Things to visit and see in Skipton
The Town of Skipton
Visiting Skipton is indeed a trip back into Victoria’s
past. Although having all the luxuries of the 21st century, this is one
of the few places you can still see memories of its history. No concrete
forest, but just the serenity of a small country town. Take a short trip
by the stone church and admire the building’s structure, or a drive into
the compact street of shops that will remind you of decades past. Or for
the curious historian, see what the Skipton Museum has to offer,
situated next to the Francis Ormond Bridge.
But Skipton is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a
small community full of friendly residents. A drive down it’s roads will
take you past Skipton Primary School, and should you ever feel inclined,
have a peek at the opening hours of the Skipton Swimming Pool.
Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail
The trail goes through significant remnant native
grasslands at the Ballarat and Skipton ends of the trail, and 17 notable
bird species have been recorded. There are also historical gold mining
sites. An impressive trestle bridge near Newtown is open for trail
users.
The end of 2008 saw this rail trail reborn with new surface that is
wider and surfaced with granitic sand.
For more information and maps - visit the BALBUG
website -
Click Here
Skipton Hotel and Church
An interesting part of Skipton is in fact the Skipton
Hotel on Montgomery Street, which is a historical building, dating all
the way back to 1859. Another site to see is the Gothic Presbyterian
bluestone church, guarded by its many gargoyles, also located on
Montgomery St. The church itself has also been listed by the National
Trust.
Eel Farm
Fancy eel? Turn right at the bridge on your way from
Ballarat if you are. There’s an eel farm on Cleveland Street which
exports to Germany, but will also sell the local visitor some of its
fresh smoked eel.
Mt Widderin Caves
The Mt Widderin Caves are located on the Mt Widderin
station 6 km south of Skipton, just off the Lismore Road. They are the
largest volcanic caves (sometimes referred to as 'lava tubes') in
Victoria. The main cave is 55 m long, 20 m wide and 5 m high. There is a
200-metre walk which leads to a subterranean lake. These caves were
formed when lava cools leaving an outer crust which forms a tunnel. The
lava continues to flow through this tube. They are open on most days but
it is necessary to ring (03) 5340 2018 to organise the visit in advance.
Be sure to take a torch and some old clothes.
Snake Valley Church
Head towards Ballarat along the Glenelg Highway for
about 19kms, and then make a left at Linton, and about 12km due north,
you’ll find yourself in at the head of Snake Valley. Located here is
Snake Valley church, dating back into the 19th century, and made of old
bluestone.
Rose Festival
Also be on the look out for Skipton's annual Rose
Festival as you will see the lovely painted timber hall filled with
gorgeous roses, breathtaking massed floor displays and an eye catching
art and photography display. There will also be many stalls,
refreshments available and associated Open Gardens.
Click to enlarge
Surrounding Attractions
Ballarat
Before arriving at Skipton or when departing Skipton,
why not visit the old city of Ballarat. Ballarat is the largest inland
city in Victoria; it is approximately 105 kilometres north-west of
Melbourne, with a population of about 90,200 people. The city is famous
for its Gold Rush in the early years of settlement, such as places like
Sovereign Hill.
You can find more information on the city’s
attractions and activities by visiting these following links below.
http://www.ballarat.com/
http://www.visitballarat.com.au/
The Grampians
The Grampians National Park is home to spectacular
landscapes, forests, mountains and farmland plains, with summit peaks of
up to 1000 metres to view the breath taking scenery of valleys,
cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations. Not only known for its
scenic views it is also famous for its diverse array of natural plants
that make up nearly 970 species of Victoria’s native plants. The
Grampians is perfect place to visit if you are fond of nature, and only
just an hour and a half’s drive away from Skipton.
To find more information on attractions, activities,
wineries, wildlife etc visit these two links below:
http://www.visitgrampians.com.au
http://www.winediva.com.au/regions/grampians.asp
Pyrenees Wine Region Victoria
Fancy some wine? The Pyrenees Wine district is perfect
for wine lovers. Its history dates back to the 1960s when settlers were
struck by its scenic beauty, its verdant grasslands and cool running
streams, and named it the ‘Natural Garden of Victoria’. Although in the
beginning it was known as a gold mining district and for sheep grazing,
in the last half century it has become famous for its rich red wines
made principally from the cabernet sauvignon and shiraz varieties.
However in recent years in addition to classic styles of red wine,
district makers are now also known for their full-bodied dry whits and
sparkling wines made by the authentic Champagne method.
Don’t be afraid to visit their websites to find the
desired locations of their vineyards listed below.
http://www.pyrenees.org.au/index.htm
http://www.pyreneestourism.com.au/
State Parks & Forests
Interested in bushwalking and sight seeing? Well only
a couple of kilometres outside Ballarat and Skipton you can find Mt Cole
State Forest, Mt Buangor State Park and The Pyrenees State Forest.
