Enjoy a glass of local wine at Lake Moodemere in Rutherglen
Tucked against the Vic–NSW border, the Indigo Shire is home to four beautiful and history-filled townships just waiting to be explored: Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern and Yackandandah.
If you love gold rush history, heritage buildings, wineries, charming villages and beautiful landscapes, then these four townships in the Indigo Shire are the perfect place to head to on your next adventure.
Located an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne along the Hume Highway and a stone’s throw from the Murray River in regional Victoria, these historic towns offer the perfect mid-week escape or romantic weekend getaway or an extended caravanning adventure as you tour from one town to the next for the full Indigo Shire experience.
Despite being located only a 30–40-minute drive from each other, each town bears its own unique characteristics, must-visit destinations, historic sites and caravan parks where you can set up camp. So, let’s head on a tour to make sure you see it all.
Rutherglen
While Rutherglen does have ties to the gold rush era, its true wealth is the landscape’s rich and fertile soil. Rutherglen is one of Victoria’s oldest wine regions, and for more than 160 years winemakers and their families have called this town home and established flourishing vineyards and internationally acclaimed wines.
Planning a vineyard and cellar door tour is a must for all visitors, and make sure you try everything from the region’s famous reds through to the new styles and varietals introduced by the latest generation of makers to the Rutherglen region. For a true step back in time, visit All Saints Estate, a family-owned winery established in 1864. One of the best ways to see the wineries is to hire an e-bike from Rutherglen Radler and ride the easy rail trail to Wahgunyah.
Within the town itself, don’t miss the award-winning Victoria Hotel which was refurbished and reopened in December 2023 and is renowned for its great meals. Then head to the Rutherglen Convent Brewery for a beer on the deck and lovely panoramic views over the township.
Gooramadda Olives is just outside of Rutherglen and offers tastings and award-winning olives for purchase.
Where to stay:
Rutherglen Caravan & Tourist Park
Upcoming event:
Rutherglen Annual Agricultural Show: 20 October 2024
Chiltern
The next stop on our tour is the small but sparkling jewel in north-east Victoria’s gold rush crown: Chiltern. With a mining history dating back to 1858, history-buffs will be in their element, but anyone and everyone will enjoy exploring the charming village’s many artisan shops, three National Trust properties, the Chiltern Athenaeum Museum and the variety of unique eateries. The village makes for a great — albeit extended — stop before heading over to the nearby Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park for walking trails, mountain bike rides, 4WD tracks, picnic areas and more.
This area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, so be sure to take your binoculars along. Many rare species can be spotted in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park. Closer to town, head to the shores of Lake Anderson to see pelicans and other water loving fowl.
Lake Anderson Caravan Park in Chiltern
Where to stay:
Lake Anderson Caravan Park Chiltern
Upcoming event:
Chiltern Antiques Fair: 23–25 August 2024
Beechworth
If you enjoy history, fantastic food and locally produced wine, beer and cordials, then Beechworth is for you. As one of Australia’s finest historic gold-mining towns, Beechworth boasts beautifully preserved heritage architecture and towering elms and oaks that offer shade as you explore the town’s boutique shopping scene.
Take the family along and join a gold rush tour to learn more about the town’s rich history before visiting Billson’s Brewery to try a variety of cordials.
And for a perfect day by the water, head to the serene Lake Sambell for a picnic, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking or a lovely walk around the lake.
Beechworth’s historic main street contains many cafes, boutiques and shops
Where to stay:
Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park
Upcoming event:
Drag’d Out Beechworth: 21–24 November 2024
Yackandandah
Finishing up the tour is one of Australia’s most picturesque villages: Yackandandah. Tucked in the foothills of Stanley State Forest, this village is a triple threat with natural beauty, historic buildings and a fantastic array of artists. Wander the village centre with its many national trust listed heritage buildings and explore the wide range of creations by potters, painters, sculptors and stitchers on display.
Once you’ve checked out the boutique stores, head to the Yack Station Precinct and visit The Guard for the best coffee and Happy Baker for fantastic croissants and baked goods. For something stronger, Backwoods Distilling Co can offer a tasty tipple of whisky or gin.
The Karr’s Reef Gold Mine tour is a must for any history-lovers who want to uncover more about the village’s gold rush heritage.
Backwoods Distilling Co in Yackandandah
Where to stay:
Upcoming event:
Yackandandah Folk Festival: 21–23 March 2025
Hit the trails
If you want to see the best of the region, we recommend exploring the many rail trails and bike trails on offer. Here are some of the top options to add to your touring checklist:
- The Beechworth to Yackandandah Rail Trail: Recently completed and great for the whole family
- The Indigo Epic Mountain Bike trail: Opened in March 2023, this trail is perfect for experienced mountain bike riders and links riders from Beechworth to Yackandandah.
- Rutherglen to Wahgunyah Rail Trail: This 10km trail is easy and suitable for all ages and abilities and is a great way to see many of Rutherglen’s wineries.
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Visit four fantastic townships in the Indigo Shire, Victoria