Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

151 places

Explore local places

Konongwootong Reservoir

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Konongwootong Reservoir

Konongwootong Reservoir, located 10 minutes north of Coleraine, is recognised for its indigenous heritage and is a popular site for fishing, walking, bird watching and passive recreation. Built in 1926 to supply water to the townships of Casterton and Coleraine, the Reservoir has a capacity of 1920 mega litres, being supplied by three-spring fed streams which run across grazing land. The Reservoir’s two entrances have boat ramps, picnic areas, parking and fishing access, with the Reservoir Road entry featuring an all-abilities walking path and access for fishing. The Reservoir is suitable for electric power boats, canoes and kayaks however boats with combustion engines, water-skiing, motorcycling and camping are not permitted. Konongwootong has significant Aboriginal cultural heritage values and is currently registered on the Victorian Aboriginal Register. For thousands of years, through to the late 1830s, the site was a natural wetland with pools of water in winter, and springs and water soaks in summer providing food, water, fibres, medicine and shelter for the Konongwootong Gunditj people. The memorial ‘A Quiet Place’ was established at the reservoir in 2014 to recognise the traditional history of the area. Designed to encourage informed and respectful contemplation by visitors the landscaped area features a walking path, interpretive signage and stone benches at the top of a natural amphitheatre with views of the wetlands area.

Konongwootong VIC

14 km away

Wannon Falls

Natural Attractions

Wannon Falls

Wannon Falls, located in the Southern Grampians, presents a spectacular display of water flowing down the falls into a deep plunge pool below. Just 20 kilometres west of Hamilton Wannon Falls was created by basalt lava flow that surged upstream to the Wannon River. The water, which cascades over a 30-metre vertical precipice into a deep plunge pool below, is actually flowing over hardened basalt lava. Further downstream, rapids wind their way around large blocks of basalt, dislodged over time down the embankments of the narrow valley. The history surrounding the Wannon and Nigretta Falls dates back to the 1850's when the small town of Redruth, renamed Wannon in 1908, was first settled. Planned around the Wannon Inn and a ferry for crossing the river, the community consisted of two schools, two hotels, a store and four sawmills located nearby. Over time, the Falls became a popular tourist attraction, attracting many visitors in the 1890s when excursion trains travelled from Hamilton. The turn off to Wannon Falls is 19 kilometres west of Hamilton, just off the Glenelg Highway. Wannon Falls and the nearby Nigretta Falls are linked by a scenic road. Both waterfalls are at their biggest and best after a winter or spring rainfall.

Wannon VIC

16 km away

Nigretta Falls

Natural Attractions

Nigretta Falls

Nigretta Falls is a small waterfall set in outstanding scenery. The waterfall is considered more spectacular than Wannon Falls, due to its clearer features. The small town of Redruth (renamed Wannon in 1908), was settled by Europeans in the 1850s. Planned around the Wannon Inn and a ferry for crossing the river, the buildings consisted of two schools, two hotels, a store and four sawmills located nearby. Over time, the Falls became a popular tourist attraction, attracting many visitors in the 1890s when excursion trains travelled from Hamilton. Take a short detour from the Glenelg Highway for fishing, picnics and barbecues at Nigretta Falls, a small waterfall fed by the Wannon River. View the falls from above and enjoy the picnic tables and barbecue facilities. See the falls in full flow after heavy rains.

Bochara VIC

22 km away

Australian Kelpie Centre — Image credit: Casterton Visitor Information Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Kelpie Centre

Casterton is celebrated as the birthplace of the kelpie working dog. Visitors can explore the newly constructed, all-purpose Australian Kelpie Centre. This facility is located on Henty Street, situated in the heart of the Kelpie Trail. The centre provides several valuable services. It houses the local Visitor Information Centre for tourist assistance and souvenir purchases. Meeting spaces and amenities are available for public use. A highlight for visitors is the interpretive display. This exhibit showcases the fascinating history and heritage of the kelpie working dog breed.

Casterton VIC

25 km away

Settlers Walk, Cavendish — Image credit: Danielle Thomas Photography - One Day Collective

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Settlers Walk Cavendish

Established as a memorial to Cavendish's Solider Settlers, the mid 50s pioneers, 'Settlers Walk' brings our past back to life via brief stories on plaques affixed to volcanic rocks situated along the river. Entrance to the walk is through the garden beside the Police Station. A plaque can be seen as you enter through the hand gate. Follow via the boardwalk for about 1300 metres along the riverbank to the eastern boundary of the town. Hongsip's Bridge is a reminder of Chinese connection when thousands passed through Cavendish on their way to the Goldfields. Meander along the river's edge taking a moment to view an ancient and picturesque waterhole used by Police troopers surrounded by century-old trees and views of vast river flats and the Grampians. This section of the walk can also be accessed by car via Cameron Street, one block east of the Police Station, with car parking and a picnic area available. Peaceful and picturesque vistas, birdlife and beautiful ancient red gums greet you along this section ending with views of the vast river flats and the Grampians forming the backdrop. Settlers Walk provides picnic table areas, several boardwalks, two footbridges, and plaques along the river noting historic places of interest. The walk is two kilometres in total so allow yourself 45 minutes at an easy walking pace.

