Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
early days; and
Lake View Homestead
( 03-5726 1317; 18-22 Victoria St; adult/child $2/1; 10am-4pm
Sun or by appointment)
, built in 1870 and overlooking Lake Anderson. It was the home of
Henry Handel (Ethel Florence) Richardson, who wrote about life here in the topic
Ultima
Thule
(1929), the third part of her trilogy
The Fortunes of Richard Mahony
(1930).
Star Hotel Museum & Theatre
( 03-5726 1395; cnr Main & Conness Sts)
, once used for plays and
dances, was the centrepiece of Chiltern's social and cultural life. Unfortunately the mu-
seum here is rarely open these days (call ahead for an appointment or ask at the visitor
centre). The grapevine in the courtyard is the largest in Australia - you can just see it
down the alleyway off Conness St.
Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
(Chiltern Box-Ironbark National Park; 13 19 63;
www.parks.vic.gov.au
)
This important national park
protects some of Victoria's last stands of Box-Ironbark forest in a patchwork of protected
areas around the town. This is also one of the last Victorian refuges for the endangered re-
gent honeyeater, along with more than 200 other bird species. The Chiltern Visitor Centre
has maps, a park information sheet, a brochure entitled
Bird Trails of Chiltern
, and in-
formation on the best places to see the regent honeyeater. To immerse yourself in the Iron-
barks, consider the 8.5km
Whitebox Walking Track
, which completes a circuit in the area of
the park south of Chiltern; ask at the visitor centre for directions.
OUTDOORS
Sleeping & Eating
There are a couple of classic country pubs in town serving bistro food.
Linesman's Cottage
( 03-5726 1300;
www.linesmanscottage.com.au
;
56 Main St; 1-/2-/3-night stay $120/200/280; )
At the rear
of Chiltern's historic post office, this 1950s cottage retains its historic facade but has been
beautifully renovated within. With a kitchen, courtyard garden, a queen-sized bed and sofa
bed, it's ideal for a family.
GUESTHOUSE
$$
Mulberry Tree B&B & Tearooms
( 03-5726 1277;
www.mulberrytreechiltern.com.au
;
28 Conness St; d incl breakfast $135-190)
Mulberry Tree
is a charming B&B in an old bank building with two cute rooms; one is self-contained
with lounge and open fire. Even if you don't stay, the garden cafe is a great place for cof-
fee, sandwiches or Devonshire tea.
B&B
$$
