ST ARNAUD

St Arnaud

St Arnaud was settled during the gold rush of 1855 as ‘New Bendigo’, but was soon renamed St Arnaud to honour the Commander of the French forces in the Crimean War, Jacques le Roy de Saint Arnaud, who lies buried with Napoleon in Paris.

In 1861 the town’s streets were surveyed by W.M. Wills who later tried unsuccessfully to cross the continent with fellow explorer Robert O’Hara Burke. Today St Arnaud is a town of grand buildings, famous for its cast iron lacework verandahs. The surrounding bushland setting is home to abundant native flora and fauna, and nearby lakes and rivers are well stocked with fish.

Activities and attractions

Take a self-guided walking tour through the township – view the heritage streetscape of Napier Street, the grand old buildings in the Civic Heritage Precinct and the historic railway station and locomotive turntable in the Railways Heritage Precinct. Hire an audio tour from the St Arnaud Tourism office in Napier Street
Organise a group bus tour and get a local guide to help you discover St Arnaud’s living history
Visit Australia’s oldest family-owned business – Bray’s Menswear & Drapers – and ask about its flying fox cash transfer system
Picnic in picturesque Pioneer Park - believed to be Australia’s only remaining public park designed by the renowned garden designer Edna Walling
Take a walk in the Queen Mary Botanic Gardens
Try your luck at gold prospecting
Play a round of golf at St Arnaud Country Club, set in idyllic bushland
Camp, fish or walk at Teddington Reservoir
Enjoy a barbecue at the Wax Gardens in October when the wild flowers are in bloom
Visit cellar doors to meet winemakers and sample local wines at Kara Kara Winery
Make the most of the excellent local sporting facilities – bowls, croquet, rifle range, pistol club, lawn tennis, golf and others.