Nagambie is a small town of around 1200 people, situated at the southern end of the Goulburn Valley, 123 km north of Melbourne on the Goulburn Valley Highway, between Seymour and Shepparton, and 130 metres above sea-level. The townscape is dominated by picturesque Lake Nagambie which lies beside the main street. The area is given over to vineyards, cereal, sheep, cattle, horse studs and tourism.
It has been claimed that either the Natrakboolok, Ngooraialum or Thagungwurung Aboriginal tribes occupied the land around what became Nagambie. Whoever it was they were clearly devastated and dispossessed by the arrival of Europeans.
The first white men in the district belonged to the party of explorer Thomas Mitchell which crossed the Goulburn River just to the south-west at what became Mitchellstown. Overlanders followed in his footsteps and therefore used the same river crossing, as did the postman on the mail route from Melbourne to Sydney, established in 1838. It was at this crossing that John Clark (see entry on Seymour) built the first licensed inn outside of Melbourne in the territory that would later become Victoria. That same year Mitchellstown became the first inland townsite in Victoria to be surveyed (though it never developed) and it was here that the survivors of the massacre at Benalla arrived, also in 1838.
An Aboriginal Protectorate was briefly established at Mitchellstown in 1839 but was moved the following year to what is now Murchison. The land on which the town would develop was taken up as a squatting run in 1845 by Hugh Glass and John Purcell. Chateau Tahbilk was established in 1860 on a part of this run with the help of French vigneron Ludovic Marie who was also instrumental to the genesis of Murchison
A hotel, church and blacksmith were set up to cater to the through-traffic of teamsters journeying along the river system to Adelaide. Glass had the township surveyed in 1868 by Marie. Land sales proceeded in 1870 and it was proclaimed as the private town of 'Nagambie' in 1872, said to be derived from a local Aboriginal word meaning 'lagoon'.
When floods killed off the mine at Graytown in 1870 many businesses relocated to Nagambie. However, the arrival of the railway in 1880 had a detrimental effect as Nagambie lost the coach and teamster trade.
Annual events include a craft market on the Nagambie median strip on Easter Saturday and the first Saturday in December. The Goulburn Valley Winemakers host two events: the Goulburn Valley Vintage Weekend on the third weekend in March and the Shiraz Challenge on the Melbourne Cup Eve weekend in November, tel: (03) 5794 2710.
Things to see
Tourist Information
Nagambie Lakes Visitor Information Centre is located at 145 High St in a building shared by The Nut House which sells 50 varieties of nuts as well as artwork and gifts. They are open seven days from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5794 2647.
Museum
The Nagambie Historical Museum has a collection of material culture pertaining to the district. It is situated within the old courthouse and shire offices (1871) at the corner of High St (the highway) and Vale St. There is a large agricultural machinery shed at the rear. It is open by appointment, tel: (03) 5794 2833.
Doll Museum
The old Colonial Bank building now contains the Colonial Doll Shop and Museum at 300 High St. It has childhood memorabilia dating back to the 1860s, as well as sales of dolls, teddy bears, doll houses and miniatures: both new and collectable, tel: (03) 5794 1779.
St Malachy's Catholic Church
St Malachy's Catholic Church (1872) is located in Church St which runs west off the highway.
Lake Nagambie
Lake Nagambie was created by the construction of Goulburn Weir (1887-90) and is fed by the Goulburn River. The eastern shore runs alongside the main street and grassy picnic areas have been established on the lakeside, such as Buckley Park, at the southern entrance to town, which has a boat ramp, electric barbecues and a safe swimming area.
Nearby, on the highway, is Jacobsons Outlook, another good picnicking spot with fine views out over the lake.
Waterskiing is permitted on the lake. In fact there are waterskiing, speedboating, rowing and yachting regattas throughout the year.
More out of the way, but quite delightful, is the area near Kirivans Bridge which is signposted off the highway, 4 km north of Nagambie. Shortly prior to reaching the bridge turn onto the dirt road which leads down to a quiet section of the lake where there are waterbirds about.
