Placement site information
Bacchus Marsh
Bacchus Marsh is located mid-way between Melbourne and Ballarat, in a rich and fertile valley that consists of orchards, market gardens and pastoral fields. The town has a long history; dating back to just before gold was discovered in nearby Ballarat during the mid 1850s.
When entering Bacchus Marsh from Melbourne, the main road into town is The Avenue of Honour, which is lined by hundreds of elm, oaks 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 Streey, has been preserved since its construction in 1885 when chicory roots were roasted before being ground and added to coffee.
To gain an overview of Bacchus Marsh and the surrounding fertile valley, there are a couple of good vantage points. Off Flanagan’s Drive is the Our Lady Ta Pinu Marian Centre, located on a hilltop at the eastern entrance to town. The circuit drive around the cross monument offers impressive views across the rich farming land along The Avenue of Honour and towards the surrounding mountain ranges. The road along the northern boundary of Bacchus Marsh Grammar School (accessed via South Maddingley Road) offers a more urban outlook with views over the town centre and surrounding residential areas and towards the mountain ranges in the north.
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 north of town, offers BBQ and picnic facilities beside the water supply for towns in the area.
Students are encouraged to submit photos that they have taken during their town visits for posting at this site. The photos should be of buildings of interest and the natural environment. Photos may include the student, but not others without their permission. Please email photos to Scott Middleton smid@unimelb.edu.au with a brief note on the town name.
Other links:
http://bacchusmarshhospital.com.au/
Bacchus Marsh – Health InformationÂ
Past student Completed and suggested Project ideas
Palliative care with Pam (nurse)
A good experience to learn about other specialties (e.g. occupational therapy, Physio, cardiopulmonary rehab, nursing etc.) other than just medicine.
A good experience to learn how a rural health system works.
Many opportunities in allied health (OT, Physio, DN, palliative nursing
Past student comments/suggestions
The community nursing was an excellent part of the program
The visits to the community homes with the community nurses were interesting
The medical staff was excellent and helpful
Very well organised, staff were friendly
Programme was well organised with a very broad range of placements/disciplines; we were well looked after and felt universally welcome.