– D.I.Y. Travel Guide –
- Introduction – aims & objectives
- Practicalities & preparation
- Traveller's Packing List
- SECTION 1: All areas in South Australia to the Murray River crossing at Wellington:
- SECTION 2: Wellington to the Wimmera
- SECTION 3: Wimmera to Goldfields
The Overland Gold Travel Guide has been prepared to guide you in following the route/s of those who travelled overland from South Australia to the Victorian goldfields in late 1851 and 1852 – the very early days of the Victorian gold 'rush'.
This Guide is presented in 3 sections – as there are two significant points where the various routes converge which feature in almost all the accounts located:
- All areas of South Australia to Wellington on the Murray River
- Wellington to Glenorchy on the Wimmera River to the east of Horsham, a major stopping point on routes in several directions
- Glenorchy to the goldfields – predominantly Castlemaine and Bendigo
While the Guide itself provides some background and contextual information, further detail is available via the Setting the Scene, Information Resources and Historical Context pages. It has been produced with the intention that detail will be updated as information becomes available, and your feedback is welcome.
Download the Travel Guides (below), take the trip and contribute an account of your journey for inclusion in the Recent Travellers section.
Important Practicalities:In an effort to follow as closely as possible not only the route, and to reflect the type of country the travellers passed through, a high proportion of the roads suggested in this Guide bypass today’s highways, and many are gravel. There are limited shopping facilities in some areas – so if you plan to take your time and stop to sight-see, it would be advisable to be prepared to take a picnic lunch. There are plenty of opportunities for bush camping or just stopping along the way to enjoy the natural environment.
Some stopping points are suggested for their relevance to 1850s travel, but this is not intended to be a comprehensive list. Further research will be needed depending on your mode of travel, time available and the section of route you are following.
As with all overland travel – please ensure your vehicle is fully prepared and equipped.
- Maps – topographical maps of each region
- The series maps for each region produced by the RAA of South Australia and the RACV in Victoria provide good detail of roads and some geographic features.
- CFA (Victoria) or CFS (South Australia) fire maps are also good and indicate the location of buildings
- A copy of diary or account of the route you intend to follow
- Other associated reading / reference material
- Mobile phone & charger
- GPS / compass
- Camera & charger / batteries / memory cards etc
- Binoculars
- Picnic kit
- Canvas seat/s, picnic rug etc
- Books for identifying flora & fauna – e.g. bird book, Australian plant book, etc
And most importantly, the relevant section of this TRAVEL GUIDE.
SECTION 1: All areas in South Australia to the Murray River crossing at Wellington:
| Section 1 Routes | Travel Guide PDF Downloads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PART A | Burra to Adelaide – via 1850’s 'copper roads' | Part A only | All Section 1 |
| PART B | Adelaide to Wellington | Part B only | |
| PART C | Burra to Wellington via Reedy Creek Mine | Part C only | |
SECTION 2: Wellington to the Wimmera
| Section 2 Routes | Travel Guide PDF Downloads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PART A | via Reedy Creek and Mt Arapiles | Part A only | All Section 2 |
| PART B | via Reedy Creek and Officer’s Station | Part B only | |
| PART C | via Bordertown – ‘northern route’ | Part C only | |
SECTION 3: Wimmera to Goldfields
| Section 3 Routes | Travel Guide PDF Downloads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PART A | Glenorchy to Castlemaine | Parts A & B | All Section 3 |
| PART B | Glenorchy to Castlemaine via Moonambel and Avoca | ||
| PART C | Continuation of Parts A and B – on to Bendigo | Part C only | |
Contact:
Ms Moira Drew
Project Coordinator
Phone: 03 9525 9083
Email:
Overland Gold Home | Next Cornish Convoy 2013 | CAoV website