Located in the mountains of Gippsland, in eastern Victoria, Australia, Walhalla lies at the southern edge of the Victorian Alps. At around 180 km east of Melbourne, it’s approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive via Princes Freeway (M1) and Moe–Walhalla Road. The drive is scenic but winding. As it climbs into the hills, the road narrows, but there are great views of thick forests, fern gullies, and steep valleys. Several dedicated stopping bays make stopping easier and safer.
Walhalla’s History
Discovered here in 1863, gold caused the town to expand rapidly and within a few years, the town exploded with activity. The most famous mine, the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, was one of the richest in Victoria, producing over 13 tonnes of gold before it closed in 1914.
At its peak in the late 1800s Walhalla had over 4,000 residents along with over 30 hotels, 40 shops, a post office, police station, hospital, schools, churches, and even its own newspaper
Due to its steep, forested terrain, buildings were perched on ridges or carved into hillsides. Unlike other goldfields, Walhalla lacked large flat land for expansion, which preserved its charm but limited growth. By the 1920s, after the gold boom ended, the population dwindled to fewer than 20. Many buildings were lost to time or fire, but many remain for people to enjoy today.
Walhalla Today
Today, Walhalla is a heritage town with fewer than 30 permanent residents, but it attracts thousands of visitors every year for its living history, stunning alpine scenery, and authentic preservation of the 19th-century gold rush era.
Besides the historic buildings, there’s plenty of other things to do. The gold mine has tours, so you can see where the town’s wealth came from, while the surrounding area has some bush walks.
We enjoyed walking up the main street looking at the buildings and had a snack and drink in the Witches Brew Café.
Historic Buildings Still in Use or Preserved
Walhalla Post and Telegraph Office (1880s)
The old post office has been restored to period accuracy and has working Morse code exhibits.
Mountaineer Brass Band Rotunda
This reconstructed replica of the original bandstand, the Mountaineer Brass Band now hosts festivals and concerts.
Walhalla Mechanics’ Institute (1870s)
Originally a library and public hall, today, the Walhalla Mechanics’ Institute functions as a museum and community meeting space. It has displays of historical artefacts, mining tools, and local records.
Walhalla Fire Station (1901)
Uniquely, the fire station is built over Stringers Creek and is preserved as a museum and interpretive centre.
Corner Stores and Miners’ Cottages
Star Hotel (original 1873 structure destroyed, rebuilt 1999)
This is a modern replica with old-style façade because the original was destroyed by fire. It offers boutique accommodation and meals, while preserving the town’s 19th-century feel.
Walhalla Cemetery
Located high on a steep hillside, the cemetery holds over 1,300 graves providing a stark reminder of the hardships of mining life. Accessible via a short walk, with interpretive signage along the way
Long Tunnel Extended Mine
The Long Tunnel Extended Mine offers guided tours, showcasing original equipment and hand-dug shafts. On the tour, visitors walk through tunnels and learn how gold was extracted by candlelight.
Eating
There are several places in Walhalla that offer refreshments. We chose Salem’s Witches Brew Café after having walked around the town.
Our photos are available for purchase on
For other places to visit in Victoria click here
Leave a Reply