Imagine you're on the set of an Australian period film as you wander through the well-preserved nineteenth-century streetscape of this quaint village. Fossick for treasures in antique stores, wander through local history along the Rex Fuge Walk, or head out to the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park for some birdwatching or a bush picnic. When travelling in Chiltern, you will be visiting the lands of the Yorta Yorta People.
History on show
The village of Chiltern came of age following the discovery of gold in the 1850s. These days over 20 buildings in the village are registered or owned by the National Trust. Take a walk through the streets, past the historic post office, courthouse and masonic hall. The original police cells still stand as does the Federal Standard newspaper office and the famous Dow's Pharmacy.
Literature buffs will want to make a stop at Lakeview House, the elegant former home of distinguished author Henry Handel Richardson, who penned the Australian classic The Getting of Wisdom.
Antiques of renown
Snag that great bargain at one of many local antique stores and boutique and leave town with a souvenir of your stay. Mix with the locals and stock up on fresh produce, art and handicrafts at the Chiltern Market, held once every season.
Visit on the last weekend of August for the Chiltern Antique Fair, which attracts specialist exhibitors and antique bargain hunters from far and wide.
Escape to nature
Uncover goldfield relics, Indigenous rock paintings and native bird life on quiet forest trails through the Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park. Spend a little while longer and you're bound to see kangaroos, echidnas and wallabies in their own habitat, and for 360-degree views over the countryside, take a walk up to the Mount Pilot Lookout.
