Australia: Go Back in Time at Walhalla

Walhalla is snuggled in the verdant valleys of Gippsland, one of the most favorite spots in Victoria that always inspires magic and mystery for some reason. 

Just a close distance from Melbourne, this historic quiet town used to be one of the richest towns in entire Australia. If you want to travel back in time, Walhalla is the best place to be!

Walhalla’s History at a Glance 

Originally called Stringers Creek, the thriving town was renamed Walhalla in the mid-1960s inspired by the biggest gold mine that was operating back then. It is believed that its name was derived from mythology where the term Valhalla stands for the valley of the Gods. 

The winding, steep and slow drive down a mountain road will lead you to this scenic township that will make your imagination run trying to envision how the miners worked and lived there during the gold rush era.

Walhalla is concealed in a deep valley in the remote Victorian alps and was a boomtown during the 1880s. During its prime, it was one of Australia’s richest gold areas. The gold beneath the town harvested 72 tonnes which is more gold weight compared to a Boeing 737. After the mines were closed down in 1914, it experienced a rapid demise, busting the town with an approximate population of 3,000.

The residents moved out, leaving the town deserted for most of the 20^th century. The buildings were also shipped out and bush soon took over the town. Walhalla looked and felt like it remained frozen in time, almost turning into a ghost town. 

But there are still a few remaining structures and during the 1990s, renewed interest in the heritage of Australia led to the rebuilding of most of the shops and houses in the area. Thanks to some locals, volunteers, and dedicated groups, the fascinating and rich history of Walhalla remains to this day. 

The Interesting Main Street of Walhalla

There is only one main street in Walhalla, a curved narrow street snugly bordered by European gardens and colonial-style buildings. Interpretative signs line the street from both ends of the town and can be explored easily on foot. 

30 signs are telling the story of the colourful and rich history of Walhalla, from the cemetery constructed on the side of the mountain, the Incline Tramway, the Chinese Gardens’ former site, and the Warne’s Water Wheel site at the town’s southern entrance.

During the peak of Walhalla at one stage between 1885 and 1895, 7 hotels were running in the area with 4500 people. Only 20 people live in the area in 20221 with just a single hotel in town. 

This was also the last Australian town with electricity connected in 1998 even if it was among the first towns with electric lights installed. All power poles can be found underground since the power came late to the area. It was only in 2019 when the town finally had mobile reception. 

Don’t let the small size of Walhalla fool you because what the place lacks in size, this makes up for in heart as it lets you go back in time to experience its magic for yourself.