Cavendish VIC

32 km away

Hamilton Indoor Leisure & Aquatic Centre

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Hamilton Indoor Leisure & Aquatic Centre

Make a splash in the pool, shoot a three pointer, play a game of table tennis, workout in the gym or smash out a game of squash, all that and more is on offer at the Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre. The team at HILAC can help you achieve all your health and fitness goals by tailoring programs to suit your individual needs. Offering a range of group fitness classes, there’s a program to suit everyone. Memberships are available through HILAC and are multi-level with a free membership for those over the age of 80. The Gym is open to members 24/7 and to the public during staffed hours.

Hamilton VIC

32 km away

A wonderful outdoor entertaining area

Natural Attractions

Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning

Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning is a mud-brick function centre, consisting of a main function hall, meeting rooms with attached kitchens, as well as having art studios with an art room and separate ceramics studio. The institute is the gateway to the eastern barred bandicoot and native grasslands/bush enclosure. Stroll through the beautiful grounds, past the children's native play garden, look at the red gum bandicoot carvings and stroll past the indigenous food garden on your way through the beautiful native bushland to the bandicoot enclosure. Stroll around the reservoir, taking in the 12 informative signs displaying magnificent paintings of local native fauna and flora. Bring a picnic and stopover at the bandicoot site, situated in the magnificent gardens. They now have a new shelter with seating, shortly to have a public access barbeque. A beautiful place for a wedding, the main hall with inlaid bandicoots and rustic features is ideal, and the paved courtyard and gardens lend themselves to a perfect wedding venue. It is also the home of Hamilton's monthly farmers' and craft market on the last Saturday of each month. Please visit the website for more information. The institute also has a Creative Arts Centre where people meet every Wednesday evening to enjoy the social atmosphere and do their own art.

Hamilton VIC

33 km away

The Resevoir in the Bandicoot Parkland Wildlife Walk — Image credit: HIRL

Parks and Gardens

The Hamilton Bandicoot Wildlife Walk

The Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning is the gateway to Hamilton Parklands Bandicoot Enclosure. The Hamilton Parklands Bandicoot Enclosure was set up the ensure the survival of the endangered species, The Eastern Barred Bandicoot. The Parklands at Hamilton, is not only a secure breeding ground for the a Eastern Barred Bandicoot, but contains a beautiful wildlife walk around the old Hamilton reservoir. This walk has signs that have beautiful paintings of all the fauna and flora in the parkland. The walk around the reservoir in this beautiful natural bush land takes only a little over half an hour. You will see native birds and wildlife, as well as all the native plants representative of our western district bush lands and grassy plains . These Bandicoots are being bred in their natural habitat at Hamilton and then being sent to other areas in Victoria where they can be safety bred to increase the size of the population to ensure their survival.

Hamilton VIC

33 km away

Hamilton History Centre Inc

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hamilton History Centre Inc

The Hamilton History Centre is a volunteer-based research facility dedicated to the collection, preservation and cataloguing of historical records of Hamilton and the surrounding region which are made available for research purposes. The collection includes over 2000 local historical photographs, cemetery records, German settlement history, war records, family history records, parish maps, pastoral properties, records of Hamilton residences, shops, businesses as well as church and school records. Artefacts, memorabilia and a lovely lace collection, among other items, are on permanent display in the Rippon Room which may be viewed during opening hours or by appointment. Research enquiries are welcomed.

Hamilton VIC

33 km away

New signage on the Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

MUD Gallery

The Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL) Gallery is now called MUD Gallery. It is a community gallery manned by local artists and volunteers, displaying and selling works of art. The art gallery consists of paintings, drawings, photography, jewellery, cards, woodcraft, leathercraft, silversmith creations, pottery, ceramics, glassware and much much more. Beautiful creations all made by local artists. Lovely gifts and keepsakes of the wonderful Western district.

