|
|
Back to INDEX if index is not showing, otherwise use scrollbar on right =>.
![[HR]](rgoldline.gif)
163km north of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, Australia. Pop 1,150.
Of early gold rush origins, Rushworth provides many National Trust attractions and a local history museum. Unlike the hectic early gold rush days, today it is quiet and relaxing, offering beautifully restored old buildings, public gardens and tree lined avenues that provide aesthetic enjoyment and interesting links with the colourful history of Rushworth. There is the Rushworth State Forest, Waranga Basin for fishing and picnics and a winery nearby. "Rushworth" is thought to have been named during the goldrush era when the town prospered and the townsfolk said the rush was worth while.
Back to INDEX if index is not showing, otherwise use scrollbar on right =>.
163 kilometres north of Melbourne lies Rushworth. The town has a population of around 1,150 people. "Rushworth" is thought to have been named during the gold rush era when the town prospered and the townsfolk said the rush was worth while. Gold mining began at Rushworth in 1853 and the field developed into a significant mining area, producing substantial amounts of both alluvial and reef gold for the next several decades. Land selection legislation saw closer settlement and the town's wealth grew through farming. Rushworth's prosperity was aided also by industries such as timber getting. The Shire of Waranga had been created by 1865, with Rushworth as its administrative centre. Arrival of the railway at Rushworth in 1890 resulted in some substantial changes to the town. The commercial centre at the southern end of High Street slowly shifted north along high street and then spread out along Moora Road. Extension of the line to Colbinabbin just before the First World War resulted in many demolitions, including the 1898 Mechanics Institute which had to be rebuilt in 1913-14. The twentieth century has seen a demise of the town's wealth and population. The town today remains as a centre for the surrounding farming community. Much of the character of Rushworth is derived from its landscape setting. The approach from Whroo to the south is of particular interest. This gravel road is surrounded on both sides by Ironbark forest but suddenly opens out into the broad main street of Rushworth. The town lies in a slight depression and is surrounded by timbered public land on undulating hills, which contributes to the character of the town and marks a distinct boundary between urban and rural uses. This visual and physical delimitation of the township is an asset which is often lacking in other goldfields towns. High Street, the commercial centre of the town, is divided by a wide, grassy median strip planted with numerous trees, including some large and impressive palm trees, which form an important contribution to the spacious streetscape. Flanking the street are the town's principal stores, hotel and public buildings. Notable among these are the former Imperial Hotel C.1858, The Waranga Shire Hall, the Court House and the 1911 Glasgow Building. The two storey 1890 Criterion Hotel is a significant corner element at the intersection of High and Wigg Streets. Wigg Street was named after Wolton Wigg, a local miner, butcher and brewer and Waranga shire councillor for over twenty years. Wigg was largely responsible for the building of the Band Rotunda, an important cultural element in the midst of the High Street median strip. Wigg Street runs off at an angle from High Street, rising towards Growlers Hill. The street was a natural gully and the interesting stone gutter lining part of its length was designed to cope with the runoff from Growlers Hill. The town layout is an irregular pattern of straight streets which follows the former major alluvial workings. The late nineteenth century streetscapes which predominate in the conservation area contain mainly single storey buildings of timber, stone and brick construction. Red, local bricks are used in religious, civic and commercial buildings. Within a five minute drive of town is dry grazing country, irrigated paddocks, huge inland lake, the largest IronBark forest in the world, sanctioned Speed Way race track, operating gold mines and rocky hills.It is like having all four seasons at the one time.
Back to INDEX if index is not showing, otherwise use scrollbar on right =>.
We have many industries and sights unique to this area including:
Rushworth is a close knit community with many clubs and organisations.
Back to INDEX if index is not showing, otherwise use scrollbar on right =>.
Back to INDEX if index is not showing, otherwise use scrollbar on right =>.
Back to INDEX if index is not showing, otherwise use scrollbar on right =>.
Back to INDEX if index is not showing, otherwise use scrollbar on right =>.
You are tourist number
since filming began 1st July 2007.