By KATH GANNAWAY
HEALESVILLE began as a stopping place for prospective miners en route to the goldfield of Matlock, Jericho and Woods Point.
These days the travellers are more likely to be stopping for a latte, to pick up some local wine and produce for a picnic, or just browsing the many gift, fine jewellery, clothing or otherwise interesting shops that line the main strip.
Many of the town’s historic buildings remain, and their stories are told as visitors and locals alike take up the invitation to “take a walk through yesteryear …”
A circular walk with easy walking access, the 3.2-kilometre return walk starts at the Courthouse in Harker Street.
Stop in at the courthouse to pick up the Healesville Historic Walk map.
The walk takes in 26 of the town’s notable buildings and historic sites along Nicholson Street, through to the East End and Queens Park, returning through town to the National Trust classified Mechanics Institute.
Numbered pictorial plaques tell the story of each building or special place, with photos.
You may be surprised to discover that the oldest building that provided accommodation is not a grand hotel, but something much less salubrious!
That a metal as anything workshop was once a brassiere factory, picture theatre, dance hall and roller skating rink!
And, that you are following in the footsteps of thousands upon thousands of visitors who made their way from the railway station in the tourist heyday to picnic in Queens Park.
The Healesville Historic Walk is collaboration between the Rotary Club of Healesville, Healesville and District Historical Society and Healesville 150th Committee.
