Goldfields Getaway
7 April, 2021
A day trip to tiny towns
This quarter I took a drive out from Maryborough to enjoy some great dining. You can come back to any of the places mentioned for meals at different times of the day other than what is covered here. Travel south from Maryborough, down Derby Road (or...
This quarter I took a drive out from Maryborough to enjoy some great dining.
You can come back to any of the places mentioned for meals at different times of the day other than what is covered here. Travel south from Maryborough, down Derby Road (or Ballarat Road) to call in at Ripples On The Res Restaurant on the edge of the Goldfields Reservoir.
Ripples is located approximately 3km from the centre of town. In its past history this was the site of the settling ponds for Maryborough’s water supply and no fishing or swimming or boats were allowed.
We were very pleasantly surprised to find a building with a ton of character set with views into the bush or over the water. The features were the mud brick finish, octagonal timber structure and highlighted bricked areas with some excellent Federation style lead light windows. It is a very relaxed environment and it allows the diners to either go for a lap around the reservoir and have a coffee or a meal after, or, do the opposite. It is a great place for a lunch, or special function.
On the walk around the lake you wander about through the trees, coming across rustic pseudo bridges, the Ballarat rail line, a picnic area and launch area for boats. It is 1.7km in length so not a strain for older folk as the going is flat.
Now this could be a stop for breakfast before heading on further – just a suggestion.
The next stop is in Talbot and it would be best to have a look around town first to let your breakfast have time to settle. Suggest you try to find the ex-Bull and Mouth Hotel, post office, a number of churches, the old book store, the corner shop opposite the post office and all the featured buildings down Camp Street for starters. Other places worth a look are the Railway Station Collectables, the craft shop behind the Provedore and, if open, the winery at Amherst. Actually a call into the information centre would be best.
The town has a good bowling club and tennis court set up. There is a small observatory and even a motel so it is a small but an interesting town to poke about in. Then go to the Provedore for lunch (now watch opening times but basically open Thursday to Sunday). It is special because it has won the Golden Plate award for best café in country Victoria plus other awards. They also have a great wine selection and these wines are mostly from within a 100km radius.
To look at the possibility of a peaceful, relaxing afternoon tea we need to proceed further. In the process we will head south down the main street to cross the railway line and turn left out to RED LION. This is another old gold mining area with very little left of the original buildings.
On the way out to Red Lion look at the scenery, taking note of the humps that once were active volcanoes. It is amazing to think that all these areas once had, at different times, between 15,000 and 25,000 miners seeking their fortunes.
Between Talbot and Red Lion you will notice also the old two storey ruin on your left and then the creek. You come to a T-intersection, so turn left and immediately on the right is the ruin of the bluestone structure that once was the Red Lion Pub (note the bluestone gate posts). I did take a look at the area up the back of that building and noted a number of homes so a regrowth of the old town has started.
Travel on and turn right into Majorca. Little is left of the old buildings here too. Note the town hall, court house, the horse trough and a couple of shops. Of note is the number of mine remnants shown by the piles of diggings.
In town turn right down the road to Rodborough Road and take it, turning right to Tullaroop Reservoir. The old Bucknall Church cannot be visited, except by appointment, but can be seen from the picnic area at the park at the Tullaroop Reservoir (see pic). This is a lovely area – it first saw the earliest construction and to see the area now is a great pleasure.
Continue on and take the next turn left back to the Pyrenees Highway where you need to turn right. From the Tullaroop Reservoir to Newstead there are a number of swampy areas or wet lands with magnificent gnarled red gums. Next is Joyce’s Creek and Cairn Curran Reservoir (great fishing in here).
On to Newstead and the main feature is the mill – look to the right as you cross the river. By now you might be ready for a coffee or other refreshment so try the DIG Café or pub opposite. Some interesting buildings are to be found here.
A further option here is to finish and go on your way or turn left to Maldon. On the way you will pass a number of signs to wineries but a must is to take the left turn in Welshman’s Reef down Fisherman’s Road to the caravan park. This is one of the best quietest locations I have found for caravans with sites right on the water.
In Maldon it is wise to call at the Tourist Information Centre. You can just wander about but if you want to see the real treasures call at the VIC.
Where you go from here is up to you now but if you want any further extensions to your trip and stay longer, ask at the local Visitor Information Centre or ring me (john Moir) on 0419 029 989.
