Whroo Historic Reserve consists of almost 500 ha of forested land encompassing the site of the Whroo township and part of the associated Whroo goldfields.

Things to Do

The Balaclava open cut mine is open for inspection through a walkway that goes through a tunnel into the open cut. The mine is a spectacular example of early quartz reef mining. Puddling machines and the remnants of areas of quartz reef and shallow alluvial lead mining areas are also located within the area.

• Exploring the walking track system is one way to see the Reserve and relax in natural surroundings whilst enjoying its scenic and historic values. The cemetery walking track leads visitors through the old township to Whroo Cemetery. Located on a lonely hillside and containing some 340 graves, the cemetery reflects the harshness of life on the goldfields last century.
• Beyond the cemetery is the Ngurai-illam-wurrung rock well used by local Koories and later possibly by gold miners in the area.
• The reserve lies within Rushworth State Forest comprising some 24,300 ha of attractive Box-Ironbark forest. There is an extensive network of tracks throughout the forest and wildflowers, including wattles, provide spectacular displays during spring.

Facilities

• The picnic area at Whroo has an information centre, toilets, barbecue and picnic facilities.
• Camping is allowed, however, few facilities are provided.
• Commercial accommodation is available in nearby towns.  

Heritage

Alluvial gold was found at the present sites of Rushworth and Whroo in August 1853 and the resultant gold-rush brought thousands of hopeful diggers to the area overnight.

As the more easily won surface gold petered out and reef mining activity intensified, the Whroo area assumed the character it was to maintain for many years. Tents were replaced by huts of logs, slab, dry clay bricks and stone. Stores and hotels appeared, along with butcher shops, dairies, a bakery, banks and one of the first goldfields' Mechanics Institute and Library.

With the winding down of mining activity in the 1890s the town rapidly went into decline and today little evidence of it remains other than the old cemetery.

Source: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au