The Blog
Local secrets & inspiration for residents and visitors alike.
Uncover the Cosmos at the ASV Messier Star Party
The Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) is bringing its highly anticipated Messier Star Party to Greater Hamilton this March long weekend. As the largest astronomy club in Australia, the ASV has a rich history stretching back over 100 years dedicated to connecting communities with the night sky.
Emerging From Darkness – Don’t Miss Your Chance…
The highly anticipated Emerging From Darkness: Faith, Emotion & The Baroque exhibition has opened to immense support at Hamilton Gallery, but there’s not long left to experience this once-in-a-lifetime collection of baroque masterpieces! Featuring important works seldom seen outside of major institutions, Emerging From Darkness offers a rare opportunity for audiences right here in Greater Hamilton.
Summer In Greater Hamilton
With the sun shining and the weather warming, summer is one of the best times to get out and about exploring.
Fishing in Greater Hamilton
Well, it’s oh-fish-al, Greater Hamilton is an angler’s haven. With an overwhelming pool of inland creeks, lakes and reservoirs, you’ll be...
Top Five Instagrammable Spots in Tarrington
Tarrington’s natural landscape, quirky features and produce are not only worth stopping for but also taking an Insta pic of.
In Full Bloom – Willow, Violet and Flora
Catching your eye as you drive along the Main Street of Tarrington is a gorgeously upcycled flower stand. Cleverly crafted from two reconditioned apple boxes (sourced from a nearby organic apple farm) and roofed with an old, recycled copper range hood, the ‘Willow, Violet & Flora’ roadside shop is picturesquely placed at the gates of a weatherboard homestead and sprawling farm.
Four Reasons To Stretch Your Legs In Penshurst
As you travel along the Great Southern Touring Route, be sure to park yourself in Penshurst, stretch your legs and discover these three local delights.
Glenthompson’s Insta Style
Laying it out for your viewing pleasure, take a look at a selection of Glenthompson’s supreme Insta posts.
Wild About Spring/Summer – 5 Must See Wildflower Spots
The Grampians is home to 1/3 of Victoria’s flora and fauna, and August through to November is the optimal time to take in the wonderful wildflowers of our region. Set yourself up for a weekend wildflower adventure with our five must-see sites for wildflowers…
100 Things To Do in Greater Hamilton
Narrowing down an abundance of options, we’ve devised a definitive checklist of 100 things to do in Greater Hamilton.
Stretch Your Legs At Cavendish
Save your sanity and expel some energy with a stopover at the charming town of Cavendish
Meet Franklin and Friends!
Meet ‘Little Franklin’, much-loved member of the ‘Franklin and Friends’ family. Little Franklin is the first finished refurbishment of hospitality superstars (and Hamilton locals), Mackinley, Fennel and Tom.
17 Things To Do in Dunkeld
Located at the foot of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon), Dunkeld embraces its magnificent natural environment in all different shapes and forms. From...
5 Reasons to Visit Budj Bim
Besides being the 20th site in Australia to make the UNESCO World Heritage list, here are five more reasons to visit the spectacular Budj Bim.
Snap a Selfie with a Greater Hamilton Masterpiece
They’re vibrant and vivacious, inspiring and ingenious, upbeat and unique, they are Greater Hamilton’s masterpieces. With over twenty magnificent...
GREATER HAMILTON’S TOP 10 INSTA IMAGES FOR 2022
It’s time to enjoy Greater Hamilton’s top 10 Insta images for 2022! Thank you for sharing, thank you for capturing, and thank you for loving our region as much as we do.
Road Trip! The Must-Stop Pitstops From Mount Gambier to Hamilton
Take the scenic (and sensational) route as you travel from Mount Gambier to Hamilton. These are our must-stop pitstop suggestions. From...
Trading the Coast for the Country
If the feeling of sand in your toes (and literally everywhere else) is getting too much for you these summer months then pack a day bag and escape to the country.
Be An Explorer… Unearth World Class Experiences!
Explore Victoria, discover World Heritage Sites and unique features that don’t exist anywhere else in the world!
Local Knowledge – Cecily’s Favourite Greater Hamilton Walks
Having lived in Hamilton for 40 years, former teacher and now visitor information volunteer, Cecily has incredible insight into our great region, especially when it comes to walks. With a passion for exploring our remarkable natural environment on foot, Cecily shares with us her favourite Greater Hamilton walks…
Three Local Loves of Glenthompson
Who better to highlight the loves of Glenthompson than the locals? Check out these three local loves, composed by the people who know it best.
Historic Coleraine
With a settled history dating back 200 years and an Aboriginal history dating back thousands of years, Coleraine is a country town steeped in stories of former days.
Six Spots for Bird Watching in Greater Hamilton
There are so many beautiful bird species to spot and observe in their natural environment. In fact, Australia lays claim to over 800 different...
Three Reasons To Stretch Your Legs At Branxholme
Visitors will be well rewarded by a stopover at Branxholme, so next time you are driving through, pull up, get out, stretch your legs and take in these four sights.
Sites & Settings – The Ultimate Caravan & Camping Guide for the Southern Grampians
With over 20 campgrounds, both paid and free and over five caravan parks scattered throughout the Southern Grampians, there are plenty...
The Grampians Peaks Trail – Planning Your Peak Experience
Pop on your hiking boots, pack your snacks, fill up your water bottles and get set to experience the highs of the Grampians Peaks Trail; an epic 164km route that winds up, through and around the spectacular landscape of Gariwerd (Grampians National Park).