Hamilton VIC

33 km away

Hamilton Nucleus

Landmarks and Buildings

The Hamilton Nucleus

It's where Brown Street meets Gray and where you will meet the "Heart of Hamilton" and while the sculpture is a wonder in itself, the story behind it is just as amazing. Donated by generous local benefactor, Mr. Geoff Handbury AO, the red oval shaped sculpture and the centrepiece of a main round-a-bout, reflects not only the heart of Geoff and his family, but also of the region itself. With such devotion to the community, the donation made by Geoff has since fittingly gained the nickname 'The Heart of Hamilton'. Likened to a heart, the sculpture's fluid reaction to change could be compared to Mr. Handbury's own generous and open-hearted approach. With its shape depending on the wind, as kinetic parts separate and reform, the unique piece was selected by Mr. Handbury in the hope it makes people stop, relax and smile. The futuristic sculpture is the work of artist Phil Price, a New Zealand artist best known for his large-scale kinetic sculptures.

Hamilton VIC

33 km away

Presence Hamilton

Shopping and Markets

Presence Hamilton

Presence is a Women's clothing store based in beautiful Hamilton. Their aim is to bring you a carefully curated range of women's clothing such as dresses, tops, bottoms, knitwear, coats and jackets, accessories and giftware. Presence Hamilton supporting slow and sustainable fashion with the Australian and NZ brands on offer.

Hamilton VIC

33 km away

Hamilton Botanic Gardens — Image credit: SGSC

Parks and Gardens

Hamilton Botanic Gardens

Established by William Guilfoyle, curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens are one of Victoria's most outstanding regional civic gardens and rightly recognised as an important part of Victoria's Heritage. The first sketch plans and suggested plantings (now more than 100 years old) are held at the Hamilton Art Gallery. The Gardens are open every day and are a source of interest and pleasure to residents and visitors alike. Facilities include: Playground, Picnic facilities, Barbecue facilities, Toilets, Picnic shelter, Walking track, Drinking fountain, Water tap.

Hamilton VIC

34 km away

Parklands Golf Club Hamilton

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Parklands Golf Course

Parklands Golf Club is a public golf club maintained and run by a committee of volunteers, catering for golfers of all ages and capabilities since the club was established in 1972. Parklands pride itself on being a family club where the emphasis is placed on the enjoyment of the game in a friendly environment. it is an 18 Hole Course.

Hamilton VIC

34 km away

Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum

The Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum is dedicated to transport and tourism pioneer Reg Ansett, who commenced his transport business in Hamilton, Victoria in 1931. The museum is based on the Ansett company's original aircraft hangar, which has been relocated in Hamilton and displays a collection of over 1,000 objects relating to the Ansett empire from the humble road and air transport beginnings in Western Victoria through to an inter-national airline .

Hamilton VIC

34 km away

Lake Hamilton

Natural Attractions

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton is located at the eastern end of Hamilton and is surrounded by 25 hectares of parkland. An attractive landscaped manmade lake used for various water-based activities featuring an excellent walking/bike track of 4.2km. The Lakes Edge Adventure Playground, Hamilton Skate Park and the Dog Park are one of several opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoor surrounds of the lake. Water-based sports are well catered for with a boat ramp, toilets and shower facilities located off the Mill Road entry. You can also participate in the Hamilton Park Run, which is a weekly 5km run around the lake free for anyone to participate. Activities on the lake include fishing, waterskiing, sailing, rowing, windsurfing, canoeing and swimming. Camping is not permitted around Lake Hamilton.

Hamilton VIC

34 km away

Lakes Edge Adventure Playground — Image credit: Southern Grampians Shire Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Lakes Edge Adventure Playground

The Lakes Edge Adventure Playground offers over 90 different experiences with equipment including rope pyramid, climbing wall, slides, spinners, swings, climbing mountains, see-saw, rope hammock, birds' nest, sandpit, sway-fun glider, inclusive carousel, ship structure and much more. Kids of all abilities and ages will have fun at this park. This spacious, all-abilities playground is a reflection of the natural environment of Hamilton. For water lovers, Lakes Edge also has water features for warmer days as well as a massive sandpit with interactive elements which is one of the highlights of the park. Located along pet-friendly Lake Hamilton's edge, there is a well-maintained bike and walking path located only a few metres away which follows the circumference of the lake creating a 4.2 kilometre loop. A dog park can also be found just down the path providing an area for dogs to play and socialise off-leash, the only park with this purpose within the Hamilton region.

