SPRING in Chiltern is bursting with birdsong, wildflowers and a renewed vigour for life.
Located just off the Hume Highway half an hour's drive from Wangaratta or Albury/Wodonga, Chiltern is a small, fascinating jewel in the crown of North East Victoria's gold–rush past and offers more for visitors than first meets the eye.
The charming village's mining history dates back to 1858 and there are artisan shops, seasonal knitting creations, three beautiful National Trust properties, the Chiltern Athenaeum museum and several characterful eateries.
Visitors dropping in for a short break end up spending hours exploring before heading off the beaten track into the Chiltern–Mt Pilot National Park surrounding the town.
This National Park is one of three remaining breeding grounds for the Regent Honey Eater, one of Australia's critically endangered bird species with fewer than 300 remaining in the wild.
Homages to this beautiful yellow and black bird can be spotted around Chiltern – a mural adorns the brick building next to the tiny, but oh so welcoming Visitor Information Centre and Lake Anderson Caravan Park proudly displays a statue by local artist Helen Hay.
Spring is the perfect time to walk, cycle or drive through the well–made gravel tracks and trails weaving through the National Park.
There is a vast biodiversity of bird life and beautiful wild flowers so bring binoculars or your camera and stroll along the Tuan Track for a bird watching adventure, climb to the top of Mt Pilot for 360 degree views, or explore Chiltern's gold mining history along the Magenta Mine walk.
Wherever you choose to adventure, you will be welcomed by the beautiful Box Ironbark forest, native plants and native wildlife celebrating the warmer weather.
For those looking for a birdwatching experience closer to town, the Chiltern Walk follows the shores of Lake Anderson, a favourite haunt of pelicans and other water loving fowl and the Chiltern Dams are easy to reach by car.
For more information visit explorechiltern.com.au, or pop in to the Chiltern Visitor Information Centre in the centre of town.
