At the foothills of the Victorian Alps sits this bite-sized country village, a base to explore the high country.

The town is perhaps best known for the tranquil Blue Pool swimming hole, a large natural pool in a gorge on Freestone Creek that is a gloat-worthy place to while away an afternoon.

Briagolong Hotel ladies drinking wine inside pub by window

Briagolong Art Gallery ladies walking past outside building

Briagolong streetscapes heritage buildings along main street two women crossing the road

Briagolong Art Gallery ladies viewing art inside gallery

Briagolong Hotel ladies eating in beer garden outside pub

Nature

Weave through walking tracks around the the Briagolong State Forest, where remnant alluvial gold mines are peppered amongst wildlife and wildflowers on the southern fall of the Great Dividing Range. Get back to nature amongst dry eucalypt forest with more than 100 species of birds and free camping.

Freestone Creek cuts through the forest, creating a natural pool in the gorge, known as the Blue Pool. This water hole is deep and wide, and a popular swimming and picnic area. Embark on a short walk to the lookout point that provides excellent views of the Blue Pool below, then head back down to the swimming hole during summer for splash.

Art & culture

Briagolong Art Gallery lady looking in gift shop

Take in the goldfields heritage and delightful buildings on the Briagolong Historic Town Walk, littered with interpretive signs at key points of interest.

Briagolong Art Gallery showcases contemporary works by local artists, and is close to the artsy offerings of neighbouring towns, including Maffra Exhibition Space (Maffra) and the Stratford Arts Trail (Stratford) a self-guided, Shakespeare-themed walking tour.

Be sure to check out the fabulous street art, with a clutch of buildings adorned by stunning murals.

Briagolong mural street art outside post office box

Briagolong streetscapes murals and street art cows

Briagolong streetscapes street art and mural of owl and snake

Briagolong street art mural outside general store and post office

Briagolong restaurants & cafes

Tiny Briagolong offers hearty pub grub at the Briagolong Hotel, en route to Blue Pool. The beating heart of this tight-knit community, serves generous country pub classics and craft beer under the gums.