Twin town spirit

Small but mighty, the communities of Guildford and Vaughan on Dja Dja Wurrung country overflow with natural beauty, friendly spirit, golden history and out-of-the-box foodie experiences. Tucked into the pretty Loddon Valley, a short drive from Castlemaine, these two locations welcome visitors to take a dip in natural river pools, hike historical trails and have a yarn with the locals. 

In the southern section of the Castlemaine Diggings Heritage Park is the oasis of Vaughan Springs, where large areas of grass by the Loddon River encourage picnicking and a waterhole invites swimming. Just a short walk from Vaughan Springs is the Central Springs Heritage Site, a peaceful spot for wildlife and birdwatching. Also nearby is the dramatic Red Knob landscape, left behind by gold mining.

In Guildford, marvel at the Big Tree, a huge red river gum thought to be somewhere between 500 and a thousand years old. The verandah of Guildford General Store is a great spot for brunch, while the Guildford Family Hotel, the sole remaining pub from the 22 that operated during the gold rush, feels like a blast from the past, but the food is modern, the beer garden sunny, and the craft beer cold. Alternatively, treat yourself to a long lunch beneath the grey box gums at Guildford Vineyard.