West Melbourne and Beyond

Taradale Attractions

Top Things To Do In Taradale

Introduction: Taradale is a charming town that welcomes visitors with its peaceful ambiance, historic character, and stunning natural beauty. This delightful destination is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a blend of heritage, nature, and a taste of small-town Australian life.

One of the most iconic features of Taradale is its historic railway viaduct, an engineering marvel that stands as a testament to the region's rich past. Spanning the Coliban River, this striking structure is a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Nearby, you’ll find remnants of the town’s gold rush era, with stories of prosperity and perseverance woven into the fabric of the community. Wandering through Taradale feels like stepping back in time, yet the town retains a vibrant and welcoming spirit.

For nature lovers, the Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve is a must visit, where you can sample the naturally effervescent mineral water that has drawn visitors for generations. The tranquil setting is perfect for picnics or simply soaking in the serenity of the Australian bush.

For more extensive hiking, venture to Mt Alexander Regional Park just 19 minutes drive away. With its unique granite boulders, camping, public toilets and picnic areas it's a great area to do some hiking. Includes some great lookout points at Lang's Lookout and Shepherds Flat Lookout for those who enjoy scenic views.

Another must visit is the Cascades in Metcalfe for the undoubted scenic highlight in the region. If you love swimming this is the place to visit. A relatively unknown gem that is sure to please if this is your kind of thing.

Top Things To Do In Taradale — *Image: Westmelbourneandbeyond.com*

Present Day: Today it's unlikely you'll purposely seek out Taradale unless doing a pottery retreat or workshop at Oxart, visiting Mica Grange Gardens, having a pub lunch at Elphinstone Hotel, taking a few scenic photos at the Taradale Viaduct or doing some hiking at Mt Alexander Regional Park.

Taradale is now pretty much a sleepy hollow although for art and pottery lovers I can imagine an annual visit from Malmsbury, Castlemaine or Kyneton could be worth your while.

Top Things To Do In Bacchus Marsh — *View from Shepheard's Flat Lookout, Mt Alexander Regional Park. Images: West Melbourne and Beyond.*

Distance to Melbourne: Taradale is approximately 1 hour 17 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD so is very accessible for day trips from Melbourne.

*Dog Rocks, Mt Alexander Regional Park. Image: West Melbourne and Beyond*

Suggested Itinerary:

These are our top picks of things to do on a first time visit to Taradale.

Visit the impressive Taradale Viaduct for some photo's and learn about Victoria's rail past.
Visit the Taradale Mineral Springs.
Walk some of the local Taradale Trails.
Visit and shop at Oxart Pottery for one of a kind ceramic gifts and artworks.
Have lunch at the Elphinstone Hotel for a classic pub lunch just 4 mins drive away.
Visit Mica Grange Open Gardens and Sculptures a 12 min drive away. Note: Short spring and early summer opening period.
Visit Malmsbury a short 6 min drive away.
Visit Kyneton a short 16 min drive away and new hipster travel destination.
Go hiking in Mt Alexander Regional Park a short 19 min drive away.
Have a dip and swim at The Cascades a short 15 min drive away.

In More Detail:

We've outlined some of the best things to do in Taradale and its local surrounds on a day trip. Taradale doesn't justify more than a day trip for most travellers unless you are visiting family and friends or intend to do every many of the short walks in Taradale or Mt Alexander Regional Park.

1. Taradale Viaduct:

The Taradale Viaduct The Taradale Viaduct is a remarkable feat of 19th century engineering and an iconic landmark of the region. Built between 1858 and 1862, this historic railway bridge spans the Back Creek valley and was a crucial part of the Bendigo-Melbourne railway line during the Victorian gold rush.

Constructed using wrought iron and supported by towering bluestone piers, the viaduct stretches an impressive 198 metres in length and rises 36 metres above the valley floor. Its design and construction were groundbreaking for the time, showcasing the ingenuity and ambition of early Australian infrastructure projects.

Today, the Taradale Viaduct stands as both a functional railway bridge and a heritage listed site, drawing visitors interested in its architectural significance and scenic surroundings. The area around the viaduct offers picturesque views, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the bridge's structure casts striking shadows across the landscape.

Best for: A trip down memory lane. Spectacular views at sunrise and sunset. Admiring Victoria's industrial past.

