travel

253 comments

1. 253 Kathy Geisler
   Aug 7th, 2008 at 12:06 pm

   We have been visiting Walhalla for the last 6-7 years. My husband first experienced the area when introduced to a trailbike ride to Wood End. My children now 4 and 1 years really enjoy the steam train ride. We were lucky enough to be able to hand feed the colourful wild birds at the General Store next to the old bank vault. It is well worth the walk to read the historical signs at each house site. The old fire station bought back memories of my papa who was a firefighter in Melbourne and the Band Stand can only make you think about how busy the town events would have been. It is a great place for a day trip but you will need to stay a couple of days to fully explore the town.

2. 252 Rose Burns
   Aug 4th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

   Spent the day recently at Walhalla. I have been there a few other times in the past, but nether tire of the beauty and marvel at the fact that such a large community did once exist there. The volunteers and residence do a fantastic job on reconstructing the town - it seems every time I go there it has changed for the better in some way. LOVE IT and believe everyone should visit there at least once.

3. 251 Lorelle
   Aug 2nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm

   A gorgeous, quaint, O so picturesque village in it’s own idyllic secluded valley. It takes you back to another time. A little golden gem. The train journey through the gorges & along the river is spectacular, thanks to the volunteer railway staff who were very friendly. The information plaques along the street tell of fascinating tales from days gone by. The mountain slopes are sooooooooo very steep. What an amazing place!

4. 250 Denise
   Aug 2nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm

   Walhalla is certainly a wonderful destination for the family. It certainly was a memorable visit for our family when the children were younger. It generates loads of conversations with the children and encourages their interests in Australian history. Might be time to visit again soon.

5. 249 Colleen
   Jul 31st, 2008 at 12:08 pm

   Walhalla & surrounding Mountain Rivers district is a world of it’s own, unspoiled by the modern rat race, a wonderful place to appreciate the finer things of life.

6. 248 Alan Anderson
   Jul 30th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

   I have been going to Walhalla since we got our cars back in 1970, have camped there many times walked to the cricket ground what a walk&1/2 the train back then was just a dream for them have lilo’ed down the river wow it was great back then no power the old pub so peaceful

7. 247 Tricia
   Jul 27th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

   Just popped in as we were in the area heading up to Mt Baw Baw. Still a beautiful spot. I hadn’t been there for 30 years, since a school camp. Nice to see that it’s got electricity now! The rebuilding that has taken place has really added to the feel of what the town would have been like in its heyday. Delighted to have been back and we’re planning to come again for a bit longer.

8. 246 The Davis Family
   Jul 27th, 2008 at 11:23 am

   Walhalla! Well what can I say, our 3 young boys aged 8,5,4 absolutely loved it and cannot wait to go back to experience it all again!

9. 245 Kylie Gatt
   Jul 26th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

   Walhalla is a gorgeous little historical town, there is so much to learn about this place and I just loved it there from the old retundas to the old railways I found it a very plesant little town.
   Thanks
   Regards Kylie

10. 244 Betty
    Jul 26th, 2008 at 3:18 pm

    Cousin Marj took us to visit Walhalla and I would love to return and stay a night or two.

11. 243 geraldine bagwell
    Jul 22nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    delightful village atmosphere, great bushwalking, scenic steam train journey; we loved it all !!

12. 242 Glenice
    Jul 21st, 2008 at 2:51 pm

    Found the whole visit very interesting both for the history and the scenery. Being in a valley it was a little cool though so remember to rug up if going in winter.
    Excellent experience.

13. 241 Tanya
    Jul 21st, 2008 at 12:58 pm

    We have travelled to Walhalla several times and never tire of it. The first time it was like stepping back in time. The second time was enjoying the beauty. Third time was exploring - there are many hidden treasures.

    It is a unique experience, a wonderful atmosphere, can easily sit in Walhalla, unwind and just imagine what it had been in its heyday!

14. 240 Emma
    Jul 21st, 2008 at 10:35 am

    Visiting during the week, we had the whole town to ourselves. Our main company was the lyrebirds, crimson rosellas and one very fat wombat! A delight to revisit again and again.

15. 239 Heidi
    Jul 20th, 2008 at 5:45 pm

    We started our day on the Railway going from Walhalla to Thomson. The scenery going down the gorges were unbelievable. The trip might only take 20 mins but it is worth it. The guide on the train is a wealth of information, he spend the return trip telling us about the area and what has happened since he became a volunteer.

