Loading ...The volcanic cones of the Smeaton and Clunes area are some of the most spectacular, and most concentrated in Australia.
Mt Kooroocheang and Mt Moorokyle are 2 of the most spectacular, with there symetrical shapes, the line of ancient volcanoes stretching to near Clunes from Mt Kooroocheang is well worth exploring, along with the many others in the area to the south and east.
Suggested by: Peter Masters
GREAT PLACE TO VISIT. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT TIME. TAKE A LOOK YOUSELF…
There’s just something special about the hills of Smeaton. The volcanic cones will be of interest to anyone who enjoys geology and heritage landscapes. Drive between historic towns and enjoy the views!
I am a frequent visitor to the district from Melbourne and love its spectacular landscape. Would love others to share it and get to know it. The locals could also benefit from increased tourist interest.
Lovely rolling volcanic cones and historical sights,many heritage buildings in this area, A good day tour from Geelong or Melbourne but better signposting would be helpful for tourists.
A magnificent area. The Drive from Daylesford through to Smeaton then on to Talbot is picture book stuff, country lanes, green rolling hills, real story book scenery.
Simply breathtaking!
The landscape and area reminded me of a quote by Leonardo DaVinci:
“Although human subtlety makes a variety of inventions by different means to the same end, it will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple, or more direct than does nature, because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.
- Leonardo DaVinci
To see the sun set and moon rise on the round peaks around smeaton is like witnessing a metamophosis, colors flow from blue to orange to purple to black against the huge sky. It’s magic! Drink it in.
To view the volcanic hills around Smeaton and Clunes, especially when driving from Clunes to Smeaton on the backroads, is to see a wide-sweeping panorama of breath-taking beauty. The extinct volcanoes cover a large area, and all around you they spread from horizon to horizon in gentle and unspoilt undulations. This is a unique region which transcends everday experience and sends echoes from a more tumultuous past, when these hills were created; a beauty worth preserving for our descendants.
Fantastic sight to see, and recommend that everyone take this great drive through this beautiful landscaped area.
The Volcanic cones and craters are a fantastic attraction, as far as natural scenery goes this has got to be some of the best in the state.
A trip between Daylesford and Clunes will take you to some of the best geological sites anywhere in australia.
Stop for a drink and bite to eat in many of the small towns pubs and cafes and admire the scenery!
such an interesting, unique part of victoria, so easily accessable from melbourne,such lovely memories
Well worth the short drive from Melbourne to veiw this volcanic landscape of national significance still unspoiled as Major Mitchell saw it in 1836. It can be veiwed from the crator of Mt Franklin near Daylesford a good stearting point.
I think areas like this are unique and a well kept secret. Something different and natural.
Spectacular scenery, - a one off for lovers of archaeology.
When travelling, it’s easy to take for granted, the landscape that’s streaking past. But when driving through this part of Central Victoria, I’m always struck by the beauty and sheer age of this unspoilt and unique area. The peaks, rolling hills, craters and vents are an evocative “snapshot” of our fascinating, and at times, volatile geological history. Our cultural history is a mere blink compared with the ancientness of this part of the earth. Make the time to stop and explore - then have a beer at the Swiss Mountain Inn or a latte in Daylesford - and you too will be hooked!
Living in Ballarat, I have for many years been aware of the historic interest shown in the volcanic cones of the Kooroocheang, Smeaton areas. It is a very worthwhile exerise to explore this wonderful area. Drive into the crater of Mt. Franklin and take a long look at the volcanic cones of the area as a whole. A wonderful part of our magnificent state.
Beautiful scenary - a one off look at the state of victorias volcanic history!
I believe this to be a unique area unspoilt by industrial intervention.The landscape is enhanced by farming and the different coloured fields and trees with the majestic volcanic cones dominating.
The volcanic cones are a feature that is noted for this particular region of central Victoria
Love the beautiful views of the volcanic hills of Smeaton, something that is protected by Significant Landscape Overlays for all to enjoy.
What a magificent volcanic range which is truely unique in Australia
A trip to this unspoilt natural wonder was well worth the drive from Melbourne. These unique geological structures deserve more recognition from the wider community.
We live in Kooroocheang, near Smeaton, and admire the Volcanic Cones for their unique beauty and the fact that they are virtually the same as when Major Mitchell came through exploring the district.His pen sketches are remarkably accurate representations of the district, even to this day.
The cones are protected by Strategic Landscape Overlays which prohibit the erection of obstusive structures on the cones, and the overlays were initiated by caring , community minded and sensitive councillors in the past.Recently there has been a disturbing movement by Windpower,who claim that they will erect 470 foot Wind Turbines on the Volcanic cones in our district.
This has caused excessive unrest in our area .These ignorant “cowboy type developers” should respect the presence of the overlays and concentrate their efforts in an area which is not protected by the overlays.
We need the support of reponsible people and organisations such as the RACV
to resist these opportunists.
We are also keen to form a Geo Park to promote tourism in our area.
Great place to explore volconic vent in MT Kooroocheang also aborigonal ceromonial ring if allowed on property.
Fantastic area to see, a bit off the beaten tourist track, but makes it all the more worthwile.
Nothing else like this in australia, a very easy day trip from melbourne!
This is a great area to explore, anyone who has a interest in volcanics should definatly check out the area, the landscape here is one of the most beautiful you will see anywhere in the state.
Make sure you see the crater in Mt Franklin and if possible the gas vents in Mt Kooroocheang, very interesting, and the view from the top is great