Where:
Buninyong,
Victoria, Australia
10 minutes drive from Ballarat
Last Visited:
July 2006
Why Go:
Historic well preserved town about 10km south of Ballarat, important in Victoria's goldfield history.
Highlights:
- The town has some great old buildings. A book describing a self-guided walking tour of the town is available from the Information Centre or the bookshop next door.
- The botanic Gardens are said to be the oldest in Australia.
- You can hike up or drive to the top of nearby Mount Buninyong for great views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the lush Union Jack Reserve, 72 Hectares and home of a diverse variety of flora and fauna.
- There are some wineries nearby
Lowlights:
- This part of Victoria is notoriously always a few degrees colder than elsewhere in Victoria, so pack your woollies especially if visiting in winter..
Eating & Drinking:
- The Royal Hotel is good for a drink and lunch meal, food is cheaper in the front bar but you have to put up with the smokers too.
- The bakery has some great treats for a cold winter's day
- There is a general store to purchase any basics
Other things you should know about:
- Buninyong was settled in 1838 and was one of Victoria's first inland towns.
- Buninyong is an aboriginal word meaning "man lying down" which describes how the Mt Buninyong looks like the bent knee of a person lying down.
- In 1857, Buninyong was the first place that gold was discovered in Victoria, which consequently started the gold rush in the 1800s.
More information:
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