YACKANDANDAH
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Yackandandah is another High Country town that has a rich gold mining history, with gold being discovered in 1852, although the area was first settled by Europeans in the late 1830’s. The town is about a 3.5 hour drive north east of Melbourne and less than 30 minutes south of Albury/Wodonga.
The streetscape of Yackandandah is a big attraction for visitors with several buildings over 150 years old and in Autumn the avenues of deciduous trees show off their superb colours. There are also shady, well maintained parks and public gardens with BBQ and picnic areas. One of the towns many highlights is the 1860 built Bank of Victoria building that is now the museum, holding a number of fascinating and historical items and photographs about the town. Entry is by donation and the museum also features displays and activities to entertain children. These displays change periodically. Contact 02 6027 0627 for opening hours and details.
The stone bridge that is crossed just before arriving in the main street (High St) on the road from Wodonga, was an important part of the main route from Melbourne to Sydney via the goldfields. According to The Heritage Council of Victoria, it was built in 1857 and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and is also classified by the National Trust. As we cross it nowadays, it is worth thinking about how many things have changed since it was built and how lucky we are to be able to also use the same bridge that the pioneers of this part of the High Country did, all those years ago. A walking track beside this granite bridge allows us to view the Scottish stonemasonry and enjoy the fact this bridge is still in its original condition.
About 8kms along the road towards Wodonga, on the right, is Osbornes Flat Rd, where Allans Flat Reserve can be found. Here, a lake was created from gold dredging and has now become a picturesque swimming and picnic area. A short scenic drive can be made back to town by continuing on Osbornes Flat Rd for about 5kms, turning right onto Racecourse Rd and following that a few kilometres back to town.
Yackandandah has popular festivals and activities to enjoy year round. The Yack Tracks Mountain Bike Park has trails for all abilities through bushland that features relics of the gold mining days. About 50km of trails and detailed signage allows riders to plan their rides and choose the trails that match their ability. At the trail head carpark there are picnic areas beside Yackandandah Creek.
Following the well maintained gravel road beyond the mountain bike park trail head are several free camp grounds along Yackandandah Creek. It’s worth exploring this area if you wish to camp, as there are good choices and picturesque spots all within 10 minutes of town.
Locals and visitors alike, enjoy the Gorge Walk along Yackandandah Creek. This walk takes about 45 minutes and can be accessed at either end of the trail. One end is at the Yackandandah Sports Park at the end of Wellsford Street and the other end is on the left side of Bells Flat Rd, about 500m passed McIntosh Lane. The gorge was constructed in 1859 by pick and shovel to provide water for gold sluicing to miners and in the 1880’s was deepened and lengthened using explosives.
Yackandandah has several accommodation options, a couple of country pubs, a variety of retail and services and an inviting old world charm.