Mt Cole State Forest
Located one hour drive west of Ballarat, just off the
Western Highway, Mt Cole State Forest is 25 kilometres from the township
of Beaufort and marks the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine District and the
Grampians. It contains activities such as bush walking, four wheel
driving, horse riding etc.
Mt Buangor State Park
Mount Buangor State Park adjoins Mount Cole State
Forest, 60 km west of Ballarat. The 2400 hectare Park takes in varied
eucalypt forest, creek flats, a waterfall, steep escarpments and Mount
Buangor itself, the area's highest peak. There are picnic and camping
facilities along the creek flats. There is a 15 km network of walking
tracks in the park, many of which extend into the adjoining Mount Cole
State Forest. Walking tracks connect the picnic areas and traverse the
escarpment to give great views of the surrounding country.
Click to enlarge
Surrounding Attractions
Ballarat
Before arriving at Skipton or when departing Skipton,
why not visit the old city of Ballarat. Ballarat is the largest inland
city in Victoria; it is approximately 105 kilometres north-west of
Melbourne, with a population of about 90,200 people. The city is famous
for its Gold Rush in the early years of settlement, such as places like
Sovereign Hill.
You can find more information on the city’s
attractions and activities by visiting these following links below.
http://www.ballarat.com/
http://www.visitballarat.com.au/
The Grampians
The Grampians National Park is home to spectacular
landscapes, forests, mountains and farmland plains, with summit peaks of
up to 1000 metres to view the breath taking scenery of valleys,
cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations. Not only known for its
scenic views it is also famous for its diverse array of natural plants
that make up nearly 970 species of Victoria’s native plants. The
Grampians is perfect place to visit if you are fond of nature, and only
just an hour and a half’s drive away from Skipton.
To find more information on attractions, activities,
wineries, wildlife etc visit these two links below:
http://www.visitgrampians.com.au
http://www.winediva.com.au/regions/grampians.asp
Pyrenees Wine Region Victoria
Fancy some wine? The Pyrenees Wine district is perfect
for wine lovers. Its history dates back to the 1960s when settlers were
struck by its scenic beauty, its verdant grasslands and cool running
streams, and named it the ‘Natural Garden of Victoria’. Although in the
beginning it was known as a gold mining district and for sheep grazing,
in the last half century it has become famous for its rich red wines
made principally from the cabernet sauvignon and shiraz varieties.
However in recent years in addition to classic styles of red wine,
district makers are now also known for their full-bodied dry whits and
sparkling wines made by the authentic Champagne method.
Don’t be afraid to visit their websites to find the
desired locations of their vineyards listed below.
http://www.pyrenees.org.au/index.htm
http://www.pyreneestourism.com.au/
State Parks & Forests
Interested in bushwalking and sight seeing? Well only
a couple of kilometres outside Ballarat and Skipton you can find Mt Cole
State Forest, Mt Buangor State Park and The Pyrenees State Forest.
Mt Cole State Forest
Located one hour drive west of Ballarat, just off the
Western Highway, Mt Cole State Forest is 25 kilometres from the township
of Beaufort and marks the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine District and the
Grampians. It contains activities such as bush walking, four wheel
driving, horse riding etc.
Mt Buangor State Park
Mount Buangor State Park adjoins Mount Cole State
Forest, 60 km west of Ballarat. The 2400 hectare Park takes in varied
eucalypt forest, creek flats, a waterfall, steep escarpments and Mount
Buangor itself, the area's highest peak. There are picnic and camping
facilities along the creek flats. There is a 15 km network of walking
tracks in the park, many of which extend into the adjoining Mount Cole
State Forest. Walking tracks connect the picnic areas and traverse the
escarpment to give great views of the surrounding country.
Pyrenees State Forest
The Pyrenees Ranges offer visitors a wonderful mix of
natural and cultural history, with spectacular views, rugged mountain
ranges, abundant wildlife, a rich mix of wildflowers and historic sites.
The main attractions of the forest are the Waterfalls Picnic Area,
Governor Rock Lookout and the Pyrenees Endurance Walk. There are also
numerous tracks throughout the forest, which also make ideal short
walks.
For more information on these please see:
http://www.pyreneestourism.com.au/mount_cole.htm
http://www.pyreneestourism.com.au/mount_buangor.htm
http://www.pyreneestourism.com.au/pyrenees_state_forest.htm
Arts & Craft Galleries
If you’re a hobbyist or a collector alike, you may
choose to visit the arts and crafts galleries nearby, to view
spectacular works of decorated china, paintings, garden sculptures, hand
made gifts, pottery and etc.
If interested this site can direct you to them, please
see:
http://www.pyreneestourism.com.au/galleries.htm |