Hamilton VIC

34 km away

Hamilton Golf Club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Hamilton Golf Club

Whether you're spending the day or simply a few hours with friends, new members and visitors are welcome at the Hamilton Golf Club. The course is one of the western districts leading golf courses with spectacular 18-hole grass greens offering a relaxing, peaceful environment for the golf enthusiast. Tree-lined fairways and well-bunkered greens offer a realistic challenge to golfers of all standards. The Golf Course is available for general play seven days a week. Located 290 kilometres from Melbourne on the eastern side of town in the rural city of Hamilton. The Hamilton Golf Club offers a quiet location with off-street parking. It is within walking distance to many Hotels/Motels and the Central Business District. A function room is available for hire on a casual or permanent basis and can seat up 200 theatre style or 130 with table settings. A variety of catering options can be arranged. Please contact the House and Function Manager for details and costs.

Hamilton VIC

35 km away

Hamilton Pastoral Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hamilton Pastoral Museum

Two complexes of collections showing the development of farming and household technology. Historical buildings at the museum include St Luke’s Church, Cottage, National Bank, Drik Drik Post Office, Byaduk Automatic Exchange, Blacksmith, Myaring Woolshed, Warrayure School rotunda, Coleraine Lock-up and Old Penshurst Police Station. Other sheds display horse drawn vehicles, threshers, the Deutscher Foundry, extensive collections of tractors, stationary engines, headers, the sheep and wool industry, household, fashion and a Saddler and Bootmaker Shop. Excellent displays are provided by the Hamilton Wood Turners and the Model Train Group. You can also experience unique working displays on Rally weekends. Allow one - two hours for viewing.

Hamilton VIC

36 km away

Petschel House Hamilton

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Petschel House Hamilton

Eltham born, Jenni began formal painting as a child under Leslie Sinclair at Montsalvat. She has a masters of Visual Art from Monash University and has exhibited widely nationally and internationally. She has painted in the Australian Desert and sailed as artist-in-residence with the Aust. Antarctic Division to Antarctica, later The Arctic and Norway. Recent painting trips include Mongolia and Dili Timor Leste. Petschel House studios and gallery are set on 14 acres of gardens with a lake, orchard and alpaca paddocks. The original bluestone house was built circa 1856 by the Rentsch and Petschel families. Private and small group classes and workshops also available where students are encouraged 'to see with the artists' eye' and paint from observation to develop an understanding of tone and colour while learning techniques to help in their personal artistic explorations of techniques and style.

Hamilton VIC

36 km away

Mount Napier State Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Mount Napier State Park

Stand on the edge of Mount Napier, the most recently active volcano in Victoria, and enjoy magnificent views from the Grampians to the sea. There is a walking track to the summit that winds through manna gum and Blackwood forest and past impressive volcanic features. There is a walking track to the summit, which leads through the forest and past interesting volcanic formations. The walk winds through manna gum and Blackwood forest and past impressive volcanic features including a lava canal and tumulus and featuring a scoria zone at the summit. The park also takes in the Byaduk Caves, one of the most extensive and accessible sets of lava caves in Australia. They are part of a lava flow stretching out 24 kilometre from Mount Napier to Mount Eccles and contain wrinkles, stalactites and stalagmites, columns and ropy lava. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Byaduk North VIC

40 km away

Bilston's Tree — Image credit: Bilston's Tree - Casterton Visitor Info Staff

Natural Attractions

Bilstons Tree

This short, flat 600 metre return walk takes you to a well-known local landmark — Bilstons Tree, also known as Big Tree or The Big Fella. This incredible river red gum is reputed to be the largest of its kind in the world and is more than 800 years old. The tree was to be felled for its timber in 1962 but was saved by a local forest officer who campaigned for its preservation. In 2013 a large branch fell from the tree, which now features beautiful pictures of animals carved by a local artist. Bilstons Tree is 4.5 hours drive west of Melbourne.

Dergholm VIC

41 km away

Balmoral Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Balmoral Mural

Located in the historically charming main street of Balmoral, you will find the bold and contemporary ‘Balmoral Mural’. An example of abstract expressionism, the critically-acclaimed artwork by Melbourne’s Geoffrey Carran and Rowena Martinich was commissioned by the Chameleon Art Collective of Balmoral and highlights the local wildflowers and birdlife of the region. The mural is a bright pop of colour and a total must-see during your next visit! The spectacular mural can be seen on the wall of Balmoral's Community Store in the town centre.

Balmoral VIC

41 km away

Harman’s Valley Lookout

Natural Attractions

Harman’s Valley Lookout

Located along the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road just under four kilometres north of the Byaduk Township, the Harman's Valley Lookout showcases one of the best examples of lava flow constricted by a valley in the world. A number of information boards at the lookout provide visitors with interesting facts about the area and other volcanic features arising from the Mt Napier eruption. The lookout is located just off the main highway and is easily accessible with ample spaces for parking.

Hamilton VIC

42 km away

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.