Places To Visit In The Southern Grampians
Places To Visit In The Southern Grampians
When it comes to things to do in Western Victoria, there simply is so much! For Victorians and those in the east of South Australia, the Southern Grampians is an easy Australian road trip – just a short drive from Ballarat and Geelong. Or if you are coming from interstate, try a fly and drive from Melbourne Tullamarine or Avalon Airport.
Southern Grampians Region consists of towns including Cavendish, Coleraine, Dunkeld, Hamilton and Penshurst and Willaura.
Cavendish
Cavendish is a small town in the Southern Grampians Shire in Western Victoria. It is situated either side of the picturesque Wannon River. There are lovely walks to enjoy along the River, which are surrounded by beautiful gum trees. On the main street, there is a sign to the Settlers Walk, follow this and enjoy the beautiful riverbanks of the Wannon.
Cavendish is also the home to the popular community event, The Cavendish Red Gum Festival. Through a diverse range of family friendly activities, the festival exposes and educates visitors to the unique local environment.
Cavendish is home to The Bunyip Hotel Cavendish, which in recent times has become a reason to visit. The Bunyip, as it is known to the locals, prides themselves on delivering great food and wine, using local products, in a genuine country pub setting. The food is exceptional and if you’re visiting on a Sunday, you are strongly encouraged to stop in for their five-course set menu Chef’s Table.
Sunday sessions, Paella Day’s and other special events are always very popular to the locals and beyond. The outdoor beer garden is one not to be missed on a sunny day, it is very family friendly and has a fantastic outlook over the Wannon River.
The Bridge Cafe is a popular cafe, fast food restaurant and convenience store for locals and those travelling through.
Camping in Cavendish – The Recreation Reserve, Campground and Picnic Area is a nice spot to stop for a casual picnic and for the kids to get out and run around. There is plenty of room to roll out your swag riverside or pitch a tent for a real bush escape. Further accommodation options are available within the area in the form of holiday houses to rent.
Coleraine
Just a short drive from Hamilton Victoria, you’ll find the small town of Coleraine. Just 19km along the Hamilton-Coleraine Rd, keep your eyes out for signs directing you to the picturesque Wannon Falls, which are fed by the Wannon River. The Falls are a popular stopping point and are a wonderful sight after a downfall of rain – keep an eye on the BOM South West!
Coleraine is known for the Glenelg Fine Confectionery, a yummy place to stop for some chocolate treats. The Catching Pen is a popular cafe which serves delicious homemade style food, prepared daily and the cafe boasts friendly local service.
This small Western Victorian town has a lovely atmosphere, great local community and a very scenic outlook. There are plenty of accommodation options including holiday houses within the area, the Coleraine Hotel which also provides bistro meals and breakfast; as well as, a council-owned caravan park.
Dunkeld
Dunkeld, Victoria is a destination in itself and would have to be the most spectacular town in Western Victoria. Visiting Dunkeld should be on every person’s list of things to do in Victoria. Dunkeld is located at the southern end of the Grampians National Park and commonly known as the hub of the Southern Grampians.
There truly is something in Dunkeld for everyone; the Grampians with kids is a fantastic place to holiday. From walking tracks, paths for kids to ride bikes, the local playground, gardens and pool, tennis courts and bowls club. Food lovers are always impressed with a great variety of options. Art lovers, a visit to Freyr Wholefoods and Terra the Label, Off The Rails and Ros McArthur Art Studio are definitely worth exploring.
Many visitors flock to the Southern Grampians town with their families, to hike and enjoy the dramatic views of the Grampians National Park. Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri) is a 7km return walk and can take up to 3 hours. From the top, walkers enjoy views across the town and beyond. The Picanninny (Bainggug) is a 2.4km return walk and is a great walk to do with children. There are some short steep sections on the walk, but a great starting point for families with young children wanting to hike in the Grampians. Mount Abrupt is a 6.3km return walk and on a clear day, offers some of the most spectacular viewings across the southern end of the Grampians.
The Dunkeld Arboretum is an absolutely stunning location for visitors and locals. A fantastic spot in Dunkeld with kids! This hidden gem in South West Victoria is a place to swim, paddle, walk or run, cycle, or simply wander. There is a made track around the lake and it is perfect for small children to practice their cycling skills. With beautiful mountain views, it is a popular spot for early morning walks to enjoy some spectacular sunrises.
You can take the walking track from the centre of town (behind the Royal Mail Hotel), along the Salt Creek, which takes you through the Dunkeld Caravan Park and around the Arboretum. It is a popular walk for tourists and locals alike.
Just a short 5 minute drive on the Victoria Valley Rd, surrounded by stunning Southern Grampians views, is Freshwater Lake Reserve. This is such a beautiful spot, so quiet and the perfect location for a bush picnic, to wander the lake, climb trees, have a camp fire or even free camp.
