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Page Last Updated:
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 |
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Home>Visitor Information>Central Region
Bridgewater on Loddon, Inglewood, Dingee, Calivil,
Korong Vale, Leichardt, Powlett, Serpentine and Wedderburn.
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| At a glance
The central part of the Loddon Valley sees a physical change from the rolling hills in the south to the broad flat plains of the dry land and irrigated farming areas.
The central area is still within Victoria’s Goldfields Region. The townships of Wedderburn and Inglewood grew out of the gold rushes and the eucalyptus oil industry in the 1800’s. These occupations are still being carried out within the region today. Squatters and early settlers began to come into the area in the early to mid nineteenth century and some of their original homesteads still exist.
Many of the towns within the central region still retain their original buildings, either as retail premises, museums, or private residences. Wineries and specialist tourism attractions can be found across the area to cater for a wide range of interests.
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| In and around Inglewood
Inglewood was the site of Victoria’s last great gold rush. The enormous wealth recovered enabled the establishment of the Borough of Inglewood in 1861, just two years after the discovery of gold in 1859. For many years it was second only to Bendigo in importance in Central Victoria. The streetscape is one of historic buildings - solid evidence of the town’s gold mining history. The goldfields around Inglewood reveal their secrets from time to time and gold is still to be found by those prepared to search.
Now known as the “Blue Eucy” town, due to the once vigorous and still active Blue Mallee eucalyptus oil industry, Inglewood is still providing “the best quality eucalyptus oil in the world”.
Inglewood has left its mark on history being the birthplace of Sir Reginald Ansett, famous for his contribution to aviation as well as for being a foundation member of the Victorian Football Association. Fanny Hines, the first Australian woman to die on active service, called Inglewood home. Jack Donaldson, known as the Blue Flash, grew up in Inglewood. He held every professional sprint world record in the 1930’s.
The Inglewood Flora Reserve is well worth the visit. It is an area of mixed Mallee types and Ironbark. There is a wide variety of ground flora, including orchids, boronia, grevillea, peas and several other smaller native species. The area is accessible to walkers who wish to enjoy the peace and beauty of the local bush land.
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| In and around Wedderburn and Korong Vale
It is claimed that in excess of 80% of all major gold nuggets found in the world come from within a 40 kilometre radius of Wedderburn. Wedderburn is still known for the gold that brought it fame and fortune in the past, the not so distant past, and the present time.
The streetscapes and historic buildings are worth stopping to view, as are the town’s Museum/General Store and Hard Hill Historic Reserve.
Other specialist attractions include eucalyptus distilleries and crafts. Prospecting is still a
popular pastime and detectors may be hired in the region.
Natural attractions in the area include Mt Korong Scenic Reserve, Nardoo Creek Walking Track, Skinners Flat, The Granites (Mount Egbert) and Wychitella Forest Park.
In and around Leichardt and Bridgewater
The area from Leichardt to Bridgewater offers wineries and water sports together with tranquil riverside locations for camping or stopping to enjoy a picnic.
There are many fishing spots along the Loddon River at Bridgewater, with tracks along the river for you to enjoy quiet, safe walking.
Out of town the panorama changes to wheat and grain growing interspersed with hills and acres of natural bushland.
In and around Calivil, Dingee, Serpentine and Prairie
Broad open fields, homesteads, wheat and stock typify much of this area. It presents its own beauty due to its openness and at the same time holds localised treasures from the past.
Natural attractions include Tang Tang Reserve.
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