    From there we walk into town and up to the cemetery , which we were told had started to take bodies again, not sure if this guy was pulling my leg or not.

    From there we came to the fire station, which had all these amasing pictures and information about what the town used to look like and what had happened during the bush fires.

    We had lunch in the general store, very nice burgers.

    From there we walked up to the Cricket Ground which is 200mtrs above the town and took about an hour to walk up there.

    We then walked to the long tunnel gold mine and had a look around. All up the trip was worth it next time we are definitely going to stay the night at the local hotel.

16. 238 robyn murphy
    Jul 19th, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    An almost spooky experience walking with the ghosts of the past, especially if it happens to be raining. Fabulous experience of days gone by. Would go again in a heart beat

17. 237 Steve Varga
    Jul 18th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

    Revisited this beautiful location after an absence of 28 years. Have travelled the world and am fond of New Zealand but we forgot how beautiful this region truelly was. Sorry Kiwi’s. This place is simply much better and a real gem in our tourist crown. Best thing we loved were the cheeky lirebirds in the town. Took great pix of the wildlife and terrific mining homes and taverns. WIll come back sooner next time.
    Steve

18. 236 dominic
    Jul 18th, 2008 at 11:03 am

    this is truely an amazing town and region in victoria

19. 235 Janine Froling
    Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:47 am

    Walhalla is an absolutely beautiful piece of Victoria’s history & a great place to visit.

20. 234 Rosemary
    Jul 17th, 2008 at 8:59 pm

    It is the next best thing to the Manangatang races

21. 233 Sharon Sadler
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:05 pm

    Our kids loved the Gold Mine tour and the railway. Beautiful spot - a gem.

22. 232 Gwen Rodgers
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 10:46 am

    Walhalla is simply magic whatever the season. Once discovered you will find yourself being drawn back to it time and time again. From the hillside cemetery to the cricket ground and all that’s in between - it can’t be fully described it must be seen.

23. 231 Geoff Christensen
    Jul 15th, 2008 at 9:30 am

    I remember visiting Walhalla with my parents whwn I was a boy and likewise with my children some time back. To me the town leaves an ever lasting impression on you and you look forward to the time when you revisit this remarkable Victorian historical town. This I did yeterday accompanied by my partner, Vikki - her very 1st experience and guess what it left the same impression on her that I have carried as have my 3 children for many years. Apart from the overall ambience of the town the Mine Tour is well worth doing - excellent value for money. The history and experience of wlking in the mine and learning so much about the past and the present was invaluable.

24. 230 Kath Brownlow
    Jul 14th, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    My partner and I have just completed a 10 day tour of Victoria, we saw all the major sights and Walhalla was the best of them all. We took a ride on the Goldfields railway and loved it. We will defintaley be going back to stay in the log cabin, take a ghost tour and do some serious hiking in the beautfiul surrounding areas. I give it 5 stars, if I could I would give it 10!

25. 229 John Baragwanath
    Jul 14th, 2008 at 4:20 pm

    I have been going to Walhalla for 50 years. It is like a spider’s web, easy to be drawn into but you will never escape it magnetism. It is so special that a place like this still exists. Thank heavens inappropriate development has never been allowed! May it prosper forever and continue its magnetism.

26. 228 Darren
    Jul 14th, 2008 at 3:47 pm

    A wonderful, beautiful place..
    we stayed at the Star Hotel, great place to stay and great food..
    We also did the ghost walk, a great fun and informative night
    A++++
    we will be back! hopefully for a longer visit next time!

27. 227 Vanessa
    Jul 14th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    Excellent gold mine experience and brilliant railway trip.

28. 226 Cathy
    Jul 13th, 2008 at 6:05 pm

    The night ‘ghost walk’, complete with lanterns and a local volunteer with such passion for the town’ s history, was wonderful! Then, next day, a ride on the Goldfield Railway - a really special experience. Thank you for sharing your town and your history with me!

29. 225 Robert Tenney
    Jul 13th, 2008 at 5:31 pm

    This is the second time I’ve visited Wahalla, it still leaves with fond memories of its beauty and tranquility. This time we stayed at the Windsor House B&B. It has an amazing old world ambiance. Very romantic and it’s definitely worth at least a weekend stay over!

    My second visit was for the 100 years of the motor car in Walhalla. We had a great weekend. Michael Leaney and crew did a brilliant job at organising this event. Keep up the good work.

