Charlton

Towering silos not only point the way to the picturesque Avoca River town of Charlton, but they testify to the fact that this part of north-central Victoria is wheat country.

Graziers also use the town as a commercial centre, but the Charlton Golden Grain Museum's collection features largely on the development of the local wheat industry. It is not surprising, then, that the district boasts the largest grain-fed beef operation in the state.

A 2 kilometre walking track flanks the river which offers some rewarding fishing spots, while, 15 kilometres west of the town, Wooroonook Lake is a popular swimming and boating playground. The lake is also well stocked with trout and redfin.

The Bish Deer Farm lies to the west of Charlton and Wychitella State Forest 25km to the east is a sanctuary for a variety of flora and fauna, including the mallee fowl. Set on the junction of the Calder and Borung highways, Charlton is 255km north of Melbourne.