> AVOCA Right at the base of the Pyrenees Ranges, Avoca was once a rich gold producing area. Wool and wine are the modern produce, the latter available via cellar door sales or on the wine lists of some the area’s excellent restaurants.

> BALLARAT Among much else, Ballarat is famous for being the site of the world’s largest deposit of alluvial gold. There is so much to do in the town that at least a one night stay is necessary in order to take in the majestic, gold rush inspired architecture fashioned around wide tree-lined streets. Ballarat is easily explored on foot.

> CLUNES Clunes’ place in Victorian history is unchallenged - it was the place where gold was first discovered in the state and thus the inspiration for the gold rush that followed. In a pretty valley just 25 minutes north of Ballarat its 19th Century buildings remain largely intact.

> CRESWICK Another former gold-mining township Creswick is just 20km from Ballarat. It lies in the forested Great Dividing Range and has a broad, elegant main street dotted with historic churches, trendy cafés and fine public buildings.

> DAYLESFORD Daylesford, long recognised as a holiday centre, reflects the character of its Victorian-era heritage when world weary visitors travelled to ‘take the waters’ of the mineral springs and spas. Today, visitors still come to sample the rejuvenating mineral waters, explore craft and antique shops, go boating on the lake, or just relax with a glass of wine, a massage or other beauty treatments.

> DUNOLLY Grand buildings and old shops include a classic hotel with wrought-iron lacework.

> HEPBURN SPRINGS The mineral springs here are full of health-giving minerals that occur naturally in different formulations, giving every spring a distinctive taste. The town is also known for its resident masseurs and holistic therapists.

> MALDON A range of well-preserved 19th century buildings are the hallmarks of Maldon.

> MARYBOROUGH This town’s elaborate railway station, built in 1890, has one of the longest platforms in the southern hemisphere.