Things to do in Eldorado, Victoria: The Best Sights & Landmarks

Your tour begins at the interpretive signage in the township of Eldorado. Commence a journey of history and adventure with the homes of Joe Byrne and Aaron Sherritt, Ned Kelly stories and ghost towns of the mining era. The Woolshed Valley, believed to be one of Victoria's oldest because of its geological features, begins here in El Dorado and ends near the historic town of Beechworth.

In 1936 production of Cock's large bucket dredge began, mining alluvial gold and tin until 1954. It was one of the largest dredges in the Southern Hemisphere - a floating monster weighing 2,142 tons and pulling the third most power from the State Electricity Grid after Melbourne and Geelong. In its 18 years of operation the dredge produced 70,664 ounces of gold and 1,383 tons of tin concentrate.

Reids Walk is a short stroll through a former alluvial gold mining area. Access the walking track by taking MacKay St, this leads down towards Reedy Creek, and then follows the waterway upstream to a suspension bridge over the creek. On the way, there is widespread evidence of the impact of gold mining on the local environment, as well as many opportunities to get down to the creek and take a dip.

This rugged outcrop of granite guards the north-west corner of El Dorado, and is home to a monument to farrier Edwin Bawden who died of pneumonia after contracting measles whilst serving with the Imperial Bushmen during the Boer War of 1900-1901. The original memorial plaque is on the northern face of the Monument, whilst a new brass plaque (supplied by the RSL in 2004) adorns the western face.

Studio potter Howard Phillips, works predominantly in stoneware, creating functional items as well as individual pieces and using a variety of glaze techniques. Housed in a hand built mud brick building, the pottery is a unique addition to El Dorado. Studio visits welcome Pieces made to order All hand thrown Open times vary - ring to check if open or make an appointment