Yambuk, Victoria: Travel guide and things to do

Yambuk is a tiny township of about 80-100 people located in a pastoral and agricultural district on the Shaw River, 18 km west of Port Fairy and 296 km west of Melbourne on the Princes Highway.

The limestone cliffs to the east of town have yielded numerous middens which indicate that Aboriginal settlement in the area dates back at least 2300 years.

Things to see

Yambuk Inn
The town's most historic building is the Yambuk Inn (formerly the Commercial Hotel) which was once an important stopping place on the road between Port Fairy and Portland. It was erected of bluestone in 1870-71 to replace a timber original which was erected on the same site in 1856. The present building was designed by pioneer architect Captain John Mason and features walls of squared basalt with a dormered attic. The steeply-pitched iron roof is regarded as evocative of early building traditions in NSW and Tasmania. The bullnose verandah was added in the early 20th century.

Yambuk Lake
The 'lake' is actually the estuary of the Eumeralla River. It is a scenic and quiet getaway spot located 3 km south of the town along Yambuk Lake Road. There is a campground with about 40 powered sites, two barbecues and a basic amenities block with a laundry and showers. It is essentially a fishing lake and there is a boat ramp with small adjoining fishing wharf. There is no waterskiing and it is not recommended for swimming. Opposite the boat ramp, on the eastern side of the lake is a giant slide in the sand dunes. Surf fishing can be enjoyed from the ocean beach which is also fine for careful wading but it is unpatrolled and these are dangerous waters so don't venture out very far.

Eumeralla Garden
Situated on five acres, this garden features plantings of rugosa and old-fashioned roses. There are groves of lilacs, elms and birches and perennial borders planted with irises, lilliums and bulbs. There is a children's garden, a kitchen garden, a viewing platform and a gift shop. It is open weekends and public holidays from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. or by appointment and entry is by donation. 'Eumeralla' is located in Fingerboard Rd, tel: (03) 5568 4276.

Codrington
10 km west of Yambuk, on the Princes Highway, is Codrington. Wormwood Garden and Nursery has several display gardens, a lavender walk, a keyhole garden and 'the nook by the brook', all set around an Edwardian home (c.1900). The exotic plant nursery specialises in irises, daylilies, climbers, roses and hedging plants. There is also a replica of an old-style general store and a memorabilia display relating to the outset of the 20th century. Wormwood is open Wednesday to Sunday and most public holidays from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and is located at 4887 Princes Highway, Codrington. Garden tours are by donation, tel: (03) 5568 4203.

Codrington Nursery is signposted from the highway at Codrington. It is open daily and specialises in native trees, shrubs and ground covers with an emphasis on coastal plantings and indigenous species. Deciduous trees, fruit trees and ornamentals are available from June to August, tel: (03) 5568 4344.