30. 224 Elizabeth
    Jul 13th, 2008 at 4:47 pm

    The most unique town in Australia. Wonderful to visit in it’s own right and as a stepping-off point for the snowfields in winter. Highly recommended AAAAA+++++

31. 223 Lisa Atlee
    Jul 13th, 2008 at 11:32 am

    You get a sense of history and the feeling you are really there.

32. 222 Kate Collins
    Jul 10th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

    I remember visiting Walhalla as a child, and I always thought it had a truly magical quality. After going back to this brilliant historical township I was delighted to discover that though I’m now long in the tooth, Walhalla still has me spellbound.

33. 221 Keith Smith
    Jul 9th, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Wonderful history, especially if you read some of the books on this town.

34. 220 Paulina
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

    I went on a camping holiday to Walhalla as a child and the magic of the scenery, birdlife and history has remained with me always

35. 219 Talin
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

    @Wallhalla , even the air smells nice!

36. 218 Pam
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 5:58 pm

    Awesome place to visit! A must see town.

37. 217 John Y
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 5:43 pm

    Beatiful ,lovely, peacefull town ,heaps to see and do why don’t you experince it

38. 216 Brendan Mochon
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    Unbeliveable to think so many people lived in this remote ruggered town. Great to see it has been preserved - congratulations to all those involved with doing so.

39. 215 James B
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

    Walhalla is like a living Sovereign Hill!!! The drive to the town is awesome with some great winding roads and thrilling views across the valleys.

    The town is a piece of Victorian history which is unrivaled any where in the state. From the current homes to the historic cemetery and the picturesque train ride through history you will not regret your visit to this charming town.

    (PS. No, I’m not from Walhalla!!!)

40. 214 Warren McLeod
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    Walhalla is a great place to visit and it is a great gateway then to get into the Victorian mountains and really get out and explore this grest state.

41. 213 steve
    Jul 8th, 2008 at 10:16 am

    Great Place too Stay and meet the Locals

42. 212 Rebecca
    Jul 7th, 2008 at 11:16 am

    What a fantastic place to visit. This truly is a beautiful, historic town. There is so much to explore as you feel like you are travelling back in time.

43. 211 maureen barlow
    Jul 7th, 2008 at 11:13 am

    just had a midwinte family christmas gathering at walhalla - the perfect place, stayed at Tidsall Lodge, a great accomodation place for large family groups of all ages - we had 34 in our group. . So much to see and do for everyone. The train ride if fantastic, - only been on one better ( in Tassie)
    Food everywhere just delicious. and plenty good walks to walk off the calories!!Cant wait till my next visit,

44. 210 Renee Gardiner
    Jul 7th, 2008 at 9:44 am

    Walhalla is a wonderful and unique place in the Australian landscape visit and to experience for its history and heritge, its natural beauty and stunning surrounds.

45. 209 J9
    Jul 6th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    Having a jewell like Walhalla in your own backyard is worth celebrating!!!!

46. 208 Neville Christie
    Jul 5th, 2008 at 9:39 pm

    I attended the Centenary of the First Car to come to Walhalla Rally 2008 and I have never seen the the town looking as good as it was for that weekend, congratulations Walhalla on a Rally that was well run

47. 207 Chantal McKenzie
    Jul 5th, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    My Husband and I both agree that Walhalla is one of the few destinations in Victoria that in only recent years has received electricity and has always maintained the history and culture of living in the old days as a part of day to day living without going too modern.

    The township has much to see and experience and when you walk through it really takes you back in time, even to the old lolly shop. It is easy to let your imagination run wild and picture yourself back in the 1800’s.

    The Cemetery and mines gives you a real eerie sense of past life which is quite spooky at night, but it can be a talking point for years to come… All in all we love the place and would recommend it to all who come to Vic and the high Country!!

48. 206 Kristy Halligan
    Jul 5th, 2008 at 11:39 am

    A truly awsome journey back in time. Bring your walking shoes!

49. 205 David Field
    Jul 5th, 2008 at 10:28 am

    It has a peaceful and quaint in character. There are many walks including the start of a trail to Canberra. And there is lots of history, and anyone will tell you about it. The people of Walhalla are passionate about their town! Best place to stay is…. the Star Hotel. Thanks Michael for telling us of your passion and your love for the town.

