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Heathcote is a small rural town at the foot of Mount Ida is located about 100 klms and 90 minutes drive north of Melbourne (on Hume) on the Northern Highway.

The area is rich in history and was first studied by Major Mitchell in 1836. It was alleged by Mr Heathcote, due to the abundance of heather growing in the designated area.

McIvor Creek (after one for men Major Mitchell) was a popular destination during the Gold Rush in the early 1850-he went years and a major gold strike in 1852 at Golden Gully is named after the courthouse is located. Have lived at the height of the boom in gold mining, 35,000 people in huts and tents in the area. Secondary businesses sprang up to the local population, including three breweries, ten p.m. service hotels, wineries, two mills, a bacon factory and a hospital.

The alluvial gold, but slowly started to Peter out and finally gave way to reef mining. Heathcote population dropped to 6,000 in 1860, when thousands of unsuccessful miners gave up and left the gold fields in search of alternative employment opportunities. Many of them turned to sheep, cattle and wheat farming and heavy for their livelihood. By the year 1891 the population of the city was drastically reduced to only 1090 persons.

Today, Heathcote population is about 3000 It is the ideal destination for either a day trip or a relaxing long weekend. The city is also a convenient stopover permitted and vice versa, either on the trip from Melbourne and Bendigo or Echuca.

There are several activities and local attractions offer for all age groups, budgets and leisure tastes. Special events throughout the year instead of Heathcote include the Bush Market on the first Saturday of each month, the annual Easter Rodeo, the Bush Carnival in September, the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival in October and the Agricultural Show in November.

All-year-round attractions include the Pink Cliffs (a must-see, unique and colorful remnants of locks from the gold mining era), Mt Ida, observation tower, the Camp Hill Gaol, the powder magazine, Viewing Rock, Devil's Cave, Valley of the Liquid Ambers, the Yabby Farm at South Heathcote, Dalhousie Fine Foods, is the Mona Lisa Gallery and the Mt Ida Lavender Farm on Lady's Pass. Near Lake Eppalock, is a popular place for fishing and boat ramps, Redfin. If burnt rubber is your preferred form of entertainment, the Heathcote Raceway Park near Knowsley save hours of drag racing entertainment.

Couple with these attractions is a diverse range of accommodation, restaurants and wineries. Despite the severe drought in recent years, local food and wine producers to gain an excellent reputation. There are two motels in Heathcote and the Caravan Park is situated in the center of the city. There are also campsites in Dargile reserve, but you must provide your own drinking water. A composting toilet is on-site for campers are available.

Heathcote Golf Club is located on the outskirts of the city, thanks to water recycling Here you will find a beautiful and uncrowded place for a quiet round of golf. Although the club is semi-private, are not only limited opportunities for club members to play there.

The Heathcote Tourist Information Center office is a source of useful information and is centrally located in the High Street (apparently the longest main street in Australia).

Heathcote has a variety of flora and fauna. If nature and the environment is your passion, you enjoy a relaxing walk or an informal picnic amidst the Box Ironbark Bush and orchids. There are 160 species of birds in the Heathcote area. If you are an avid bird lover you will enjoy waking to the sound of kookaburras, cockatoos, Galahs, Rosellas and the Shrike Thrush. Keep an eye out for the little blue wren and robin. Owls, bats and kangaroos are frequent night visitors around the city also.

It wills never cease to marvel at the night sky from Heathcote. It is spectacular and is considered one best location in Australia at the stars. The most beautiful sunsets and crystal clear view of the universe at night are the simplest, but pleasant Heathcote joy.

Heathcote is friendly and interesting place to visit. Remember, if you are planning your next escape from the treadmill.