to immerse themselves in the story of the discovery of the Welcome Stranger, the famous gold nugget found in Bulldog Gully near Dunolly in 1869.

Visitors can gain new insights into the impact of the resulting gold rush on the lives, culture and Country of our area’s Traditional Owners – the Dja Dja Wurrung. The Worth its Weight in Gold installation, invites visitors to place items on the scales to find out their worth in today’s gold prices.

The retail space features souvenir and gift ideas from a range of local producers and artisans, and the friendly Visitor Centre staff love to share information, advice and their own experiences with visitors.

Central Goldfields Shire Mayor, Cr Leisbeth Long said the Visitor Centre was the ideal place for tourists to start their journey of adventure in the goldfields.

“Maryborough proudly welcomes its many visitors from across Victoria as well as from interstate and overseas. They are always awestruck by the historic Maryborough Railway Station along with other remarkable heritage buildings from the area’s wealthy goldrush history,” she said.

“There are markets, cool cafes that serve up sensational coffee, many fine restaurants to satisfy every taste, nature and gold prospecting opportunities across our wonderful shire. We invite you to come and chat with our friendly and informative team at the Visitors Centre for must see sites if you only have a few days or simply take your time and experience some of the undiscovered riches for yourself at leisure.”