Heathcote Main Street by Mattinbgn

Heathcote Vic 3523 (Pop 1 800)

Heathcote is a pretty Victorian Goldfields service centre at the foot of Mt Ida and located 124 km north of Melbourne. Early nearby goldfinds helped establish the town whose main street still reflects this era. Today Heathcote’s main industries include wool, timber, cattle, honey & wine. Heathcote markets 1^st Sat each month. Rodeo (Easter), Heathcote Heartland Festival (May), Wine & Food Festival (Oct), Agricultural Show (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
McIvor Range Reserve, off Barrack St pretty recreational areas as well as an old and rare powder magazine (1864), the Viewing Rock for expansive town views & Devil’s Cave occupied by goldminers as early as 1864. Pink Cliffs, Pink Cliffs Rd range from bright pink to golden ochre. Camp Hill Gaol, Barrack St (1861).

Nearby:
Mount Ida Lookout (north) (450 m) excellent district views. Heathcote-Graytown NP new park covering 12 833 ha which protects Victoria’s largest remaining box ironbark forest. There are also a number of important Aboriginal cultural site, panoramic views (Mt Ida, Mt Black) and a wonderful array of native birds & fauna. Lake Eppalock (10 km west) Victoria’s 4^th largest reservoir built for irrigation and flood control, is now a popular watersports, fishing & recreational area.

Accommodation:
Heathcote has 2 motels, 2 hotels, 2 B&Bs, several holiday cabins/cottages and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Cnr High & Barrack Sts. Tel (03) 5433 3121.