Durham River Cottage Guidebook
Neighbourhoods
About Buninyong
Buninyong lies at the foot of landmark Mt Buninyong, the old volcano that has signalled home to countless generations of local Wathaurung people and to the more recent settlers of the present township 11KM south of Ballarat in Victoria.
Enclosed by farmlands and wooded ridges, Buninyong's historic gold-era buildings and gardens give it a picturesque tranquillity and charm. At the same time, its contemporary cafés, shops, markets, festivals and amenities all contribute to a spirited community life in the peace and beauty of the countryside.
Founded in 1841, the little town was the earliest inland settlement in what was then the Port Phillip District of NSW. Buninyong's blacksmith dramatically changed its course in August 1851 when he discovered gold, starting a rush that gave birth to Ballarat and the enormous riches of the Victorian goldfields.
Today, the "first-settlement" benefits from its proximity to the prosperous regional city of Ballarat, but Buninyong still proudly protects its independent identity. This is preserved by a strong sense of local community, our historic town centre and the encircling green belt of bushlands and farms, all presided over by our beloved Mount.
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Buninyong
About Buninyong
Buninyong lies at the foot of landmark Mt Buninyong, the old volcano that has signalled home to countless generations of local Wathaurung people and to the more recent settlers of the present township 11KM south of Ballarat in Victoria.
Enclosed by farmlands and wooded ridges, Buninyong's historic gold-era buildings and gardens give it a picturesque tranquillity and charm. At the same time, its contemporary cafés, shops, markets, festivals and amenities all contribute to a spirited community life in the peace and beauty of the countryside.
Founded in 1841, the little town was the earliest inland settlement in what was then the Port Phillip District of NSW. Buninyong's blacksmith dramatically changed its course in August 1851 when he discovered gold, starting a rush that gave birth to Ballarat and the enormous riches of the Victorian goldfields.
Today, the "first-settlement" benefits from its proximity to the prosperous regional city of Ballarat, but Buninyong still proudly protects its independent identity. This is preserved by a strong sense of local community, our historic town centre and the encircling green belt of bushlands and farms, all presided over by our beloved Mount.
For up to date what to do in Ballarat this week
https://www.visitballarat.com.au/
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Ballarat
For up to date what to do in Ballarat this week
https://www.visitballarat.com.au/
Creswick
https://www.creswick.net/things-to-do
Event locations
If you are looking to hold a function the garibaldi hall is a stunning heritage hall a few minutes from Durham River Cottage. Also has a kids playground.
https://www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/residents/my-community/community-facilities/halls-hire-golden-plains
Garibaldi Hall
Hardies Hill RoadIf you are looking to hold a function the garibaldi hall is a stunning heritage hall a few minutes from Durham River Cottage. Also has a kids playground.
https://www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/residents/my-community/community-facilities/halls-hire-golden-plains
Sightseeing
Lal Lal Falls
Von Guerard View TrackNice short walk to spectacular falls - more so after rain.
Hiking, Biking & Golf
https://www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Goldfields/Things-to-do/Outdoor-activities/Cycling/The-Goldfields-Track
Gold fields tTrack for mountain biking or hiking... ends or starts at Mt Buninyong
Goldfields Track start
313 Peel St Nhttps://www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Goldfields/Things-to-do/Outdoor-activities/Cycling/The-Goldfields-Track
Gold fields tTrack for mountain biking or hiking... ends or starts at Mt Buninyong
Great walk fro the bottom or drive to the top and climb the tower for fabulous views including passing the extinct volcano crater... pretty cool!
https://www.buninyong.vic.au/mt-buninyong
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Mt Buninyong Extinct Volcano
Great walk fro the bottom or drive to the top and climb the tower for fabulous views including passing the extinct volcano crater... pretty cool!
https://www.buninyong.vic.au/mt-buninyong
Buninyong Golf Club
613 Learmonth Stwww.buninyonggolfclub.com.au
One of Ballarat's best Mountain Biking destinations. See link below for a few other options.
That said, there are some fantastic single track options right on your door step in Durham Lead. Just head down Pioneer Lane (slightly north of Durham River Cottage) and follow you nose.
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/blog/great-mountain-biking-in-ballarat
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Woowookarung Regional Park
Recreation RoadOne of Ballarat's best Mountain Biking destinations. See link below for a few other options.
That said, there are some fantastic single track options right on your door step in Durham Lead. Just head down Pioneer Lane (slightly north of Durham River Cottage) and follow you nose.
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/blog/great-mountain-biking-in-ballarat
Parks and Cardens
A beautiful walk though the gardens - BBQs and Rotunda if you fancy a picnic.
https://www.buninyong.vic.au/botanic-gardens
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Buninyong Botanical Gardens
Scott StreetA beautiful walk though the gardens - BBQs and Rotunda if you fancy a picnic.
https://www.buninyong.vic.au/botanic-gardens
Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground
Steve Moneghetti TrackGreat Childrens playground
Supermarket, Food and markets
Your nearest supermarket! a good selection of supermarket items - including Wood for the fire
The little bottle shop has a nice selection of local wines. If you are looking for craft brews, a small selection is tucked away in the back corner of the cool room.
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FoodWorks
310 Learmonth StYour nearest supermarket! a good selection of supermarket items - including Wood for the fire
The little bottle shop has a nice selection of local wines. If you are looking for craft brews, a small selection is tucked away in the back corner of the cool room.
Get in early as they often sell out on weekends. Great coffee, breads, pastries and baked goods. They also sell a selection of local staples to take with you.
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1816 Bakehouse
18 Armstrong St NGet in early as they often sell out on weekends. Great coffee, breads, pastries and baked goods. They also sell a selection of local staples to take with you.
In a town that is over run with big brand liquor outlets, this place is a real gem. The best selection of local wines and craft brews in Ballarat plus an old school deli that serves up very good coffee to boot.
Campana's Cellar - Deli - Espresso
301 Mair StIn a town that is over run with big brand liquor outlets, this place is a real gem. The best selection of local wines and craft brews in Ballarat plus an old school deli that serves up very good coffee to boot.
Wilsons Fruit and Vegetables
85-91 Mair St EAttractions
A must visit if you have never been!https://sovereignhill.com.au/accommodation
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Sovereign Hill
A must visit if you have never been!https://sovereignhill.com.au/accommodation
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Great day out for all
https://wildlifepark.com.au/
Around 50 minute drive to the fabulous Mineral Springs
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Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Mineral Springs Reserve RoadAround 50 minute drive to the fabulous Mineral Springs
The Art Gallery of Ballarat is truly one of Australia’s great galleries. It is not only the oldest and largest regional gallery but, more importantly, one of the most welcoming and engaging. Located in the heart of Ballarat, the Gallery is beloved by visitors and residents alike as the heart of this creative city.Admission to the Art Gallery of Ballarat is free and includes the permanent collection and most temporary exhibitions.
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I-Art Gallery yaseBallarat
40 Lydiard St NThe Art Gallery of Ballarat is truly one of Australia’s great galleries. It is not only the oldest and largest regional gallery but, more importantly, one of the most welcoming and engaging. Located in the heart of Ballarat, the Gallery is beloved by visitors and residents alike as the heart of this creative city.Admission to the Art Gallery of Ballarat is free and includes the permanent collection and most temporary exhibitions.
Lake Wendouree Farmers Market
Zoo Drive