Harcourt
Nestled in a picturesque valley at the foot of Mount Alexander, the mountain that gives our shire its name; Harcourt was once the premier apple growing region in Australia.
Still the centre of apple growing in Victoria the area is also now well equally well known for a bounty of other crops including award-winning wine and cider. Family-owned farms, larger scale producers and an Australian first organic farming alliance, mean the area is a wonderful place to tour, sampling the best from farm gates and cellar doors, many with restaurants and regular events.
More than just a place for amazing produce, Harcourt granite has been quarried on the mountain since the gold rush and in recent years the area has also become a world-renowned destination for recreation.
La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park attracts thousands of keen cyclists each year, there's plenty of bushwalking for all abilities, fishing, lovely camping and picnicking spots particularly around the Oak forest and Harcourt Reservoir and rock climbing on the mountain.
Just under 1,000 people call Harcourt home and the township boasts bike friendly accommodation, a café and shops, a great local school and kindergarten, busy sporting clubs and a popular outdoor pool. Nearby Barkers Creek, between Harcourt and Castlemaine, is home to many small farms and a historic cricket club, one of the oldest in Victoria.
Getting around
Conveniently located near the entrance to the Calder Freeway Bendigo is only 20 minutes from Harcourt, Melbourne just an hour and 20 minutes and Castlemaine only 10.
Train services to Bendigo and Melbourne operate regularly from the Castlemaine railway station.
School buses operate and transport students to Castlemaine and Maryborough.
Services
Harcourt is connected to the NBN. Town water and electricity is connected.
Median house price
Median sales price for a house in Harcourt is $680,000*.
Property
Harcourt offers a mixture of small and large acreage properties, verdant farming zones, natural bushland, spectacular views and affordable inner town residences.
Rental accommodation is available but as a high percentage of homes are owner occupied this can be more difficult to secure.
* www.realestate.com.au updated 24th November 2021
