Enormous gold mines, original miners' huts of the 1850s, heritage gardens, unique wineries, wildlife parks, museums, art galleries and markets all showcase the charm and diversity on offer in the Goldfields region. A large section of central Victoria including Macedon, Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Daylesford and Seymour is covered in this beautifully presented book which is the latest in the Portraits of Victoria series. Sovereign Hill, a goldfield's town in Ballarat, captures the excitement of life in the 1850s, and attracts around 450,000 visitors every year. Mount Macedon is renowned for its heritage listed gardens. The cooler climate attracted Melbourne's elite during the 1870s. The discovery of gold near Ballarat in 1851 caused the Victorian gold rush and changed Australia forever. The elaborate, grand buildings of Ballarat and Bendigo are testament to the affluence of the gold boom. Castlemaine and Clunes have retained their original buildings preserving the magic of a previous era and attracting movie producers from around the globe. The experiences possible in the Macedon Ranges and surrounding areas, with its magnificent gardens, mineral springs, majestic architecture, gold mines and quaint towns, are staggering.

We hope you enjoy this book and feel inspired to explore the uniqueness of these areas.