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Spectacular rocky outcrops of the Victorian Goldfields

Posted 03/06/2019 in Places
The Granites, near Wedderburn VIC


Rocky peaks, massive boulders and beautiful scenery are stunning features of the many impressive outcrops across the Victorian Goldfields. 

Wander among these gigantic awe inspiring rocks, explore the chambers and passageways which can be found beneath them, and appreciate scenic views over the surrounding countryside. 

Take a look through the following list and start planning your next adventure in the Victorian Goldfields!

The Granites, Borung VIC

Stunning views over The Granites near Wedderburn VIC.

Known locally as The Granites, Mount Egbert is a marvellous hidden gem within the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve. 

Located twenty minutes from Wedderburn, this small but stunning mountain rises strikingly above the surrounding bushland, covered in massive boulders and offering breathtaking views over the countryside below.

Click for more information on The Granites.

Melville Caves, Brenanah VIC

Huge boulders stand across the mountaintop at Melville Caves, Brenanah VIC

Melville Caves can be reached via a short scenic walk and offer beautiful views over the Kooyoora State Park. 

Massive boulders are heaped across the mountain creating caves and passageways beneath them, and the gravel covering the ground around the whole area glitters with pyrite. 

Captain Melville, a notorious 19th century bushranger, reputedly used these caves as a hideout and vantage point. 



Mount Korong, Glenalbyn VIC 

Views from the side of Mount Korong, Glenalbyn VIC

Mount Korong is a dominant feature of the area between Wedderburn and Inglewood, rising strikingly from the earth and completely covered with enormous granite boulders. 

Mount Korong is much larger and more impressive than Melville Caves, and also features small caves beneath and between the enormous rocks. 


The Cascades, Metcalfe VIC

Gorgeous little waterfalls and whirling rockpools at The Cascades, Metcalfe VIC

When rock meets water the result can be absolutely spectacular, and The Cascades in Metcalfe are a particularly beautiful example. 

When water levels are low during the warmer months, the Coliban River flows between boulders and over layers of bedrock creating a series of small waterfalls and whirling rockpools. 

When water levels are high, the water rushes forcefully over the rocks creating impressive cascades and rapids. 



Dog Rocks, Harcourt North VIC

Explore the huge mountainside boulders standing among the trees at Dog Rocks, Harcourt North VIC

Dog Rocks, a stunning granite outcrop within the Mount Alexander Regional Park, offers spectacular hillside views over Harcourt and the countryside beyond. 

Countless enormous boulders stand out strikingly from the western slopes of Mount Alexander, just a short walk from the parking area. 

Spend some time exploring and appreciate the beautiful views from many different vantage points. 

These rocks were given their name in 1846 by Lockhart Morton, manager of Sutton Grange station, after he observed many dingos frequenting the area. 


Sisters Rocks, Stawell VIC

Discover the colourful caves and passageways beneath the massive boulders at Sisters Rocks, Stawell VIC

Sisters Rocks are a huge cluster of enormous granite boulders heaped in the bush alongside the Western Highway just out of Stawell. 

The rocks are spectacular and have been a popular tourist and picnic destination since settlement in the area during the 19th century. 

Large chambers and passageways can be found beneath the giant boulders. 

Graffiti artists have decorate the rocks as high as they can reach with interesting pictures, slogans and names. 

Opinions are divided over this graffiti - some say that the paint has ruined the natural beauty of the rocks, while others insist that the art serves as a unique guestbook and only enhances the attraction of this popular spot. 

Some of the graffiti dates back to the 19th century and can certainly be seen as a historical record of sorts. 


Rock of Ages, Maldon VIC

Enjoy views over the gorgeous township and surrounding countryside from Rock of Ages, Maldon VIC

Rock of Ages is a spectacular rocky outcrop atop Mount Mooral, overlooking Maldon, Victoria's first notable town. 

Enormous boulders are staggered across the top of the mount and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the town of Maldon, the historic Cemetery below the mountain, and Mt Tarrengower.

Mt Tarrengower is recognizable by the lookout tower on top which was constructed using the poppet head from Bendigo's Comet Mine. 


Quartz Mountain, Lillicur VIC

A rare example of a surviving quartz outcrop at Quartz Mountain Geological Reserve, Lillicur VIC

The Quartz Mountain Geological Reserve features the largest outcrop of pure quartz rock remaining in Victoria. 

The reef forms a north-south ridge approximately 0.8 km long. Huge masses of quartz stand over six metres high and in one spot a massive forty tonne boulder balances perilously atop the reef. 

There are large quartz boulders and smaller pieces of quartz scattered throughout the surrounding bushland. 

You can see evidence of old mining operations in the form of a deep mine shaft covered by a steel grate and an old adit going in from the east side. 

These mining efforts were made in the 19th century and had very limited success. The site was abandoned in favour of more profitable areas, leaving this spectacular reef intact for us to see today. 



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