Dunkeld, Victoria is the home to very popular community run events including the two-day hiking/running event Serra Terror over the June long weekend; the trail running festival Peaks and Trails in August, as well as the 3 Peaks Festival in October. If you are considering a time to visit the beautiful country town, these are particularly great occasions.
The annual Dunkeld Cup is another event that visitors flock in from all over the State for. With the most stunning of back drops, the race day has been named in the Top 10 Most Picturesque Race Tracks in the world. You can book a marquee, umbrella package, or come on the day and find a spot on the mound. Bring your own picnics or have your day catered for by local businesses.
There are plenty of options to eat out in Dunkeld, locals and visitors really are spoilt for choice!
Izzy’s Café is a delightful welcoming dine-in and takeaway restaurant which was established by Izzy’s Group in 2004. It is located in the bustling main street of Dunkeld. Izzy’s Café menu choices include European style pizzas, indulgent burgers, Illy coffee and gorgeous Timboon ice cream.
A wide range of prepared meal options to suit all diners, including those with particular dietary requirements, are prepared fresh daily such as pasta dishes and appetising salads. Customers queue for delicious pies, sausage rolls, cakes and biscuits all baked by the Izzy’s team. The café is open on Monday to Thursday from 9am until 6.30pm and on Friday to Sunday from 9am until 7.30pm.
Dunkeld’s best kept secret, The Old Bakery is located in Martin Street and offers visitors the chance to step back in time. The Dunkeld Old Bakery was established in 1887 and is a living piece of history as one of only a handful of operating bakeries that still has its original wood-fired scotch oven. It has also drawn travellers since the 1920s for its quality pies.
Relax on the verandah in the morning sun and enjoy a locally roasted coffee and fresh pastry with your Grampians view. Inside, the charming cottage is bathed in morning sun with a wood heater for rainy days.
Current custodians, Geoff and Belinda Potter aim to continue the tradition. Geoff is up early to bake the sourdough bread and baguettes, and his beef and ale pies still draw a crowd. They stand alongside slow cooked lamb pies and pork and fennel sausage rolls, served with relish to his mum’s secret recipe.
Belinda’s passion is hand crafted croissants and pastries, rivalled only in popularity by the classic vanilla slice with passionfruit icing. Be warned, the bakery does sometimes sell out bread, pastries and pies early but you can choose something from an extensive menu until 2.30pm, or enjoy a coffee with a slice of carrot cake. The bakery is open from 8.30am – 3pm weekdays and 8.30am – 3.30pm on weekends. Closed Tuesdays.
The Grampians Providore boasts being a little store full of big flavours from the Grampians regions and beyond. Don’t miss stopping in as Melissa and Adrian offer some of the most delicious treats you will find in the Grampians region.
Dunkeld is famous for the well renowned Royal Mail Hotel and is often a reason people travel to the western district of Victoria. Famous for it’s two hat Wickens dining experience, Cellar Door and Kitchen-Garden Tours.
Accommodation options in Dunkeld are endless given the size of the town, check out the array of options from holiday houses, hotels, camping options, retreats and more! Local favourites include Aquila Lodges, pet friendly Corrugated Cottage and Kerala House Mountain View.
The Southern Grampians Cottages offer rustic self contained cottages which are very popular for families – they are beautifully maintained and well presented. They are beautifully set in amongst the trees and are an easy walk into the main street along a walking track.
You can also, stay at the Dunkeld Old Bakery. Accommodation in the charming baker’s residence is adjacent to the Dunkeld Old Bakery and cafe. Offering two suites – the Queen Suite and the Baker’s Suite. Each offers a spacious bedroom with queen size bed, separate private sitting room with free wifi, television, tea and coffee facilities and private bathroom. Wake up to the smell of freshly baked artisan bread and barista-made coffee.
At ‘Heathvale Heights’ Bed & Breakfast, you’ll listen to the crickets as the sun goes down; hear the birds announcing rain may be on its way; sit in a breakfast bay-room and be greeted by sheep grazing in the farm paddocks.
Embraced by the Southern Grampians landscape and 9kms from the popular tourist town of Dunkeld, Heathvale Heights enjoys an outlook of the ever-changing hues of Mt Abupt & the Serra Range.
An overnight sojourn offers the guest: a private section of the house; key lock entry on request, a very comfortable queen bed and spotless clean amenities. In the morning a generous selection of fruit, breakfast cereals, toast, condiments, tea & coffee awaits for you.
‘Heathvale Heights’ is a unique country experience for city folk. The stay is quiet, calming and peaceful. Val and Malcom are available for advice and to enjoy the sharing of your experiences. Treks & trails both adventurous and challenging are close to our door. You can make your stay tranquil and restful or invigorating & adventurous. After your day exploring return to ‘Heathvale Heights’ and remember to look up to the starlit night.
Kennebec is a beautifully restored property 12km from Dunkeld, on the road to Hamilton. It can comfortably sleep 10 guests and boasts country charm with a homely feel.
There are so many lovely choices, however, as always you are advised to read reviews of what other travellers have to say about accommodation in Dunkeld.