Goulburn River
The river is navigable for 40 km south of Nagambie. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources produces a pamphlet outlining the sections of the river which are suitable for canoeing. Trout and redfin fishing are also popular.
Goulburn Weir
Goulburn Weir was created between 1887 and 1890, enabling the irrigation of the lower Goulburn Valley and hence the expansion of agricultural activity. The stone for the high dam walls and facing was all cut by hand and hauled to the site by horse and dray. There is a lovely picnic ground with barbecue facilities located 11 km north, off the Goulburn Valley Highway.
Wineries in the Area
David Traeger Wines
David Traeger Wines, established in 1986, are located at 139 High St, at the southern end of Nagambie. This is a small, family-owned winery producing a cabernet sauvignon blend, shiraz, cabernet dolce, riesling and verdelho. Tastings take place in the historic 1870s cellar. They are open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5794 2514.
Tahbilk
Tahbilk, 8 km south-west of Nagambie (off the Goulburn Valley Highway), is Victoria's oldest family-owned winery and vineyard and one of the oldest in the country. Picturesquely set adjacent the Goulburn River and decorated with exotic trees, it was built in 1860 with extensions to the 100-metre cellar in 1875. The stone and timber buildings have a charming rustic feel, with the lovely tiered 30-metre belltower an architectural highlight. They produce a diverse selection of varietal table wines including marsanne and a limited range of sparkling and fortified wines. The cellar door is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and public holidays when the hours are 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5794 2555. The Nagambie Lakes Vintage Festival is held in May. They also offer visitors a Wetlands and Wildlife Reserve (cruises and walks available) and there is a Wetlands Cafe.
Mitchelton Winery, Mitchellstown
Mitchelton Winery, established in 1969, is located on the Goulburn River 14 km south-west of Nagambie on Mitchellstown Rd. The complex is dominated by a 55-metre observation tower , with viewing deck and cafe-style Preece Lounge, open seasonally and available for private functions. At ground level is the award-winning Mitchelton Winebar Restaurant which is open daily for lunch. There is also an art gallery, underground cellars, tours by arrangement, picnic areas, electric barbecues and gift shop. The cellar door is open seven days from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and it specialises in shiraz, marsanne and riesling. There is also a rare viognier roussanne and a mourvedre grenache shiraz. Brands include Print Shiraz, Mitchelton, Blackwood Park, Preece and Goulburn Valley, tel: (03) 5794 2710. For the restaurant ring (03) 5794 2388. The Goulburn Valley Vintage Festival isheld in March. The Great Australian Shiraz Challenge (hosted by 7 wineries in the Nagambie district) is in November.
Twelve Acres Winery, Bailieston
Twelve Acres Winery, established in 1994, is located 16 km north-west of Nagambie at Bailieston, on the Nagambie-Rushworth Rd. It is a tiny winery specialising in red wines (cabernet, merlot and shiraz) and is open from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Thursday to Monday, except in July when it is only open on weekends only, tel: (03) 5794 2020. There are picnic and barbecue facilities.
Bailieston is named after J. Bailey, the first landowner in the district. The village developed out of the Coy gold diggings which got under way in the 1850s. The township's most famous son was famous Australian cyclist Hubert Opperman who attended Bailieston school.
Goulburn River Cruises
A different way to visit Chateau Tahbilk and the Mitchelton winery is by boat. Goulburn River Cruises offer trips along the river to the wineries in question with lunches available. They are also available for charters and floodlit evening cruises.For timetables and fares ring (03) 5794 2877.
Carlinvale Boat Hire and Country Kitchen
Carlinvale Boat Hire and Country Kitchen have boats for hire and they offer light meals, picnic hampers and Devonshire teas in a tranquil riverside garden on Wattlevale Rd, tel: (03) 5794 2988.
Mt Black Lookout
Mount Black Lookout has fine views and picnic areas to the west of town. Follow the Heathcote Rd then take the signposted turnoff just before Graytown.
Balloon Flights
Balloon Flights are available in the district from Balloon Flights Vic, tel: (03) 5798 5417.
Tourist Information
Nagambie Visitor Centre
145 High St
Nagambie VIC 3608
Telephone: (03) 5794 2647, 1800 444 647
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