Rutherglen Argyle Street

Rutherglen Vic 3685 (Pop 2 600)

Rutherglen is a charming former goldmining town located 295 km n-e of Melbourne. Sitting only 10 km from the NSW border, today it is better known for its location at the heart of the state’s most important wine district. Original inhabitants were the Whroo Aborigines with white settlement taking hold from 1840s and rapidly increasing (1850s & 60s) due to nearby goldfinds. Viticulture, which eventually replaced goldmining, was greatly enhanced by the establishment of the Viticultural College (1890s). Fortified wines and dry reds are Rutherglen's speciality. Tourism, wheat, wool and dairy products are other important industries. Rutherglen markets 4^th Sun each month. Tastes of Rutherglen (Mar), Easter in Rutherglen, Winery Walkabout (June), Country Fair (June), Wine Show (Sept), Agricultural Show (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Rutherglen includes the Netherby Cellars ruins (1859), Poachers Paradise Hotel (1860), Courthouse (1864), St Stephen’s Church (1864), National Bank (1896), Vidal’s Cellars & Brandy Distillery ruins (1897), cnr High & Murray Sts for a Moreton Bay fig (1877). Common School Museum, Murray St interesting local history displays and a recreated Victorian era schoolroom. Open (10am-1pm) Sun (Oct-June). Rose of Sharon Museum, Hopetoun Rd based in the Rose of Sharon mine (1860s) ruins with an underground mine, interesting historic displays, a miner’s cottage replica and crushing battery. Open (10am-5pm) daily.

Nearby:
Wineries surround the town and most have tastings and sales. Great Northern Mine (5 km east) marked by mullock heaps on the area’s first deep alluvial mine. Details on site. Olive Hills (11 km east) a grand old homestead (1886). Details on site. Lake Moodemere (8 km west) originally an Aboriginal camp and ancient canoe trees can still be seen by the shores. The lake has been running an annual (NY Day) rowing regatta since 1866 and is a popular watersports destination and home to many waterbird species. 

Accommodation:
Rutherglen has half a dozen motels, 3 hotels, 8 B&Bs and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 57 Main St. Tel (02) 6032 9166 or 1800 622 871.