Grape Vine Hotel, Chiltern

Chiltern Vic 3683 (Pop 1 500) 
Pic: by VirtualSteve 

Chiltern is a small High Country former goldmining town located 292 km n-e of Melbourne. Its well preserved interesting historic streetscape has featured in a number of period films. Early squatter settlement began in 1830s and gold was mined until 1911 after which time winegrowing took over. Antique Fair (Aug), Ironbark Festival (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Chiltern includes the Courthouse (1865), Star Theatre (1866), Dow’s Pharmacy (1868), Council Club Hotel (1870), St Paul’s Church (1870), St Andrew’s Church (1871), Railway Station (1875), Gilmour’s Corner Store (1890). Chiltern Athenaeum Museum, Conness St original goldfields town hall, library and council chambers which has retained a large collection of 19^th century book and other interesting historical memorabilia. Open (10am-4pm) weekends/public holidays. Lake Anderson and Parkland, via Main St wildlife and bird refuge and ideal picnic spot.  

Nearby:
Chiltern - Mt Pilot National Park (access via Hume Hwy) 21 000 ha reserve protecting a number of historic sites (Indigo goldfields cemetery (1858), Magenta Mine (1860) and State Battery site as well as box-ironbark forest remnants. There is a profusion of birdlife and fauna as well as a number of excellent drives and walks including the White Box Walking Track (8.5 km). Fishing, canoeing and rafting are also popular. Yeddonba Aboriginal Art Site (12 km south) sacred site featuring 2 000 year old animal depictions and a rock cave used for Aboriginal initiations. Mt Pilot Lookout (14 km south) originally an Aboriginal spiritual and ceremonial site with rock springs and excellent views (548 m).

Accommodation:
Chiltern has a motel, hotel and caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 30 Main St. Tel (03) 5726 1611.