More Information on Taradale Viaduct

2. Taradale Mineral Springs:

The Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve is a serene and picturesque destination renowned for its natural spring water and tranquil surroundings. Set amid lush greenery and native bushland, the reserve provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the region’s mineral-rich spring water, known for its refreshing taste and potential health benefits.

The spring itself is easily accessible via a short walk, with a hand pump allowing guests to sample the water directly. Picnic areas, walking tracks, and open spaces make the reserve a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor recreation.

Best for: A pitstop, stretching your legs, tasting the mineral spring water, letting the kids run around in the playground, having a picnic.

More Information on Taradale Mineral Spring Reserve

3. Oxart Pottery:

Oxart Pottery stands out like an icon when you drive to Taradale. Oxart Pottery is literally the only shop in town.

Oxart Pottery offers unique one of a kind pieces of art and homeware. This store is perfect if you are looking for a gift that is just that little bit eclectic or special. It's great also to support small and local business especially when its as good as Oxart Pottery.

Well worth a stop even if you are not usually into this kind of thing.

Best for: Gift shopping and looking for unique one of a kind gifts.

More Information on Oxart Pottery

4. Taradale Walking Trails:

There are numerous Walking Trails around Taradale that you can take advantage of if hiking or bushwalking is your kind of thing.

For those a bit more adventurous take the relatively short walk to Graham's Dam.

Best for: A picnic and a swim.

More Information on Walking Trails in Taradale

5. Lunch at the Elphinstone Hotel:

The Elphinstone Hotel is great for a modern Australian pub lunch.

Modern pub cuisine and great atmosphere as it's busy and the locals seem to love it. Not a particularly distinctive pub but a pumping venue always creates a bit of a positive vibe.

Best for: A modern pub lunch in the country.

More Information on Elphinstone Hotel

6. Mica Grange Open Garden:

The Werribee Gorge Long Circuit is easily the best walk in the Werribee Gorge State Park.

This walk is highly recommended and a personal favourite. We have walked it several times. We love it! Don't be tempted to be lazy and do the short circuit walk as that is a significant down scale in scenery and omits all the attractive parts of the walk.

Best for: A great scenic and diverse walk. One of the premiere day walks in Victoria.

More Information on Mica Grange Open Garden

7. Visit Malmsbury:

Malmsbury Highlights — *Image: West Melbourne and Beyond*

Just 6 minutes drive away is Malmsbury if you are looking for more things to do.

Go to Zig Zag winery, take photo's of famous Malmsbury Viaduct, enjoy the Malmsbury Farmers and Artists Market, walk the local botanic gardens, visit The Cascades in Metcalfe, walk the Malmsbury Reservoir, have a coffee at the Merchants of Malmsbury and enjoy the photography on display.

Best for: More country charm and the impressive Malmsbury Farmers and Artists Market.

More Information on Malmsbury

8. Visit Kyneton:

Kyneton is no longer a sleepy hollow and is quite the tourist destination for those in the know. Wineries, Piper Street and more awaits for the adventurous traveller.

Best for: Wonderful Piper Street, shopping, having some wine.

More Information on Kyneton

9. Walk in Mt Alexander Regional Park:

Go walking or camp at Mt Alexander Regional Park just 19 minutes drive from Taradale. Home to a local koala population and other native fauna, unique and many granite boulders and nice panoramic views. Walks up to 8km return so relatively easy for weekend travellers.

Best for: A picnic, local koala population (but still difficult to see any), large and many unique granite boulders, views.

More Information on Mt Alexander Regional Park

10. The Cascades:

The Cascades is the premier landscape spot in the region. It also happens to be a great swimming spot as well if that is your kind of thing.

This is well worth the 15 minute drive from Taradale especially if you do not visit this part of Victoria very often.

Best for: Swimming, watering holes, unique pools and lovely scenery. Highly recommended.

More Information on The Cascades

In Conclusion:

Truth be told Taradale isn't really a primary destination in its own right. The obvious highlights being Oxart Pottery, the Taradale Viaduct and the Taradale Mineral Spings Reserve.

However there are many other sites nearby that we have outlined so if you are already travelling to Kyneton, Castlemaine or Malmsbury it may make a lot of sense to quickly see the main sites of Taradale (Oxart Pottery, the Taradale Viaduct and the Taradale Mineral Spings Reserve) since you are in the vicinity.

If you love walking then Taradale may have added interest from its many short Taradale Walks and the nearby Mt Alexander Regional Park.