Blackwood

Blackwood is a picturesque and historic gold mining town set in the midst of the Wombat Forest. Dotted with original miner's cottages, Blackwood is a popular hillside retreat during holiday periods due to its mineral springs.

The town is also a bushwalkers' paradise with walking tracks of varied lengths winding through the forest and into the gorges.

Quick facts

• Population approximately 300
• 100 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
• Historic gold mining town.

Activities and attractions

• Explore the Wombat Forest and local gorges
• Taste the local mineral springs
• Enjoy a picnic at the enchanting picnic area set along the Lerderderg River
• Visit the Garden of St. Erth, a premier heritage perennial plant cottage garden
• Stay in one of the B&Bs that are scattered throughout the forest.

Major events

• Blackwood Easter Carnival and Woodchop – Easter.

How to get there
From Melbourne either travel along the Western Freeway to Ballan then on to Blackwood or travel the Calder Highway to Trentham then onto Blackwood.