WARRANDYTE

Warrandyte is a picturesque town between Eltham and Ringwood, just 30 kilometres east of Melbourne. 

Hugging the meandering Yarra River, Warrandyte is nestled in a tranquil natural environment that provides the perfect setting for a wide range of delightful experiences.

The town is renowned for its painters and potters, and you will find local galleries promoting both fine Aboriginal art as well as the works of talented and award-winning local artists.

Warrandyte State Park – especially impressive during the spring wildflower season – is always a haven for picnickers, bushwalkers, canoeists, birdwatchers, and those who enjoy peace and solitude.  Dominated by the Yarra River as it winds through the Warrandyte Gorge, the Park has an abundance of native wildlife.  It extends over 620 hectares, and among its many treasures is the site of Victoria’s first gold discovery in 1851.

To find out some great activties to do within the area, check out the tourism page.

   

Warrandyte is also a popular starting point for a visit to the the world-famous and picturesque Yarra Valley wine district.  Take the stunningly beautiful drive from Warrandyte through the Yarra Valley and visit wineries including Yering Station, De Bortoli, and Domaine Chandon, just 30 minutes away.

History

 

Gold mining played a vital part in the establishment of Warrandyte, with the area’s gullies and creeks producing Victoria’s first payable gold.

The first discovery of gold at Andersons Creek – now Warrandyte – was in July 1851 (the area’s name was officially changed from Anderson’s Creek to Warrandyte in 1908).

On December 28th 1874, Warrandyte’s largest nugget was found.  It weighed more than 100 ounces (more than 2.8 kilograms).

By the late 1800s, the area was changing as the gold petered out, and orchards had been established to provide some employment for workers as the big mines closed.

The Caledonia mine had provided work for 250 men, at its peak.  It had a main shaft that was 620 feet deep.  It finally closed in 1912.

The last gold mine lease in Warrandyte ended in 1965.

GETTING THERE

To find your nearest public transport click on the following link:

Metlink Melbourne
Website: www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

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