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The Piccaninny

National Parks and Reserves

Bainggug (The Piccaninny)

A popular leisurely walk suitable for most hikers, the summit of the Bainggug (The Piccaninny) provides excellent views of Mud-dadjug (Mt Abrupt) and the nearby town of Dunkeld with its impressive and unique landscape. The track begins at the Picaninny carpark along Victoria Valley Road or Grampians Tourist Road. The easy-to-follow path leads through picturesque, lush woodlands, with a gradual incline leading to the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for the many interesting animal and plant species that call this area home and the stunning wildflower displays during Spring.

Dunkeld VIC

1.0 km away

Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) Walk

National Parks and Reserves

Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) Walk

Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) is positioned at the southernmost point of the Gariwerd (Grampians) National Park and is one of two outstanding peaks towering over the town of Dunkeld. This walk, suitable for fit and energetic walkers, involves water crossings, slippery track surfaces and rock hopping. Follow the path up through open woodland. Several steep sections lead through rocky terrain and stunted vegetation towards the top. Be warned - there is a false peak on the walk but keep going to reach the summit and you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and volcanic plains, and Dunkeld township. Return via the same route or continue on and follow the trail that loops back to the carpark across the front of the mountain.

Dunkeld VIC

1.1 km away

Dunkeld Arboretum — Image credit: SGSC

Natural Attractions

Dunkeld Arboretum

The Dunkeld Arboretum showcases a living collection of the world's trees. Set in a dramatic and beautiful recreation precinct at the base of the Gariwerd (Grampians) National Park, the Arboretum provides visitors with a truly unique experience. The Arboretum is home to a labyrinth and Old Sawmill, as well as a walking track and picnic facilities. Experience the beauty and history of this magnificent 18-hectare Arboretum. Facilities include: Picnic facilities, Walking track.

Dunkeld VIC

1.5 km away

Dunkeld Heritage Trail

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Dunkeld Heritage Trail

Wander the streets of Dunkeld and keep an eye out for the 26 locations where steel iron informative boards await your arrival. In January 1944, fires destroyed one-third of Dunkeld’s houses and businesses at a time when many residents were absent defending Australia in World War II. The fire caused devastating effects on the township and the Dunkeld Heritage Trail helps tell the story. Located throughout the town, the boards speak Dunkeld’s history, not only about the effects of the fire but also many other interesting tales of the town. For a leisurely walk accessible to all, the Dunkeld Heritage Trail is a great way to stretch your legs and get a great insight into Dunkeld’s rich history. The Dunkeld Heritage Trail is a volunteer community project that connects them with the built environment of the early 20th century.

Dunkeld VIC

1.8 km away

Australian Light Horse Heritage Collection

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Light Horse Heritage Collection

Displaying a collection of light horse memorabilia, much of which graciously bequeathed by the (late) Ian Jones. Ian Jones was an author, expert Ned Kelly historian, Australian screen and television writer and director (including that of ‘The Lighthorsemen’ film 1987). The Australian Light Horse and Heritage Collected owner Dave, now has the honour of displaying these precious items for the public to admire. Transcribes reveal a fascinating account of the remarkable journey our fellow troopers undertook and displays include a tunic from a Charger at Beersheba and another tunic from a 4th Light Horse Regiment member illustrated in Ian’s book, A Thousand Miles of Battles.

Dunkeld VIC

1.9 km away

Mount Abrupt from Grampians Golf Club — Image credit: Grampians Golf Club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Grampians Golf Club

Grampians Golf Club has been sculpted out of a natural bush setting nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Abrupt in the Southern Grampians. A short drive from the township of Dunkeld this spectacular 18 hole golf course provides stunning views of the Grampians at every turn. A round of golf at Grampians Golf Course will be shared with kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and an abundance of birdlife including the resident gang gangs cockatoos and, wildflowers when in season. Grampians golf course is open year-round via an honesty system with winter and particularly spring seeing the course at its prime. Groups can be catered for with clubs, buggies, and bar facilities available through prior arrangements. The course has generous fairways that provide plenty of room off the tee, but thick bush and abundant grass trees await those who miss. Several doglegs and well-positioned trees make careful course management the key to playing this deceptively tricky course. Grampians Golf Course is well maintained throughout the year with recent upgrades to the irrigation system and an increasing cover of couch grass are seeing the Grampians becoming a year-round proposition.

Dunkeld VIC

2.2 km away

Mount Abrupt

National Parks and Reserves

Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt) Walk

Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt) is a steep track that winds its way through Gariwerd (Grampians) bushland and up sandstone rocks to the summit. Once at the summit, take in the wonderful views of the Serra Range to the north and over Dunkeld in the south. Keep an eye open for wedge-tailed eagles, nankeen kestrels and peregrine falcons. For the best walking experience explore Mount Abrupt in Spring to early Summer. The Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt) parking area is on the east side of the Grampians Road, approximately four kilometres from the Victoria Valley Road intersection. Sections of this walk are incorporated into The Grampians Peaks Trail.

Dunkeld VIC

3.0 km away

Dunkeld and Grampians Golf Course — Image credit: Visit Grampians

Parks and Gardens

Dunkeld and Grampians Golf Course

Sculpted straight from its natural bush setting, the Grampians Golf Club is nestled at the base of the mighty and majestic Mount Abrupt. The 18-hole golf course provides spectacular sweeping views of the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Open all year round, you will love sharing the course with kangaroos, wallabies, emus and an abundance of birdlife.

