7 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Victoria
Victoria is the southeasternmost state of Australia, tucked against the Pacific Ocean and home to great history and natural beauty. The towns that populate the state reflect those combinations, with some, like Walhalla, emphasizing their mining roots, while others, like Healesville, boast plenty of green spaces. What these towns have in common is that, despite their unique qualities, they are among the most picture-perfect in Victoria. If you are looking for fantastic Main Streets to visit in the state, then visit these incredible towns.
Maldon
Main Street Maldon captures a cozy small-town feel beneath blue skies, with shops and dining spots under covered porches where residents enjoy the day. Café Maldon is a nice spot to stop in while you are walking along the lines of shops. The café serves up coffee but is especially known for its homemade pies. Guests can pick up something to drink before doing some shopping. The Smoke & Whisky Hat Bar is a unique men’s clothing store where you can pick up a Stetson hat or deck out in Wrangler shirts and outdoor vests. You can continue up Main Street to find the historic remnants of the Beehive Gold Mine. The landmark Beeehive chimney sits tall against the skyline. Completed in 1863 and standing 30 metres high, it is the only one of its size in Victoria and remains a testament to the mine that once operated in the area.
Beechworth
In Beechworth, Ford Street cuts through some of the most popular destinations in town and is particularly popular among history lovers. There are plenty of historic photo opportunities here. Guests can visit the Beechworth Historic Courthouse to the north, which operated for 131 years before becoming a museum in 1989. Visitors can see displays showcasing the Kelly Trials, during which the notorious Kelly Gang was prosecuted. The courthouse is part of the larger Historic Precinct, and nearby, you can find the Beechworth Telegraph Station. This station is one of several buildings well preserved from the days of the Gold Era, and once served as the means of communication between Beechworth and the outside world. While you explore the historic sites, you can also pop into the Town Hall Gardens, where stone fountains and dirt paths invite guests to enjoy a calm day beneath blue skies and tall Saguaro cacti.
Port Fairy
Guests to Port Fairy often find themselves on Sackville Street. A small-town vibe awaits as unique storefronts meet guests strolling through the area. Fiddler’s Green sits at the rotunda where Sackville meets Bank Street. The Green commemorates the history and culture of Port Fairy and hosts events like the Moyneyana Festival, where live music is performed alongside other outdoor activities. Continuing south, you can take a moment to dip into Rebecca’s Café, where you can grab a cup of coffee or shop for cake, rocky road slabs, and chocolate biscuits. Further south, there is shopping to do. Once you are well caffeinated, the Ironbird Bookshop may be the site of your next best read. The shop has operated for over 20 years and showcases works on general fiction, cooking, gardening, and local history.
Healesville
Maroondah Highway, which runs through town, passes by many popular destinations and is particularly popular for photos because it is next to so many green spaces. Nearby Coronation Park offers walking trails that wind along the Watts River, as well as picnic tables with BBQ stations for enjoying a day out in the open air. The river is particularly notable for its platypus viewing. On the opposite side of the highway, Queens Park is among the most popular spots in town. An athletic field fills the center of this green space, but guests can also find an outdoor pool, a bike park, a tennis club, and more. And for a meal after a day out in nature, Monroe’s Burgers and Beers lives up to its name with delicious burgers and good drinks.
Kyneton
Visitors walking along Mollison Street will find pleasing stone-faced buildings and unique independent stores that give off a small-town feel. Visitors to the area will find the Kyneton Showgrounds on the north end, where the Kyneton Agricultural Show welcomes thousands for equine events, pet parades, and live music. The area also features a netball court and grandstand for public use, as well as a nearby skate park. Further south, Monsieur Pierre is a well-known destination serving coffee, meals, and snacks ranging from croissants to risotto. And if you are looking ot get to know the locals, the Happy to Chat Bench is a circular seating area designed specifically for anyone looking to chat. Visitors are encouraged to take a seat and enjoy views of the street while striking up a conversation.
Clunes
One of the most idyllic destinations is Fraser Street in Clunes. Fraser runs parallel to Creswick Creek, offering a calming environment where tall trees grow. Guests can jump across the creek via Scenic Drive to Esmond Park. Guests enjoy time at the dog park or head to one of the many historic destinations on the property. The Fort Phillip Mine site is attributed to the Port Phillip Company's mine in the latter 19th century. Guests can see the remains before taking a stroll along the creek. Back on Fraser, you can relax after a day outdoors at Agatha’s Lounge & Wine Bar, where guests can enjoy a cheese platter or charcuterie while enjoying glasses of Prosecco or Pinot Noir.
Walhalla
Walhalla is a very small town, but that is what makes the views around Main Road so beautiful. Travelers here find themselves surrounded by woodlands and nearby Stringers Creek. Guests may enjoy a walk through those woodlands along the Walhalla Tramline Walkway, which begins at the Long Tunnel Extended Mine Entrance and stretches to the North Gardens Campground. Back on Main Road, pieces of history can be seen. Both the Old Walhalla Fire Station Museum and Old Walhalla Post Office Museum stand as tributes to the town’s past. The fire station museum includes firefighting equipment used by firefighters who have protected Walhalla. The Post Office Museum, meanwhile, includes artifacts from a time when the post office was the town’s main connection to the outside world.
Perfect Pictures in Victoria
The small towns of Victoria are diverse and offer so many reasons to visit. Smaller destinations like Walhalla offer surrounding wilderness and views of nature. Places like Port Fairy, meanwhile, encapsulate the small-town aesthetic through rows of unique shops and storefronts. And places like Healesville offer pleasant days in town, with walks along the river. If you are looking for an amazing time in Victoria, visit any of these seven towns for a picture-perfect experience.
