Yackandandah Vic 3749 (Pop 750)

Yackandandah is a particularly attractive High Country historic village 308 km n-e of Melbourne. It is also a National Trust listed former goldmining town which has retained many of its original buildings on beautiful tree-lined streets with gracious churches, galleries and cafes. Aboriginal occupation of this land dates back 3 500 years and there is a sacred rock art site 20 km south. The town’s name is thought to mean ‘rock’ and ‘waterhole’. European settlement began in 1830s and gold discoveries followed in 1850s. Tourism is the town’s mainstay today with excellent fishing, bushwalks, goldpanning and gemstone fossicking. Lavender Harvest Festival (Jan), Folk Festival (Mar).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Yackandandah includes the Old Stone Bridge (1857), Anglican Church (1861), Primary School (1862), Post Office (1863), Star Hotel (1863), Courthouse (1864), Lutheran Church (1870), old Athenaeum (Visitor Information Centre) (1878), Yackandandah Hotel (1879), Old Stone Bridge (1857). Museum (High St) housed within the former Bank of Victoria (1860) for interesting historic displays and memorabilia. Open Sun pm/Victorian school holidays.

Nearby:
Yackandandah Cemetery (Wodonga Rd) Established in 1859 with graves of goldminers, early settlers and Chinese interments. Kars Reef Goldmine (Kars St) fascinating old goldmine. Indigo Valley (6 km n-w) beautiful scenic drive along valley floor to Barnawatha.  Forest Drives to The Gorge and Stanley State Forest.

Accommodation:
Yackandandah has 2 hotels, 2 B&Bs, holiday apartments/cottages and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 27 High St. Tel (02) 6027 1988.