lynetter

People will either love or hate Amherst, depending on what they're looking for. If you're hoping for a suburb, you'll hate it since Amherst isn't one. Amherst is nowadays just a region on a map rather than a town (although it used to be pretty big in goldrush days).

But, if you're looking for a quiet rural lifestyle, with plenty of open space, yet not too far away from the conveniences of town, it's perfect. It's located within 15 minutes drive of 3 towns - Talbot, Avoca and Maryborough, so you have all the benefits of town facilities easy to hand (if you drive) but the privilege of feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere when you're at home. Along the main road it is quite flat, but once you get onto some of the back roads there start to be gentle slopes, which depending on your block can provide glorious paddock views backdropped with forest.

Surprisingly for such a quiet place, it even has its own local winery / brewery (Romantic Vineyard) which offers fabulous evening meals if you book ahead, and sometimes even if you don't! It's run by the same people who own the thriving cafe in Maryborough.

In terms of practicalities of living, the downsides are, like any rural area, you don't have gas or mains water - but you do have electricity, rubbish collection, post delivery, phone. The worst things are that currently the only way to get broadband internet is via satellite, and mobile reception is a bit iffy in parts.

To sum up:
If you're looking for a secluded peaceful escape, without being too far away from town, it's great. If you're looking for a place that's within walking distance of shops, doctors, schools, pubs, etc then it's not for you.