Hidden in a steep-sided valley, Walhalla is Gippsland’s most evocative and loved historic town. After the discovery of gold in 1863 Walhalla thrived as one of Australia’s richest towns with over 4000 people living in the area at its peak in the 1880s. Fires, flood and disease were among the pioneering hardships endured by its tough and vibrant population. When gold ran out in 1914 the decline was rapid, and for most of the 20th century Walhalla was frozen in time. Electricity was only connected in 1998, but now many of its original features are being faithfully restored and opened to visitors. Things to see in a main street meander include tramline walking track, hilltop cricket ground, Spetts Cottage, The Old Hospital, Windsor House, Mountaineer Brass Band Rotunda, St Johns Church, faulty war memorial, Old Fire Station, Mechanics Institute, Bank Vault, Post & Telegraph Office, Corner Stores Museum, Mechanics Institute and hillside cemetery.

Mountain Rivers Tourist Park at Rawson is only 20 minutes from Walhalla.

Mt Baw Baw is Melbourne’s closest full-scale alpine resort. It has facilities for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snow play in a small village atmosphere. Ski hire and lessons are available. Or you can relax and enjoy views from eateries such as Village Central. On a clear day you can see the ocean! A range of off-mountain accommodation for visiting Mt Baw Baw ski resort is available at Mountain Rivers Tourist Park at Rawson. This is generally much cheaper than staying on-mountain, as well as offering easy access to Baw Baw National Park and Mt St Gwinear for snow play.

Mountain Rivers Tourist Park at Rawson is only 40~45 minutes from Mt Baw Baw, and 35 minutes from Mt St Gwinear.

Tourist Accommodation:

  • Mountain Rivers Lodge Motel comprises six units with en suites, each having a double bed and bunks, suitable for couples, young families or two adults on a twin share basis. Together with a central lounge/dining/kitchen facility, the whole lodge is ideal for self-cater small groups.
  • There are two spectacular self-contained Spa Chalets which are ideal for couples.
  • There are two 2-bedroom Family Chalets, and two Alpine Cabins, which also are self-contained, and suit families of up to six or four respectively.
  • There is a back-packer style, self-cater 2-bedroom Bunkhouse which sleeps up to eight people (BYO bedding) including a double bed, which can suit larger families, and a Campground with a multi-purpose cabin and three compact ‘Cubbies’ each suitable for two people on a budget (BYO bedding).
  • The Campground has powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans up to 6m. The Amenities unit includes camp kitchen, laundry-lounge and a campfire area.

Mountain Rivers Tourist Park, Rawson (5165 3231)