Cross back over High St to the Shire Hall. Originally a single-storey structure it was rebuilt in its present form in 1894. Carter's Cafe,next door,was erected in 1887 as the Commercial Bank and it retains its original facade.
Scenic Drive - Ghin Ghin,Highlands,Caveat and Molesworth
To the north of town is a rolling granite plateau which rises to an elevation of 600 m. The acscent is along a narrow dirt road with a sheer drop to the left. However,it is a truly scenic trip through some quite dramatic gorge country.
Follow the highway west for 4 km and turn right. 6 km along this road is the former gold town of Ghin Ghin,now little more than a locality. Another 10 km will bring you to Highlands. On the way you will pass Mt Broughton (660 m),on the right.
From Highlands you can either head west toSeymour (32 km) or due east to Caveat (12 km). The latter route takes you up Wattle Hill (680 m).
At the 10 km mark,there is an intersection where the road to Caveat meets the Molesworth Rd. At this corner (2 km west of Caveat) is a stone circle created by sculptor Michael Hall. It is intended as a reference to the ancient stone circles of Scotland which were used to chart the movements of the heavenly bodies and was created to celebrate the centenary of Scottish settlement in the area.
At Caveat itself is the Catholic Lady of Seven Sorrows Church. Built in the 1920s,it reflects the Central European architectural heritage of the original Czech settlers. The bell was imported from Germany and the panel behind the alter was painted by a Czech artist from Sydney. Also at Caveat are Antcliff's Chase Wines (see next entry) and'The Grotto',a memorial statue to those same settlers. Further north,along the back road to Euroa,are Dropmore Mineral Springs.
Return to the stone circle and follow the Molesworth Rd south for 14 km where it rejoins the Goulburn Valley Highway at Molesworth,13 km east of Yea. Molesworth was settled by John Ridd,a direct descendant of the John Ridd who was the protagonist in R.D. Blackmore's famous novel,Lorna Doone. The property is still called Lorna Doone.
Antcliff's Chase Wines
Antcliff's Chase Wines,established in 1982,produces riesling,chardonnay,pinot noir and a cabernet ensemble. The cellar door is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekends or by appointment,tel:(03) 5790 4333.
Scenic Drive - Railway Tunnel
Head east along the Goulburn Valley Highway for 2 km then turn right onto the Limestone Rd. 6 km along is an old railway tunnel which is allegedly the state's largest.
Murrindindi Homestead
8 km south of Yea,along the Melba Highway,is a turnoff on the left into Murrindindi Rd (signposted as'Tourist Road 4'). By this corner is'Murrindindi',a good example of an early vernacular homestead which was built in 1844-45 on the first pastoral run in the immediate area. There is a kitchen and stable block and a two-storey wing was added to the homestead in 1912. The woolshed dates from 1881 and the whole is set in fine gardens. It is occasionally open for inspection but remains private property. It is set back from the road somewhat but can be seen from the roadside.
Murrindindi Reserve
Murrindindi Rd heads south-east through Murrindindi Reserve. The road takes you by Wilhelmina Falls,32 km south via the Melba Highway. Further along is another waterfall known as the Cascades. The reserve supports a range of fauna including wombats,lyrebirds and platypuses.
Murrindindi Vineyards
Murrindindi Vineyards,established in 1984,is located on the Murrindindi-Cummins Rd at Murrindindi,to the south of Yea (phone for directions). They produce chardonnay and cabernet and are open by appointment only,tel:(03) 5797 8217.
Flowerdale Winery
25 km south-west of town via the Whittlesea Rd (North St) is Flowerdale where you will find Flowerdale Winery,tel:(03) 5780 1432. The drive is quite scenic,passing over green hills and farmland.
Glenburn
28 km south along the Melba Highway is Glenburn where you can pick your own fruit (in season) at Berry King Farm,located on Two Hills Rd,tel:(03) 5797 8348.