The little gold mining town of Talbot in the central goldfields of Victoria has some unique features not found elsewhere.
You won’t be jostled in the sparsely populated streets of this town but you will find a abundance of history as you turn every corner from museums to bookshops and colonial era churches every building takes you back hundreds of years to the time it boasted 200 hotels in the surrounding area during the height of the gold rush area
With a population just exceeding 200 the town swells to over 3000 during the now famous Talbot farmers market once a month bringing purveyors of local fruit, vegetables and other exotic produce from near and far to this award winning market .
The history of this town is evident in the century old buildings like the primitive Methodist church, the old police station and cells, the radio museum and the old library.
A town that promises to transport you back in time also has many modern features to attract many people to the town and its outskirts.
A award winning provodore restaurant renowned for fine dining and local wines, a golf course maintained by the locals, its own swimming pool, football ground and caravan park, the local court house hotel provides cold beer, wine and typical country meals.
Also the people of the town are one of its best features, friendly outgoing and diverse in every way and very progressive in its attitude to others. Nearly everyone has a dog or cat, some have horses, the odd sheep and cow can be seem wandering down the main streets at twilight.
Among the most treasured attractions which draws thousands of people to the town is the 700 year old aboriginal birthing tree, a tree that provided a safe and reassuring sanctuary for the women of the Dja Dja Warrung First Nations people giving birth in exceptional circumstances.
A tree that provided sanctuary and safety from the harsh climate for women in exceptional times.
The 700 year old tree was the mob’s connection to the land dating back 60,000 years a connection that can never be severed by any wanton act of vandalism .
This 700 year old tree was recently subjected to a vicious attack by a person devoid of any sense of decency or conscience setting fire to this monument tracing back into a timeless connection to the land .
The tree was not destroyed but seriously damaged and is a symbol of the quick action of residents and the CFA to limit the damage .
Talbot is a town worth visiting when you’re in the area or travel to at least see this remarkable place featuring the old the new and the ancient, the birthing tree will make it worthwhile
