Goldfields Getaway
30 March, 2021
Discover the Wonders of the Loddon Valley
From treasures that were thought to no longer exist, vast landscapes with clear skies, the finest wilderness and significant parklands – the Loddon Valley is full of wonders just waiting to be discovered. Complemented by a Mediterranean climate...
From treasures that were thought to no longer exist, vast landscapes with clear skies, the finest wilderness and significant parklands – the Loddon Valley is full of wonders just waiting to be discovered.
Complemented by a Mediterranean climate, the Loddon Valley features rich soils, open plains and 460-million-year-old granite outcrops.
Additionally, it is home to one of the most extensive networks of rivers, lakes and wetlands in Victoria as well as picturesque forests. This includes the 400-kilometre Loddon River – the second longest river in Victoria, which runs through the Loddon Valley.
Its ancient forests includes trees aged over 1,000 years old, while the Terrick Terrick National Park, Kooyoora State Park and Pyramid Hill house more than 200 species of native flora and 100 bird species. Many of these birds and plants are rare and endangered.
Given these amazing natural features, it’s no surprise that the Loddon Valley attracts innovative and eco-conscious creators, farmers and artisans to produce unique products in the region.
It is among the plains of the Loddon Valley that you will encounter some of the world’s finest gourmet products – be it breads, meats, grapes, olives and olive oil, tomatoes, fruit and salt.
The Loddon Valley is also where eucalyptus oil was first produced and which you can still purchase today.
Steeped in rich history, the Loddon Valley is connected to Indigenous, gold rush, settler and natural history.
The area also has a golden history as one of the world’s richest gold rushes – which is evident in its untouched gold-rush-era towns still in existence today.
In 1869, the 71-kilogram Welcome Stranger gold nugget was found near the Loddon Valley, and the area still sees many visitors keen on finding their fortune – with finds still to be made.
In addition to gold, there is plenty of other treasure to be uncovered – be it antiques and collectables in quirky vintage shops, unique and gourmet products, creative crafts, cafés, historic pubs and eco-friendly microbusinesses.
The Loddon Valley is also home to vibrant arts and culture:public art, meticulously-crafted spanner sculptures, art galleries, boutique studios, and country markets and festivals.
For those keen to get back to nature, the Loddon Valley offers a plethora of options – whether it’s paddling along a canoe trail, fishing, swimming, boating or water skiing.
Its forests, which lead to vast open spaces, are perfect for bushwalking or cycling. Springtime is also when the Loddon Valley annual showcase of wildflowers put on a spectacular show of vibrant colour.
If you’re after unspoilt natural views, the Loddon Valley will not disappoint – with breathtaking vistas, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and night time skies with little light pollution and stars down to the horizon.
Enjoy easy access to the wonders of the Loddon Valley through its many accommodation options – be it a motel, self-contained or one of the area’s caravan parks. You can also go off-grid at one of its many RV-friendly camping sites or state and national parks.
Discover the wonders of the Loddon Valley at www.visitloddonvalley.com.au