Hamilton
Hamilton has a great range of things to do and places to eat. A must visit is the Hamilton Gallery. The gallery presents a range of exhibitions, programs and events so there is always something new and exciting. Next door is the Hamilton Cinema that showcases a wide range of the latest blockbuster movies and perfect if the weather is wet.
On the edge of the CBD is the Hamilton Botanic Gardens that was established by William Guilfoyle, the curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. A beautiful space to enjoy a picnic lunch and to wander around taking in the well established trees and plants.
Lake Hamilton can’t be missed on a visit to Hamilton and is the perfect spot for fishing, walking, running and boating. There is a 4.2km walking track around the lake that hosts the Hamilton Park Run each Saturday morning. Located on the lake is the Lakes Edge Adventure Park. A huge playground for the kids to run around and also has BBQ facilities and toilets.
Nearby to the lake is Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum. It showcases Reg Ansett and the history of Ansett Airlines. Reg originally started his transport business in Hamilton back in 1931.
A short drive from Hamilton, Pierrepoint Vineyard is a gorgeous spot to enjoy a wine and cheese platter. They also have different events throughout the year so check them out on social media to see what they have to offer. They also have a bed and breakfast if you need accommodation.
There are a range of different places to eat in Hamilton and a few local favourites are Tosca Browns, Roxburgh, Cafe Gray, Thai Town, Little Koi, Woody’s and Groke. Local pubs also have a great range of food and open 7 days a week.
Hamilton has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets from Lake Hamilton Caravan Park to Hamilton Townhouse Motel and Lonsdale Motor Inn. They offer comfortable rooms and parking with the bonus of being close to town. Check out the best prices and details on more accommodation options in Hamilton. Another popular stay in Hamilton is Lakeside 4 star apartment the Botanical Inn, which is conveniently located in town and has a lovely restaurant onsite.
As mentioned earlier, Pierrepoint Vineyard also has a great bed & breakfast. If you are searching for a bed & breakfast close to Hamilton CBD, Garland Cottage is a great choice. Here you’ll find more reviews on Hamilton accommodation.
Hamilton is a lovely town to visit plus you have the bonus of facilities like supermarkets and a vibrant shopping district.
By Kate Comer. Rolling Along With Kids.
Penshurst
Penshurst is a small, historic, rural township, conveniently located half way between the Shipwreck Coast and the Grampians National Park. Mt Rouse, a dormant volcano, is the dominant feature in the town and offers terrific views from the top. The botanic gardens located in the centre of the town, contain a lovely small caravan park, playground and free BBQs. During the summer months the outdoor pool, also located in the gardens, is in operation.
Leisurely walks on quiet roads with wide nature strips can be taken around the town, to Yatmerone Nature Reserve or up the steep path to the summit of Mount Rouse. Alternatively you can take the tourist road to the top of the mount where there is a free BBQ, toilets and lookout. As well as kangaroos and wallabies, other native animals and birds can be seen on a walk into the crater. The Volcanoes Discovery Centre, located in town, has displays of all types of volcanoes, and specific information on volcanic activity in Western Victoria.
Penshurst Store Bakery Cafe, Penshurst Hotel and The Penny Wine Bar are all great places to eat. At the Bakery Cafe, you will also be privileged to taste the best donuts in western Victoria. In town, there is also a take away and a small licensed supermarket that has fresh meat and vegetables, alcohol and basic groceries and toiletries, both open every day.
There are several places providing accommodation within the town.
Whether exploring western Victoria, travelling from the coast to the mountains or wanting some quiet time in a country town, Penshurst is a great place to stay.
By Gillian Jacobs, The Grey House.
Willaura
Grazing the edge of the Grampians National Park is the rural country town of Willaura. Simply taking a drive through the surrounding area is a highlight – expect wide open roads, vast plains, dramatic mountain backdrops and the kangaroo and emu spotting. The town features a beautiful heritage listed railway station, built in 1877, as well as local craft shops.
Popular local events include the Farm to Pub, for those who enjoy running and cycling. The annual Willaura Market is also worth a visit, with local produce, food and fun for the kids – it is a great day out.
Tourists and locals alike take detours to the acclaimed Willaura Bakery, famous for its traditional Aussie pies, sausage rolls, freshly baked bread and sweet pastries. Be sure to pick up one of their gorgeous illustrated tote bags!
Willaura boasts a number of accommodation options, too!
A fantastic family stay is The Shearers’ Quarters on Mount William Station – a 16-bed farm stay on one of Australia’s oldest farms. The 1860’s building was home to the station’s sheep shearers, and all the key original features are still intact.
Featuring a large communal kitchen and living room, sun-soaked courtyard, barbecue, fire pit, eight comfortable bedrooms, three modern bathrooms and its own private lake, The Shearers’ Quarters is a beautiful and affordable base for visitors to this part of Victoria.
By Elly Viner. Mount William Station.