Grant Historic Area, VIC
2.0 km (1 hr )
★★☆☆☆

This remote location was the site of a gold rush in the 1860s, with multiple towns springing up virtually overnight as people rushed in to make their fortunes. By the end of 1865 there were 15 hotels, a church, courthouse, police station and lockup, medical hall, numerous stores and a newspaper office, supporting a population of 2,000. Only the cemeteries now remain as visible reminders of this time. Grant was the largest town in the district and there are information signs with drawings and photos of some of the more prominent buildings that you can see. The short walk to the Jewellers Shop mine is worth a visit. There is a picnic table and toilet in the camping area, located just off what used to be the main street in town.

I revisited this area later and took the scenic, although at times, narrow and steep road down to Talbotville Township. This former mining town is located on the banks of the Crooked River, but some 850 m in elevation lower than the Grant Township. This is also worth visiting if you have a 4WD vehicle.