50. 204 Ian & Bev Plant
    Jul 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm

    An historic village being restored to life as it was in the beginning, with it’s own railway operating and beautifully restored buildings. These attributes allow the village to retain and regain the atmosphere of times past. We have been visiting now for over 50 years. Have done many of the walks around Walhalla and Coopers Creek. Always enjoy visiting and picnicking there

51. 203 Ray Allen
    Jul 3rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    Just returned from the living and breathing historical township of Walhalla. Every step you take is filled with living history, every breathe you take is another motivation for seeing more. Stayed at The star, Russell and Michael’s hospitality was first class, their advise second to none. It has taken me a long time to experience this place first hand, it wont be my last I will go back. Loved the adventure and the hardships experienced by our pioneers

52. 202 Anne Qauine
    Jul 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 am

    Stayed at a friend’s place at Walhalla on weekend of 28th & 29th June 2008
    Accompanied another friend who took his 1904 Cadillac which was part of the car display that weekend - ,celebrating 100 years since cars first visited Walhalla.
    We were blessed with lovely clear sunny weather - although still very cold and windy.I loved the valley setting - I was amazed with the history of the place - the mining and the fires - and the rebuilding.
    I learned that the army apprentices were employed to help volunteers rebuild the Mechanics Institute building and thought that was very practical idea - and a great sense of community.
    The cemetrey was also amazing with its very old gravestones - you need to be a goat to cope with the steepness.
    The railway was good too. The people were very friendly and welcomoing.

53. 201 Julie Bennett
    Jul 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    God’s country!!

54. 200 CLARKE MAYZE
    Jul 2nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm

    WALHALLA -
    What a fantastic location to visit ! A historic gold mining area just waiting to be eagerly explored by young and old . Whether it be the Walhalla Goldfield Railway station with its operating engine and carriages spanning the Thompson river as you head towards Walhalla or , the many places of interest to visit in the tiny settlement such as the historic Long Tunnel extended Gold mine , the old cemetery , even the Ghost tour at night , there will always be something that appeals to everyone . Whether you come for a day to explore , or just a night to soak up fine food and hospitality , and then perhaps stay on in one of the many period establishments overnight that Walhalla so proudly bosts - you are sure to be pleasantly pleased . You may wish to camp for the weekend near the quaint Stringers creek and relive what life must have been in the Walhalla heyday . One thing is for sure though , the locals will make you very welcome and entice you with the rich history that abounds this little valley which provided so much to the early economy of our fine state - I will definitely be going back to Walhalla , and , I hope very much that you visit soon this golden gem in Gippsland .

55. 199 Camilla
    Jul 2nd, 2008 at 4:58 pm

    A wonderful escape for parents who only have 24 hours away from the kids! A beautiful valley that seems a million miles from Melbourne yet is so close.

56. 198 Alan
    Jul 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    Been visiting Walhalla since 1960 and the appeal remains as strong as ever! Walhalla is a place that is timeless that retains its beauty and uniqueness no matter what the season. It’s a “must do” destination whenever I have friends from overseas and interstate visitors.

57. 197 Kerryn Milnes
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 8:50 pm

    My family and I just visited the beautiful Walhalla on Saturday for the Centenary Celebration in our 1960’s Holden and found it so peaceful, even though there were many visitors in town. The wander up the road along the stream was tranquil. There were even three men panning for gold amidst the rally. We walked up the hill to look at the brilliant scenery and saw a lady gardening on the steep, lush and rocky slope she would call her garden. I couldn’t stop taking photos of the amazing view. And as for the Townsfolk, they worked as a great team, co-ordinating the Centenary weekend. Thanks Walhalla. I will come again…

58. 196 Helen Cole
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 8:39 pm

    I have watched Walhalla develop from a few rundown buildings to the smart little tourist town it is today - & yet it has not been spoilt, or over-run by mass tourism. The work has been done almost entirely by volunteers, & people who have improved their properties along with general town facilities. They are well supported by local businesses & the shire council, as well as receiving well deserved Government help. We love to go there to just soak up the atmosphere.

59. 195 Peter Smith
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    What an excellent weekend!
    100 years of the motor car in Walhalla ! Great event. Walhalla and Michael Leaney and crew deserve a Very Big pat on the back.

60. 194 Gary Leddin
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    I’ve never forgotten a weekend in Walhalla a while back with my best friend, who’d just got his driving licence. We had a few close calls and a lot of laughs, even though it was probably the coldest nights we had ever experienced in our lives.

61. 193 Warwick Landy
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 7:08 pm

    As a Latrobe Valley resident the rich history of Walhalla and surrounds is still like stepping back into the past. O