Bilby is situated in a narrow valley, and on a rich, well-watered plateau overlooking the valley and the Valley River. The Hundred Nugget Creek forms part of a natural boundary which has restricted the town's growth. The town was established in 1860, after alluvial gold was discovered in the area. The gold quickly petered out, but the town kept going when tin mining was set up and Welsh settlers arrived to work the mines.

After the collapse of the tin mine at Mount Owen, Bilby developed into a pastoral and agricultural community, with small farms on the plateau and the river flats sustaining families quite well. Generally the larger properties ran cattle through into the next valley, while farmers on the plateau grew food and pasture crops. This plateau provides a wonderful example of western basalt plains, almost wiped out in most areas. It is also a great place for wind farms

This town has always had an interest in preserving its beautiful environment, one of the major features of its tranquility and attractiveness to tourists. There is a great stand of local eucalypts in the state forest which includes the water catchment area and dam (check out the picnic ground and the views over the dam).

One of the environment highlights of Bilby is its wetlands area, adjacent to the graveyard close to central Bilby. This is a rare example of a wetlands allowed and encouraged to retain its original flora and fauna — so there are exciting sightings of the growling grass frog, the Southern lined earless dragon and the Plains wanderer. This proximity to the graveyard has led to that area becoming a habitat for the growling grass frog, which is now endangered throughout the state.

Many local farmers are with Bilby Landcare, and developing wetlands of their own to improve the interdependency of the local flora and fauna and the increasing awareness of climate change and its effects on water.

Some of the farmers are now involved in an organic farming movement, which is leading to wonderful demonstration farms open to the public.

Location of Bilby sights
The map indicates the topography of the region. Its main features are:

the plateau — a grassland area with developing wind farms

the small valley floor which contains the central shopping area of the town, with steep roads up to the plateau in the north west and the lookout in the east

the river, which is always flowing but seldom floods, and Hundred Nugget Creek which feeds the local wetlands but has variable water flows

state forest on the plains to the north west and into the upper river region (river catchment) in the south east.

Adventure tours
For details on all the following tours, contact the BDTA (55555 49889)

Jerrijig whitewater kayaking
Go from the headwaters at the Valley View Creek to the top of Jerrijig waterfall — teeter on the edge! This is an ecotour where everything is provided, from the kayaks to the afternoon billy tea and campfire!
Jerrijig waterfall to Mount Owen and return to Bilby — 5 hours round trip
This is a four wheel drive tour which covers some of the most beautiful and rough country around Bilby. A great way to experience the early settlers' conditions! It finishes with a full meal at the Agostini vineyard!
Self-guided walking tours
There are several well-marked hiking trails — obtain maps from the office.
Three Peaks Cycling Tour
This runs in July, and is a challenge to the intrepid cyclist. Three mountain climbs in one day, all equipment provided! Bilby district has a justified reputation as a great mountain bike terrain, and this tour provides the ultimate test.

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