News Walhalla: Like nowhere else

There’s a reason that Walhalla was included in the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid – this village is an important piece of gold rush history. Board the Walhalla Goldfields Railway and travel back through time, soaking up the stunning scenery at Stringers Gorge as you chug along. Go deep inside the earth at the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine and learn about the goldminers and their stories from your experienced guide.

Continue your history lesson by taking a walk through the town centre, taking in the ever-delightful Corner Store, Old Mountain Brass Band Rotunda and Fire Station Museum, built over the top of a flowing creek.

Head into the Walhalla Lodge Hotel (or "the Wally Pub" if you don’t want to out yourself as a visitor) for a classic pub meal of parma and chips. Step into the Walhalla Old Telegraph and Post Office Museum – this heritage listed building is largely unchanged from its days as a functioning post office, with stunning vintage wallpaper and original artifacts.

Go for a walk around the Walhalla Cricket Oval or follow the Walhalla Tramline Walk for a stroll above the town centre.

It wouldn’t be a proper stay without a walk through the Walhalla Cemetery, with more than 1,000 burial sites. Situated on a cliff, overlooking the town and forest, this peaceful spot is essential for any history buff. Continue the spooky vibes with a Walhalla Ghost Tour, where you will be guided through the town after dark and told ghoulish tales and fascinating town history. And in the supernatural spirit, don’t miss a delicious lunch at Walhalla Witchery Café, where you can eat cakes surrounded by sorcery.

• Just south of town in Coopers Creek is Assaggio del Forno, featuring a team who know their way around a woodfired oven and sourdough starter. Pop in for pizza, artisan breads and bagels.

• Climb through scenic bushland on the Mushroom Rocks Walk, taking you into the foothills of Mt Baw Baw ending at a cluster of curious rock formations.

• Snowfield in winter and base for walking trails in summer, Mt St Gwinear has scenic strolls between stands of gnarled snow gums.

• Enjoy eateries at Erica and Rawson. The long-standing pub culture, has now been joined by the Erica Cafe & Bar.

• Head off the beaten path for a four-wheel drive adventure. Walhalla makes a perfect base to explore offroad paths in nearby forest and mountain escarpments.

Time your arrival in Walhalla with the morning departure of the Walhalla Goldfields Railway. This old-world locomotive takes in the dashing bush scenery to Thomson. After returning to Walhalla, wander through town to get your bearings, stopping at the rotunda, Corner Store and Fire Station Museum.

Eat lunch at the quirky Walhalla Witchery Café before heading off to Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine for a guided tour underground and see the quartz reef that put Walhalla on the map. Visit the Walhalla Cricket Oval, made flat by levelling out the top of a mountain.

Eat a hearty pub dinner at the Walhalla Lodge Hotel before joining a Ghost Tour after dark. Stay the night soaking up the atmosphere in a historic hotel, guesthouse or B&B.

Start the day with the Walhalla Tramline Walk, beginning your trek from the northern end of Walhalla above the Chinese Gardens Campground. Here you will experience unparalleled views of the town and surrounding forest. Finish the walk level with the Walhalla Old Telegraph & Post Office Museum and take a peek inside visiting the old post master’s residence.

Next, tread respectfully through the peaceful Walhalla Cemetery, perched on a cliff overlooking the town.

Drive to the nearby village of Erica and have lunch at Erica Cafe & Bar. Next, head north to Mt St Gwinear. Located in the Baw Baw National Park, this is a scenic spot to explore the plateau.

Set out on the Mushroom Rocks Walk, where you can hike through cool, temperate rainforest, surrounded by birdsong and mossy ferns. Reach the collection of granite tors at the end, appearing like a maze of boulders. This 3km walk takes around 2 hours.

Relax with a leisurely pizza lunch at Assaggio del Forno in Coopers Creek. Apart from making the most divine sourdough breads and bagels, you can enjoy an inventive woodfired pizza toppings in their outdoor dining area, like roasted cauliflower and caramelised onion or spicy lamb with mint and yogurt sauce.