Dunkeld VIC

3.8 km away

Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve

The Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve is situated in the southern Grampians region adjacent to the Grampians National Park, a short drive from the picturesque town of Dunkeld in the floodplain of the Wannon River. The Reserve comprises a total of approximately 1500 acres, including the main 'Walker Swamp' restored wetlands, a magnificent 200 acre area of threatened remnant Manna Gum mixed woodland protection area and restoration area and a large-scale woodland revegetation site. This site has a fantastic diversity of habitat types and supports a range of threatened species.

Bornes Hill VIC

23 km away

Ros McArthur Art Studio and Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ros McArthur Art Studio

Ros McArthur Art Studio is located in the large garden of "Woollahra" sheep farm in the Victoria Valley, an area known for its production of ultra-fine merino wool. The property is circled by the Grampians mountain ranges and National Park that are a never-ending source of beauty and inspiration. The garden, a mixture of native and exotic plantings, supplies the material for still life paintings. Visitors are invited to wander and enjoy the garden. It has been designed to incorporate and blend with the natural surroundings and picturesque farming land. Many travellers tour the Great Ocean Road and then head north to the majesty of the mountains, a round trip from Melbourne. The studio is conveniently located to the north of Dunkeld and to the south of Halls Gap. There are prominent road signs from both directions. For Ros, painting is a passion and form of expression in which to escape and explore visually and mentally. Ros' aim is to create images that please and challenge the senses. Oil paintings are available on canvas, stretched canvas and board, both framed and unframed. There is also a limited range of prints of popular works. Ros is happy to discuss commissions.

Mirranatwa VIC

26 km away

Penshurst Botanic Gardens — Image credit: SGSC

Natural Attractions

Penshurst Botanic Gardens

Tucked away just off the Hamilton Highway with entry via Cox Street, the Penshurst Wetland Gardens are located within the Penshurst Botanic Gardens complex. The Wetlands are naturally formed, revolving around a never-failing spring. Originally set aside as public gardens in 1876, the gardens were redeveloped in 1993 to take advantage of the spring where they were landscaped to include elements of Australasian, Asian, American and European Wetlands. The 13-acre gardens feature an impressive collection of plants and flowers with the spring creek eventually forming into a lake, where a gazebo is perched on the water’s edge. From the gazebo, visitors are treated to spectacular views of the Grampians and surrounding landscape. With walking paths throughout the gardens and multiple viewing areas and park benches, the Wetlands are best to experience by foot, however, a car park along Chesswas Street enables visitors to view the gardens from the car.

Penshurst VIC

27 km away

Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre — Image credit: Best Aussie Vans Campaign

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre and Rock Garden

To see a volcano blow its top and a red river of molten lava cascade down its side is to feel the awesome power of the natural world. An unusual experience awaits you at Penshurst. The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre and Rock Garden is a unique museum experience, where hands-on, interactive displays enable visitors to learn about volcanoes, with a particular focus on those in the Western District. Penshurst is located in the heart of the Newer Volcanics Province on the third largest volcanic plain on Earth with its own resident volcano, Collorrer/Mount Rouse. The Discovery Centre and Rock Garden will transport you back thousands of years to when volcanoes were erupting all over the Western District using simulations and relics. Immerse yourself in how volcanoes are formed, their geology, their history in the Greater Hamilton area, the interaction of the Koorie people with volcanoes and view a simulation of Collorrer/Mount Rouse, Penshurst's very own volcano, erupting. The Centre is located on Martin Street with access via a service road off the Penshurst-Warrnambool Road. With ample rooms for bus and car parking and public toilets.

Penshurst VIC

27 km away

Yatmerone Reserve — Image credit: Southern Grampians Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Yatmerone Reserve

With over 30 species of birds living in the wetlands, Yatmerone is a popular bird-watching area providing a place where visitors can appreciate the local flora and fauna as well as catch a glimpse of native wildlife. The Reserve is fed by a spring being one of few deep Fresh Water Marsh Wetlands in the area, and so provides a habitat and summer refuge for plants and animals. A trail along the edge of the reserve takes walkers through a small native parkland, providing plenty of opportunities to photograph the local flora and fauna. A bird hide can be found only a few hundred metres down the trail and provides a place for bird watchers to observe the bird species as they go about their business. Completely hidden from their view, the bird hide provides a perfect place for photographers to capture birds and other wildlife. The 13 hectares are designated for Nature Conservation and managed by Parks Victoria for the purpose of wildlife management.

Penshurst VIC

28 km away

Mount Rouse — Image credit: Best Aussie Vans

Natural Attractions

Collorrer (Mount Rouse)

Twenty minutes east of Hamilton lies the town of Penshurst, home to the extinct volcano Collorrer (Mount Rouse). The mountain is a massive accumulation of scoria, rising 100 metres above the surrounding volcanic plain. Its high relief offers an important vantage point from which to view the lavas and adjacent volcanoes of Mount Eccles and Mount Napier. Collorrer (Mount Rouse) is built mainly of red and brown scoria with thin, interbedded basalt lava flows. The scoria forms an arcuate mound opening towards the south-west, giving the appearance of a breached cone. To the south of the main scoria cone is a deep circular crater with a small lake and a smaller shallow crater rimmed with a small lake and a smaller shallow crater rimmed with basalt. Past lava flows from Collorrer (Mount Rouse) followed shallow, gently sloping river courses, extending at least 60 kilometres south. A thin basalt lava flow contained in the scoria cone has been dated at approximately 1.8 million years old. If this is accurate, then Collorrer (Mount Rouse) marks the beginning of the second (younger) phase of activity in the Newer Volcanics Province. The Collorrer (Mount Rouse) summit has track access and provides panoramic views of the lava plain and surrounding district. At its base is a deep circular crater and lake rimmed with blotchy spattered basalt.

Penshurst VIC

28 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

29 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

29 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

29 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

29 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

29 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

30 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

30 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

30 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

30 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

30 km away

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