The picturesque region of Heathcote lies nestled beneath the McHarg and the McIvor Ranges, in the centre of central Victoria. Established during the gold rush days of the 1850’s, remains of its mining past can be seen in the heritage architecture, the mining relics and the spectacular landscape of the Pink Cliffs, produced by sluicing in the goldfields. Today, the area has a burgeoning wine industry, cottage crafts and quality regional foods. The Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is held on the first weekend in October and there’s a comprehensive Lions Club Bush Market on the first Saturday of each month.
Those visiting Heathcote can find short-term stays at the long vehicle parking area, located in Camp Street & Barrack Street. There are no fees to stay and no time limit applies. A dump point can be found outside the Queens Meadow Caravan Park, 3 Barrack Street.
Heathcote is a wonderful place to visit, especially for RV travellers. To get around town, why not try one of the bikes from the free bike hire program being introduced in mid 2009 or, if you’re a golfer, enjoy a round at one of the country’s top rural courses, in a bush setting where birds and kangaroos abound. There are many walks, lovely picnic spots and easily accessible lookouts in the state forests and nature reserves of the area, and in the Heathcote – Graytown National Park. The abundance of native flora and fauna delights all visitors, with over 160 species of birds that can be observed locally. With dark skies away from city lights, Heathcote is also an ideal locality for astronomers and stargazers, and star parties are organised by the Astronomical Society of Victoria.
Tourist/Visitor Centre
Heathcote VIC, cnr High St & Barrack St, Heathcote VIC
Ph: 03 5433 3121
Email: info@heathcote.org.au
www.heathcote.org.au
Casual Parking
Camp St, (adj to Main St), & High St; Parking also avail in Barrack St at rear of VIC
Short Term Parking
Long vehicle parking in Camp St & Barrack St (no limit)
Long Term Parking
Dargile Reserve, Graytown National Park
Dump Point
Outside Queens Meadow Caravan Park, 3 Barrack St, Ph: 03 5433 2304
Potable Water
CMCA is working with council to establish a new site.
Hospital
39 Hospital St, Ph: 03 5431 0900
Doctors Surgery
150 High St, Ph: 03 5433 3122; 39 Hospital St, Ph: 03 5431 0888
Pharmacy
79 High St, Ph: 03 5433 2020
Supermarket
175 High St, Ph: 03 5433 2010