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The Buloke Tourism Visitor Guide is full of things to see and do in the Buloke Shire towns of Charlton, Wycheproof, Nullawil, Birchip, Culgoa, Donald, Sea Lake, Berriwillock and, Nandaly. Our region has plenty to offer – you won’t be disappointed.

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This beautifully renovated 1938 art deco theatre has seating for nearly 350 people. It is still a working theatre which in addition to regular movie screenings also has plenty of live shows as well.

Housed in the 1882 Mechanics Institute, this award winning museum has over 3000 local artefacts and photos on display. There is a vast collection of local family history resources as well and if you think you have a long lost relative who may have lived here once, just ask the volunteer on duty to have a look. Open 11-3 on Sundays or by appointment.

Entry is $5 for adults; children free. Group bookings welcome.

Located 13km west of Charlton, the Wooroonook Lakes were an important source of water for the First People’s and became a life line for the early settlers in the 1870s. The site has seen plenty of fishing, swimming and boating for over 100 years. Excellent facilities include 10 powered sites, an amenities block, BBQ, playground and a pontoon.

FEES: (honesty system)
Annual memberships: Boating and camping $125
Camping only membership $50
Powered sites:
DAILY Member: $10.00, Non member: $15.00
WEEKLY: Member: $60.00, Non member: $100.00
Non powered sites:
DAILY Flat rate: $5.00
Boat launch fee: $10 per launch

The Wooroonook area is shared by two neighbouring Nations:
The Yung Balug Clan, whose Country encompasses Bridgewater, Serpentine to Mt Buckrabanyule, Boort, Kinypaniel Creek, Charlton and the Loddon and Avoca Rivers, are part of the Dja Dja Wurrung People.
The Bulugdja Clan, also known as Djubagalg gundidj, which translates to ‘People of the Lake’ and refers to Lake Buloke, the centre of their Country. They are part of the Wergaia Clans known as Maligundidj, which means the people belonging to the Mali (Mallee).

Lakes offer a vital water and food source for Indigenous peoples travelling through Country, usually along designated routes known as Songlines. Songlines lead to culturally significant locations where friendships are renewed, and goods, songs, stories and information are traded, or knowledge exchanged.

Wooroonook Lakes are an important stopping and meeting place and their location and significance has been passed onto each generation and shared between other neighbouring Nations.

Songlines with their important landmarks and waypoints are learned through ceremonies, art, song and dance. Songlines are also ‘mapped’ in the stars whereby various constellations are markers to indicate direction and the locations of other important cultural and physical information.

Aboriginal habitation continues to be evident in this area. There are trees bearing scars where bark was removed for the creation of canoes, shelters, shields and coolamons. These trees only bear scars on one side ensuring their ongoing survival. Also present are stone tool scatters and middens where debris from cooking and eating food has accumulated over time.

Wildlife is diverse around the lakes with numerous bird species, grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, brush tail possums and native water rats. The lake is stocked regularly with fish for recreational fishing.

With the arrival of European settlers to the area in the 1870s, the Wooroonook Lakes became their lifeline in dry years. In addition to watering livestock and providing water for households, the lakes became a popular recreation spot for picnics, swimming, boating and duck shooting. Lake Wooroonook was so popular during the 1930s it was referred to as a ‘miniature St Kilda beach’ with two dressing sheds, a pier, diving platforms and a fenced off area for swimming competitions.

Lake Wooroonook became the venue for countless end of year school breakups, church picnics and sports carnivals. In 1960, skiing was introduced with the ski carnivals attracting crowds of up to 2000 visitors. The first skiers had to contend with trees, stumps and unknown snags in the water until 1966, when working bees were held to clear the debris using tractors and gelignite.

Over the years, continuing improvements such as the sanded and grassed foreshore, the addition of powered camping sites, a playground and a pontoon, has seen the lakes remain popular with locals and tourists. A dedicated volunteer group fundraise each year to help pay for water to fill the lake and make other infrastructure improvements.

There’s plenty of art to enjoy in Charlton. There are several wall murals throughout the town – all within easy walking distance. And if you walk like a short walk visit the award winning Nyernila First People’s Art Trail amongst the red gums of the Avoca River. The Sir John Monash Tribute Garden also features a mural and painted piano.
5 High Street – work by Kyle Torney
John Curtin Drive – work by Jack Fran
24 High Street – work by Kate Pullen
11 Armstrong Street – work by Kyle Torney
Lions Park – work by Darren Mills & Andre Sedone
Avoca River Waling Track – Nyernila (various)

Located in the historic Charlton Courthouse in Camp Street. View a wonderful photographic display in this lovely old building which still has the judge’s bench in situ. Open by appointment.

Mt Dooboobetic Reserve: Golf Links Road (Off Borung Hwy), Charlton 3525.

Klunders Hill Look-out: Back Teddywaddy Road (Off Calder Hwy), Charlton 3525. Dry weather road only.

Klunders Hill, (named after a local family who lived in the nearby homestead – Cobham Hall), is a great spot to overlook Charlton, the grain silos and the local surrounds, and is situated in the Mt Dooboobetic Reserve.

To get to the lookout simply turn left into the Back Teddywaddy road (opposite the entrance to Charlton Park, 1km from the town centre on the Calder Hwy). Continue for 2.5km (it becomes gravel about half way) until you see the small sign on the left hand side through a gate, then travel 600m, taking the left hand track (dry weather only).

The Mt Dooboobetic Bushland Reserve, which is also the location of the Charlton Golf Club, is home to loads of native flora and fauna. There are over 100 species of birds to be found including protected species such as the Hooded Robin, Brown Tree Creeper and Diamond Fire Tail. In spring, lovely native orchids plus other hidden treasures can be discovered.

The 18 hole sandscrape golf course is open from mid-April to mid-September. There is a large club house with a wood fire and bar facilities but this is not always open. Green fees apply.

The golf course and reserve is a five minute drive from town. Take the Borung Highway towards Donald and turn right up Golf Links Road. Although you are welcome to use the fairways to access the birdwatching woodland, it would be appreciated if you park in the golf club parking area and walk from there.

Charlton has a plethora of history to explore. Visit the Prime Minister John Curtin’s bust at the Travellers Rest or the General Harold ‘Pompey’ Elliott bust in Elliott Gardens which is also home to our cenotaph and war memorials. Read the plaques on many of Charlton’s historic buildings and view the photo boards located throughout the town. We have our own Bills’ trough and if you have time, pop into the award winning Charlton Golden Grains Museum. We have numerous historical buildings – the 1882 Courthouse, the 1883 Mechanics’ Institute, the historic art deco Rex Theatre and many lovely old hotels. If history’s your thing – you wont be disappointed.

Download the History Trail brochure.