Yackandandah – A Quaint Colonial Village
With its shaded English trees, wide verandahs, and graceful churches, this neighborhood retains an exceptional charm. Historic buildings line its main street while its entire commercial area has been designated by the National Trust.
Discover Yackandandah’s vibrant creative community through its galleries, shops and studios. Experience gold fever on an underground tour of Karrs Reef Gold Mine or stroll through its cemetery.
1. Visit the Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre
Yackandandah offers an elegant historic town centre that feels like you have stepped back in time. The National Trust has classified much of Yackandandah’s central business district, meaning you will come across stunning, well-preserved buildings on your journey through.
Yackandandah was founded during the gold rush of 1852, and offers an abundance of historic buildings to explore its heritage. You can gain more insight into its past at the Bank of Victoria Museum – housed within two of Yackandandah’s oldest structures (old bank and manager’s residence) owned and run by local historical society; open Wednesday-Sunday afternoons during school terms as well as every Victorian public holiday day with research services available by appointment.
Get to know more of Yackandandah’s history through a guided tour of local mining sites led by members of Yackandandah and District Historical Society – these tours can be booked via the Visitor Information Centre located at 37 High St.
The surrounding landscape is no less captivating, and visitors can explore its unspoiled natural environment by hiking a network of trails that wind their way through valleys. Or try gemstone fossicking, fishing, four-wheel driving, bushwalking or horseback riding! When hunger strikes you can indulge in some of Kiewa Valley’s finest produce and wines such as farm-fresh fruit, vegetables and boutique wines as well as artisanal meats, dairy products, honey preserves – not forgetting its delectable produce and wine!
2. Walk the streets of Yackandandah
Yackandandah and District Historical Society has produced an outstanding brochure, entitled A Walk in High Street, that details 37 places of historic interest on Yackandandah’s main street. With masterful illustrations that quickly identify each building as you read insightful notes written about its features.
From Wellsford Street, head left onto High Street and pass by the Athenaeum (an institution dedicated to cultural or literary learning), known for its classical facade, pediment and columns – completed in 1878 and housing 3000 books when first completed – that served as both social and intellectual hub of Wellsford St. It also hosted its old Post Office nearby; along with former State Bank buildings dating from 1929 that once housed doctor surgeries as well as residences.
Gold was discovered late in 1852 at the confluence of Yackandandah Creek and Commissioners Creek, sparking a local gold rush that saw population soar from 150 in 1853 to 3000 by 1862. A variety of buildings were constructed to serve this growing community – schools, churches, hotels, shops and many business enterprises were among them.
Dan “Mad Dog” Morgan was one of the area’s earliest inhabitants. After being released from prison on a ticket of leave to live in Yackandandah and Ovens districts in 1860, he failed to report regularly and embarked upon a career of highway robbery.
Central Business District in Yackandandah is an absolute delight to explore with its wide verandahs and charming shopfronts, heritage-listed buildings such as Public Hall, churches, Athenaeum and Bank of Victoria Museum run by Yackandandah and District Historical Socioty and comprising of old bank and manager’s residence (1850s) which can be visited Sunday afternoons as well as every day during Victorian school holidays.
3. Shop for local art and antiques
Yackandandah boasts beautifully preserved 19th-century gold rush facades and original bluestone gutters that allow visitors to explore its history on their own tour. Additionally, there are several shops and galleries with local artists’ work as well as antiques and handmade crafts for purchase here.
Yackandandah’s buildings demonstrate the township’s growth and decline over time, reflecting economic conditions of its day. One such building is the Athenaeum on High Street erected in 1878 to serve as a social and intellectual focal point in Yackandandah; two others include its old bank and managers residence that provide insight into early history of Yackandandah.
When hunger strikes, villager can easily drive out to Kiewa Valley for hearty meals at an authentic country pub – not forgetting sampling local wine!
Shopping aside, visitors can also explore nearby Lavender Farm and horse back ride there or try horseback riding for themselves. Additionally, Stanley State Forest boasts an abundance of trails which visitors may explore at their own pace.
Yackandandah Village boasts numerous museums and historic buildings, such as Karrs Reef Gold Mine Museum – with underground tours available – sure to add a memorable experience for anyone visiting Yackandandah.
This neighborhood is an attractive choice for families as it is conveniently situated near several schools and provides an easy commute into the city. Furthermore, Silver Spring metro station on the Red Line is easily accessible. Furthermore, numerous bus lines serve the neighborhood, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Enjoy a meal at one of Yackandandah’s restaurants or cafes
Yackandandah is well known for its musical scene. You’ll find local musicians performing in pubs, restaurants, cafes and on the streets throughout town. Music enthusiasts can visit Yackandandah Folk Festival annually to honor its musical tradition – featuring performers from Australia and beyond! Additionally, music enthusiasts will find an extensive range of instruments and memorabilia available for sale locally in local shops.
Yackandandah’s stunning period streetscape is enhanced by stunning deciduous trees that put on an exquisite show during Autumn. These iconic trees help protect Yackandandah from the elements while maintaining the character of its historic buildings, with commercial centre being designated by National Trust and streets lined with timber, stone and brick buildings from gold mining days.
Yackandandah offers delicious bakery fare, homestyle pub menus and cozy cafes – many offering wide covered verandahs where guests can unwind with a cup of wine or coffee in hand.
Many of the town’s cafes were constructed on original gold tin and lead hut sites. If you prefer more gourmet fare, there is also a fine dining restaurant.
Dan ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan was one of Australia’s most iconic figures and set up camp in Yackandandah for a time after escaping prison on a ticket of leave in 1860. Once in Yackandandah and Ovens Valley districts, he quickly began robbing banks and staging armed robberies against police officers.
Yackandandah remains an engaging community today with an event calendar that continues to expand and change. Additionally, its appeal has drawn in several acclaimed artists who can be found displaying their works in galleries, shops and studios around town.
5. Take a stroll through the Yackandandah Cemetery
Town is strikingly picturesque, boasting an inviting main street lined with shade-giving English trees planted as early as the 19th century and verandahs sporting their original wide awnings. Additionally, there are some pleasant churches as well as several grand country pubs – much of which has been classified by the National Trust.
The Bank of Victoria Museum in the center of town houses local history objects, information and photographs operated by Yackandandah and District Historical Society. Situated in its original 1860 building it’s open on Wednesday through Sunday afternoons during Victorian school terms as well as public holidays; by appointment and research services are also offered at this museum.
Gold mining was initially the mainstay of life in this town, yet once gold production decreased agriculture and forestry became its focus. Yet its legacy can still be found throughout its landscape and streetscape; most prominently within its cemetery. For anyone curious to revisit gold-mining history it’s well worth taking time out for a stroll through its tombs.
Yackandandah and district Historical Society has produced a detailed booklet entitled A Walk in High Street which offers visitors a detailed tour of 37 places of historic interest on Yackandandah’s main street. Each building is depicted with striking sketches as well as insightful notes that draw your attention to specific historic features.
Since 1857, this town was one of the region’s most prosperous communities with many notable buildings. Although its goldfields eventually ran dry, many older structures remain standing and add character and beauty to the streetscape today.