Smythesdale has a rich gold history and is renowned throughout the region for its collectables stores. Conveniently located 18km south west of Ballarat along the Glenelg Highway, a trip to Smythesdale makes for an educational and fun filled day for all.

Gold was discovered in the Woady Yaloak Creek at Smythesdale in 1853. Miners soon flocked to the area and numerous townships sprang up as the diggers traced the gold leads along the underground streams. By 1859 the population in the Smythes Creek Goldfields area was 20,000.

This rich history is imbedded in the Smythesdale region and can be witnessed through the various historical sites scattered throughout Smythesdale and its surrounding region.