Chiltern

Overview

Chiltern is an historic town and living memorial to bygone days; its business centre buildings restored and maintained to preserve the architecture of its gold mining heritage.

The town has developed its theme around historic museums and bric-a-brac shops. Chiltern has been used as a setting for many films and televisions series including 'My Brother Tom', 'The True Story of Spit McPhee' and 'Ride a Wild Pony' to name a few due to its authenticity to the gold mining era. There are quaint shops offering antiques and collectables, as well as cafes and accommodation.  With most of Chilterns attractions within easy walking distance of the main streets, a picturesque park on Lake Anderson, bush walking tracks and bird watching spots in the surrounding Box-Ironbark National Park, Chiltern makes the ideal base for filming in North East Victoria.

History

The first Europeans in the area were the party of Joseph Hawdon who was engaged in overlanding cattle to Port Phillip in 1836. He apparently shot a 'black' dingo hereabouts and Black Dog Creek was named in its honour. Consequently, this name was also applied to the settlement when it first emerged.

The first squatters took up land here in 1839 and a bush inn was established in 1844. A few other buildings developed around the hotel, although it was later transformed into a police outpost. As such it was apparently frequented by Robert O'Hara Burke, of the famous Burke and Wills expedition.

A township reserve was declared on the creek in 1851. The site was surveyed in 1853. At around this time the name of Chiltern, from the Chiltern Hills of England, had come into use. Town allotments were sold in 1854.

Places of interest

Federal Standard
Star Hotel
Stephen's Motor Museum
Dow's Pharmacy
Main Street North
Chiltern Athenaeum Museum
Kilgour Residence, Shop and Factory
Lake Anderson and Park Lake
Lakeview
Chiltern Box-Ironbark National Park
Yeddonba Aboriginal Art Site
Mt Pilot Lookout

Accommodation

To book accommodation contact the friendly staff at the Chiltern Visitor Information Centre Located at 30 Main Street, Chiltern.

The Centre is operated by the Chiltern Tourist Association and offers visitor information, souvenirs and accommodation assistance. 

Tel: (03) 5726 1611

or visit www.chilternvic.com

 

 

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