Placement site information
Heathcote
Heathcote is a small rural township nestled amidst box ironbark forests, with a strong historical background dating from the 1850’s. Heathcote’s physical and social attributes – the climate, the nearby peaceful bush environment, the friendly people make Heathcote unique.
Located at the junction of two major highways, Heathcote is a convenient distance from Melbourne, Bendigo, Echuca and other large towns. Heathcote’s’ atmosphere and lifestyle are widely recognised and celebrated.
Heathcote boasts a range of tourism interests - historical and cultural; National and State parks, relics from the gold rush days, burgeoning wine industry.
Things to do - Bushwalking, cycling, orienteering, photography, wildflowers, bird watching, sightseeing - gold prospecting and gemstone fossicking. With dark skies away from city lights, Heathcote is an ideal locality for astronomers and stargazers.
Destinations within the town precinct include: the unique geographical reserve at Pink Cliffs; historic buildings such as the newly refurbished Old Goal, Courthouse, Council Office and other significant buildings.
Popular picnic spots – Barrack Reserve, the Rotunda at the Dargile camping and picnic area, the Valley of the Liquidambars, Pink Cliffs, along McIvor Creek and Forest Drive; walks or drives to nearby lookouts at Viewing Rock and Mt. Ida.
The town has preserved its past with streets of bull nose verandahs and fine Victorian architecture.
Many restaurants, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and cafés now command the town centre, and are supportive of the local produce.
Although a relatively new wine region, Heathcote is fast developing a reputation for producing some of the finest Shiraz in the world, as well as high quality varieties such as Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its’ unique Cambrian soils produce internationally known fine wines.
Although many of the Heathcote wineries are small, family owned businesses, their numbers are growing, ensuring Heathcote continues to make its mark on the domestic and global wine market.
Heritage buildings, spectacular views, antiques and crafts, galleries, bushwalking, National and State Parks are all within easy reach. Come and enjoy the good food, local wines, sunshine and fresh country air that Heathcote region has to offer.
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:
‘Heathcote – Health Information’
Past student completed and suggested Project ideas
Health promotion
Past student comments/suggestions
Friendly and encouraging