Explore Loddon Valley in Winter

Published on 26 May 2017

Don’t huddle by the heater – rug up and explore your back yard!

That’s the invitation from Loddon Shire this winter as the region’s businesses and tourist attractions greet the chilly months with their usual distinctive offerings.

Alternatively, the area’s natural assets provide opportunities for bracing walks, bike rides, fishing and boating trips.

A number of the area’s hotels offer the warmth of open fires or wood-burning heaters and friendly conversation, but all kinds of accommodation are available, from hotels, self-contained cottages and motels to caravan parks and – for the hardy adventurer – bush and riverside camps.

It’s easy to escape the cold, browsing in the renowned antiques and collectibles stores at Inglewood, the Coach House Gallery and Museum at Wedderburn or one of the jam-packed historical societies’ headquarters sprinkled around the Shire.

The Blue Eucy Museum at Inglewood presents an opportunity to discover the unique history of eucalyptus oil production in the area, while the town’s blue plaque walk reveals stories of its earliest days and the characters who made their mark during the days of the boisterous gold rush era.

The area around Boort is home to farm-gate producer Simply Tomatoes and offshoot enterprise Aussie Wool Quilts, while John Piccoli’s famed spanner sculptures at Barraport and Boort’s award-winning olive oil business, Salute Oliva, welcome visitors.

When the weather’s clear, buy supplies from one of the district’s popular butchers to enjoy a barbecue at Kooyoora State Park or Terrick Terrick National Park – or, plan a picnic by visiting Bridgewater Bakehouse, nearby Water Wheel Vineyards or local stores and cafes.

For those keen for some brisk exercise, the Shire has a network of signposted walking and cycling trails, while amateur prospectors can fossick for gold at numerous spots around the area.

People not wishing to drive can catch a V/Line train to Pyramid Hill and walk in the steps of explorer Major Mitchell as they tramp the town’s famous hill.

You can, motor through the south of the Shire and stop in the gold rush-era village of Tarnagulla and the appealing Newbridge, Laanecoorie and Eddington.

For further information telephone the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5494 3489 or visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au.