Guildford Goss, Yapeen Yarns & Fryerstown Fables

12/10/2025

The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation recently hosted a special gathering to honour the Guildford Biyal, a sacred red gum believed to be more than 530 years old. 🌳

Families came together beside the tree to craft with timber that had naturally fallen, sharing traditional skills and stories while celebrating the living connection between people and Country. 🙌🏻

The Guildford Big Tree, recognised as Victoria’s Tree of the Year in 2023, is deeply significant to the Dja Dja Wurrung People, with its grafted limb marking it as a traditional marker tree. 💛

12/10/2025

How good’s this! ✨

The brand-new Heron Nugget monument has been officially unveiled at Golden Gully in Fryerstown, celebrating one of the region’s biggest and shiniest claims to fame! 🪨

The project’s been a long time coming, and it finally came together thanks to a tight little crew of locals who put their heart and soul into it! 🙌🏻

History buffs and gold tragics Glenn Alan Braybrook and Tim Brown, PMAV president Jason Cornish, and geologist Clive Willman all helped turn an idea into a lasting tribute! 🙏🏻‍

The original Heron Nugget, dug up in 1855, was a whopper – 1008 troy ounces, or about 31.4 kilos in today’s terms – making it one of the largest ever found in Victoria’s goldfields! ⚖️

The monument now stands as a nod to that incredible find and the rich history that still glimmers under the Fryerstown soil! 🌱

Massive credit to Julie Hough for the photo capturing the big moment, featuring Jason, Glenn, Clive, Tim, and a crowd of proud locals who’ve kept the spirit of discovery alive! 📷

01/10/2025

A new tribute has been added to the region’s gold rush story, with the PMAV installing a memorial to the famous Heron Nugget at Fryerstown! ✨

Discovered in 1855, the Heron Nugget was the largest ever found in the Castlemaine goldfields, weighing in at a massive 1,008 ounces (38.1 kg) – a find that would fetch around $5.8 million at today’s prices! 😮

The memorial, featuring a plaque created by Mike Barry, was installed yesterday morning with the support of Tim Brown, Glenn Braybrook and Clive Willman. 🪦

An official unveiling is planned for this Friday at 11am on the Vaughan–Chewton Road, with media in attendance. 👋🏻

23/08/2025

The Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail is moving ahead, with design and environmental work underway on the 61km route. 🛤️

Community consultation kicks off in late October, giving locals a chance to shape the project before it seeks final approval and further public funding. 💰

Are you looking forward to the trail being constructed? 💬

Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail: Community Consultation Coming Soon!

Exciting progress is underway on the Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail, with work recently commencing on the pre-construction phase of the project.
The proposed 61-kilometre trail will follow the disused rail corridor between Castlemaine and Maryborough, passing through Campbells Creek, Guildford, Strangways, Newstead, Moolort, and Carisbrook. This phase includes detailed design work for the rail trail, environmental and cultural heritage investigations, and engineering design for road crossings and heritage bridges.
Following the completion of a Feasibility Study in 2023, which included initial community engagement, the current phase will bring the trail design closer to readiness for approval and to seek funding for construction. With this comes a new opportunity for the community to get involved.
Community and stakeholder consultation will begin in late October, with engagement activities running throughout November. These will include:
• Online access to the draft design and a survey for feedback.
• Six in-person events in Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Newstead, Carisbrook, and Maryborough, where locals can view plans, ask questions, and share their thoughts.
• Additional engagement opportunities for residents, businesses, and landowners near the proposed trail alignment.
Supported by the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail will provide a significant boost to the local community.
“This trail will be a major boost for regional tourism, supporting local jobs and businesses and creating unforgettable visitor experiences."
“Community consultation will ensure that we’re supporting locals, attracting more visitors and driving growth across the region.’’
Details of all engagement activities will be available closer to the consultation period at cmrailtrail.org.au/community-and-landholder-consultation.
For questions or feedback, the project team can be contacted at [email protected].
This pre-construction phase is led by Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail Inc., with support from the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund, Central Goldfields Shire Council, and Mount Alexander Shire Council.

09/08/2025

The Guildford General Store has earned a glowing shout-out from Pyney’s Pie Reviews! 🥟 🙌🏻

02/03/2025

Some fantastic shots of the historic John Smith building in Yapeen – a glimpse into the past still standing strong today! 📸

28/02/2025

Rodney Marchant has perfectly captured the charm of the little church at Yapeen in this breathtaking photo. The timeless beauty of the historic building, set against the peaceful backdrop of the countryside, makes for an unforgettable image! ⛪

23/02/2025

Enjoy this stunning shot of the Guildford Family Hotel, a true gem! 🍻✨

21/02/2025

At 89 years young, Norma Hancock has proven that it’s never too late for a new adventure. Today, she officially reopens the beloved Guildford General Store, despite having never been a shopkeeper before! 🏪

“I’m not the sort of person to sit around, but that’s what I was doing before this,” she said. “You have to keep having challenges in life – otherwise you just rot.”

Norma’s incredible spirit and determination are an inspiration to us all. Here’s to fresh beginnings, strong community spirit, and a local treasure back in business! ❤️

28/01/2025

If you’re a fan of industrial heritage or stunning historical landmarks, you’ve got to check out the Duke of Cornwall Engine House near Fryerstown. Built in 1865 for the Anglo Australian Goldmining Company, this impressive structure is a true relic of the Victorian gold rush era.

Engine houses like this one were vital to the goldmining process, housing massive steam engines that powered pumps to drain water from deep underground mines. Today, the Duke of Cornwall Engine House stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of those who sought their fortunes in the goldfields.

📷: Bruce Nichols

09/11/2024

A 626-page history of Vaughan will launch tomorrow afternoon at Vaughan Mineral Springs! 📖