Rushworth
Postcode: 3612
Rushworth is a township in Victoria, Australia. It is located 166km north of Melbourne and has a population of approximately 1,001. It was established during a gold rush in 1853 and was named, in 1854, by the poet and, then, local Goldfields Commissioner Richard Henry Horne. It is believed he named the town “Rushworth” because it was worth the rush to go to the town. The goldfields are no longer viable and have been closed.
Rushworth is an old goldmining town in central Victoria that still displays its original character in its many historic buildings.
Now a service centre for the surrounding farming community, Rushworth still retains its golden past and High Street and its adjacent streets are a National Trust Urban Conservation Area. Take the High Street Heritage Walk and explore the town’s history through its impressive, restored architecture and historical landmarks.
Enjoy a scenic view of the town, the Waranga Reservoir, the Rushworth Forest and the Goulburn Valley from the fire lookout tower at Growlers Hill.
Head south out of town and discover the remains of a thriving gold rush township at the Whroo Historic Reserve, including a 25 metre open-cut mine on the hill.
The Rushworth State Forest, to the south of town via Whroo Road, consists of red ironbark, yellow gum and grey box eucalypts. Take a walk in autumn and spring and see a profusion of wildflowers and orchids amid the towering eucalypts. Keep an eye out for the kangaroos, wallabies, possums, wallaroos and the 100 bird species that call the forest home.