Smeaton, VIC
Smeaton is a tiny hamlet located in a farming and grazing area 142 km north-west of Melbourne, viaCreswick and 31 km north of Ballarat.
Prior to white settlement the area was inhabited by the Wemba-Wemba people. Overlander and pastoralist John Hepburn, a retired ship's captain, settled in the area in 1838, naming it after an estate in Scotland. He built one of the state's earliest substantial country homes which still stands today.
Some gold was found in the area in the early 1850s but supplying the miners of the district proved more profitable.
Things to see
Anderson's Mill
The most important attraction in Smeaton (and a clear indication of its economic history) is the 19th century industrial complex which includes an beautifully preserved four-storey bluestone flour mill which is possibly the largest flour mill ever built in Victoria and the most perfectly preserved mill in Australia. The flour mill includes a 25-tonne waterwheel which is 8.5-metre across, and a huge chimney. Outbuildings include a bluestone office, stables, a granary, a residence and a blacksmith's.
The complex was built in the early 1860s by the Anderson family who had made a fortune on the Victorian goldfields. When wheat production shifted to the north-west the mill was refitted for oatmeal and continued to function until 1957. The complex still stands near the creek which once drove the mill.
To get there, head south out of town on the Creswick Rd and the mill can plainly be seen 1 km after crossing a bluestone bridge built in 1892. It is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment, tel: (03) 5345 1352 or (03) 5337 0689. There isn't much inside but the scale and the exterior are impressive and there is a picnic area.
As part of the Heritage Festival (held in March or April), a jazz music performance is held annually at the mill.
Smeaton House
Another historic feature near town is Smeaton House. One of the state's earliest substantial homesteads, this two-storey stuccoed brick Regency mansion was built in 1849-50 for the settlement's founder, John Hepburn. He now lies in the small private family cemetery nearby which is fenced and surrounded by trees.
Smeaton House is privately owned but can plainly be seen from the roadside without intruding upon the privacy of the proprietors. To get there head north out of town on the main road (to Castlemaine) and take the first right into Estates Lane.
Tuki Trout Fishing and Farming Complex
Also to the north of town is the Tuki Trout Fishing and Farming Complex where you can catch your own fish amidst the parklike surroundings of the 'Stoney Rises' farm, established in the 1850s. Smoked trout and pate are also available. There are woolshed tours, sheep shearing demos, working sheep dogs and stock horses in action, hands-on lamb feeding, a licensed gallery restaurant, a kiosk, picnic-barbecue areas, wool products, souvenirs and cottage accommodation. It is open from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. daily and at evenings by appointment, tel: (03) 5345 6233. To get there head north towards Campbelltown for 7 km and watch for the signposted turnoff to the right.
Those favouring a more freelance approach to fishing can try Bulloorook Creek.
Yandoit
22 km north-east of Smeaton is Yandoit which retains some old stone fences and two-storey houses with stone chimneys from the days when Swiss-Italian farmers settled in the area in the mid-19th century, selling dairy produce and wines to the goldminers. Their descendants still live in the area.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.