Wedderburn is the centre of Victoria’s famed Golden Triangle, 50 minutes north-west of Bendigo on the Calder Highway and just over two hours from Melbourne.
Renowned explorer Major Thomas Mitchell was the first European known to have visited the area during his third expedition in 1836.
Four years later, the first squatter arrived to take up a run of 64,000 acres, quickly followed by others keen to stake out land for themselves. The town sprang to life following the discovery of gold in 1852 and many nuggets are still found today by keen prospectors with the latest in detecting equipment.
Kurracaburn Heights is set on two acres of attractive gardens backing on to bushland and overlooking the Donaldson Park recreation reserve and Nardoo Creek. It is just a five-minute walk to Wedderburn’s main street, with its shops, cafes, parkland and hotel.
The accommodation is contained in one half of one of the town’s most historic buildings – the former hospital and child health service.
The guest wing includes three well-appointed bedrooms, full kitchen facilities, bathroom and many thoughtful touches to make visitors feel comfortable and well cared for.
All areas, including bathrooms, have wheelchair access.
Our History
Kurracaburn Heights is managed by owners Bruce and Michelle Hargreaves in the original building which housed the Korong Bush Nursing Hospital for more than 50 years.
Bruce, in particular, has a deep connection with the property – he was born at the hospital and returned later as an apprentice builder with his father to work on various development projects.
The original hospital building was basically four rooms, built in 1938, but gradually expanded with extensions at the northern end, a new surgery/delivery wing in 1964 and new kitchen and nurses’ room in the 1980s.
The hospital closed in 1990, but the building was used by various tenants in ensuing years, including a doctor, hairdresser, vet and masseur.
In 2007, the Hargreaves family began the conversion of half the building to provide double and twin-share accommodation, offering rooms with shared facilities.
The name, Kurracaburn Heights, was built on the foundation of the initials KBNH, for Korong Bush Nursing Hospital. Kurraca is a small district just out of Wedderburn where Bruce’s father was born and raised, “Burn” is extracted from the name of the town and “Heights” signifies the building’s location on a rise looking over Wedderburn.
Our services
- fully equipped kitchen — microwave, toaster, fridge, crockery, cutlery, sandwich-maker with milk, juice, butter and spreads
- linen, hairdryer and toiletries provided • three bedrooms – two with queen-size beds, one with two king singles, accommodating up to six people.
- bathroom with separate shower and toilet
- television, DVD player and split-system air conditioning in each bedroom
- wifi internet and printer
- DVDs, CDs and CD player on request, reading material, board games, children’s toys
- barbecue facilities
Things to do
The property opens on to bushland and walking tracks and a two-minute walk takes guests to the picturesque Wedderburn golf course. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities and attractions.
These include:
- heritage sites of old gold diggings and charming townships
- rock climbing at Melville Caves or Mt Korong
- historical tours and award-winning museums
- researching the family tree at district historical societies or local cemeteries
- regional wineries
- horse riding
- bushwalking trails, orienteering or geocaching
- areas of rare interest for wildflower photographers and conservation groups
- facilities for golf, football, hockey, netball and cricket
- gold prospecting
- bike riding
Contact Michelle or Bruce today to book your stay. Ring 0427 943 596 or email us for more information.