Bacchus Marsh.

Situated beside a scenic, fertile valley Bacchus Marsh is located by the Werribee and Lerderderg Rivers, some 55 km north-west of Melbourne en route to Ballarat and has a population of about 13,500.

As one of the oldest towns in Victoria, Bacchus Marsh has several buildings of historical significance, many of which are classified by the National trust including the Manor House built by Capt William Henry Bacchus in 1846, the sandstone Court House, built in 1858 and still used today, the gaol and the National Bank.

If you're coming to Bacchus Marsh from Melbourne, the main road into town is The Avenue of Honour which is lined by hundreds of elm, oak and plane trees, planted to honour those who served during World War One.

This road leads directly into the commercial centre of town which offers a mix of retail outlets in both historic and modern buildings.

Attractions within town include the historic Court House, the Tudor-style Border Inn, the Blacksmith's Cottage, and a number of churches dating back to the 1800s.

The Chicory Kiln, in Taverner Street, has been preserved since its construction in 1885 when chicory roots were roasted before being ground and added to coffee.

Lerderderg Gorge, located just 10km north of the town is a popular spot for swimming, picnics and bushwalking.

Bacchus Marsh is surrounded by a rich collection of state parks, national parks and waterways which offer bushwalking tracks and the opportunity to explore the scenic gorges and ranges in the area.

There are also picnic spots along the Lerderderg River, Werribee River and at the historic bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek, just off the Western Highway.

The Merrimu Reservoir, just a short drive drive north of town, offers BBQ and picnic facilities beside the water supply for towns in the area.

Brisbane Ranges National Park, with its many walking tracks and spring wildflowers is 16km to the South West.

Werribee Gorge State Park, about 8 km west of Bacchus Marsh, is where the Werribee River has carved through ancient seabed sediment and lava flows to form a spectacular gorge.

The name comes form the Aboriginal word ' Wearibi' meaning ' swimming place' or ' backbone' perhaps in reference to the snake-like path of the river.

Rock climbing is permitted at Falcons Lookout and a popular walk follows the Werribee River from the Meikles Point picnic area.

The Long Forest Flora Reserve is a great example of the distinctive mallee scrub that once covered the Bacchus Marsh region.

Bacchus, of course, was the Roman God of Wine and the Staughton Vale Vineyard and Winery is situated at Bacchus Marsh.

Nearby, St Anne's Vineyard has a bluestone cellar built from the remains of the old Ballarat Gaol and Bacchus Hill Winery overlooks the picturesque Bacchus Marsh Valley; all have delightful Cellar Doors.

Not far away, Melton town has a long and rich history of horses and the Bacchus Marsh Show, held in late October, and Cup Day in the Park, precedes a five-day festival in early November.

Bacchus Marsh is a delightful little town and one which you should visit as you travel around Victoria, enjoy,

John.

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