Worn-down 'jewel' needs some love ahead of World Heritage Bid

Walhalla, a former gold rush boomtown now home to just 20 permanent residents, is a sun-dappled "jewel" that draws thousands of tourists annually, largely thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers. The Walhalla Goldfields Railway, a rattling red train, is a key attraction, with visitor numbers reaching 30,000 per year and showing increasing consistency.

This heritage railway and the town's historic Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, which once produced nearly 14,000 kilos of gold, are central to a planned bid for World Heritage Listing for the Victorian goldfields. This prestigious designation is expected to attract an additional 2.2 million visitors to the region within a decade.

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We have about 30,000 people a year … riding the train.

Volunteers like Victoria Whelan, who manages passenger details for the railway, are optimistic about the World Heritage bid. "We're hoping it will increase our reputation internationally, so we might get a threefold increase or something, which would be fantastic," she said. The railway team envisions a potential extension to the nearby town of Erica, further enhancing visitor access.

However, the town's charm is threatened by aging infrastructure. Broken footpaths force pedestrians onto roads shared with vehicles, the lack of reticulated sewerage necessitates costly sewage carting, and parking is scarce during peak times. Furthermore, some gold-era sites are succumbing to vegetation overgrowth, vandalism, and deer. Whelan acknowledges these challenges, stating, "I think it's a good time, with the World Heritage Bid, to real..." The town's future hinges on addressing these issues to capitalize on the potential heritage listing.

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We're hoping it will increase our reputation internationally, so we might get a threefold increase or something, which would be fantastic.