4 Must-See Art Shows
Four must-see art shows over three months… From watercolour to mixed media to photography and everything exceptional in between, celebrate our region’s most talented artists at these upcoming art and photography exhibitions.
Rock n’ Soil – Volcanic Fix!
Situated within the third largest volcanic plain on earth, the Western District has plenty to offer those wanting a volcanic rock fix! Shaping much...
A Wintery Weekend in Greater Hamilton
Day 1: With a hearty breakfast from local café Tosca Browns, a serving of their classic eggs and bacon or jampacked waffles will have you ready and...
6 Best Golf Courses in Greater Hamilton
Fore! Well, six actually… six supreme Greater Hamilton golf courses. For the golfing enthusiast, the self-proclaimed pro and everything in...
Last Minute Gift Ideas and Activities for Mum this Mother’s Day
The clock is ticking for those of you who may have left the Mother’s Day shopping/planning a little last minute - but never fear because the...
Skywhales in the Grampians
On Saturday May 14th, Patricia Piccinini’s ‘Skywhales’, monumental sculptures in the form of hot-air balloons, will take to the skies with a backdrop of the stunning Grampians National Park (Gariwerd).
Eat – Shop – Admire, A Day Well Spent In Hamilton
Follow these three treat-yourself steps and have yourself a superlative day in Hamilton.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CAVENDISH
Culinary mastery, country hospitality, historical exploration and all within a close proximity to the Grampians National Park! Cavendish is a...
The Ten-Step Guide to the Hamilton Art Trail
We love public art here in Greater Hamilton! Art is throughout all our towns and on a stroll through Hamilton’s main street and shopping precinct, you will find colourful pieces of art from some of our region’s best artists.
Wildflowers Galore
Everlasting Button - credit Russell Scott (via tumblr) Spring has sprung, and now is the best time to see the region pop with colour. From...
Family’s Big Day Out in Greater Hamilton
An exceptional compilation of family-friendly activities, all located within this fantastic region.
An Insider’s Guide to Cavendish
Culinary mastery, country hospitality, historical exploration, exceptional events, serene stays, proximity to the Grampians National Park and sweeping views of the Western District, that is the Cavendish experience.
Henty Wine Region
South West Victoria, home to the outstanding Henty Wine Region covering a large area extending from the Hopkins River across to the South Australian...
Top 5 Things To Do in Greater Hamilton this Winter
1. Explore the wonderful waterfalls Greater Hamilton’s waterfalls are extra breath-taking at this time of year with the extra spill and splash...
4 Of The Best Pads For Your Pooch
Four-legged friends don’t need to miss out on the fun and frivolity of holidays. Check out these hospitable hosts of Greater Hamilton who are only...
Rocklands Reservoir – 3 Reasons To Go Today
Down-to-earth in action, enjoyable in nature and something that will appeal to the whole family… Camp, fish and walk at Rocklands Reservoir.
Wintery Wonders of Greater Hamilton
Relish in the comforts and delights of Greater Hamilton’s wintery wonders. From gushing waterfalls to warming log fires to rich red wines. Winter is truly wonderful!
The Ten Most Instagrammable Spots In Dunkeld
Drop a pin or use a hashtag for these ten Instagram-worthy settings and scenes of spectacular Dunkeld. This is #Dunkeld and it is #awesome.
The Good Food Guide to Greater Hamilton
Seedy flapjacks, stacked burgers, farm fresh servings, flaky pastry pies and fresh seafood... The proof is in the pudding (and the pictures) when...
A Greater Hamilton Easter Camping Guide
A four-day weekend and camping go together like chocolate and Easter. With Easter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning...
Through the Photographers Lens – Danielle Thomas
This blog features the photography of Danielle Thomas and her business, One Day Collective. She is a prominent wedding photographer in the Greater...
Play – Ride – Discover; Three Fun Things To Do With The Kids In Hamilton
For the young and young at heart, Greater Hamilton is certainly the place for spirited, entertaining and joyful undertakings. Come outside and play!
Through the Photographers Lens – Angela Kenna
Angela Kenna is a professional photographer based in Hamilton. She specialises in family & newborn portraiture as well as wedding photography....
Chasing Churches
We have created a series of local guides, taking you to the stunning churches dotted throughout our region. Enjoy!
Through the Photographers Lens – Gill Fry
This blog features the photography of Greater Hamilton local, Gill Fry. Discover more of her photography on her website and on social media...
Calling all Bird Lovers
The Greater Hamilton region is an ideal place to base yourself for birdwatching. Finding birds here is easy; you can hear them wherever you are and...
Through the Photographers Lens – Tracey Kruger
This blog features the photography of Greater Hamilton local, Tracey Kruger. You can discover more of her photography in her books and on social...
Laneway Art
Flowering fauna, abstract expressionism, native wildlife and so many more forms of muse are vibrantly presented in Hamilton’s McGuigan Lane.
Talking Henty Wines With Martin From Bochara
Martin Slocombe of Bochara Wines took some time out of his busy harvesting schedule to talk Henty Wines and the Bochara taste bouquet.
Behind the Beans with Bruach from Rox Coffee
Down a mural-clad, festoon-lit laneway in Hamilton you can find a passionate local busily roasting aromatic coffee beans…
5 Minutes With Casey Manson of Grotti Lotti
Somewhere in between painting contemporary art, stocking shops nationwide, running a successful online store, shipping art worldwide and being a spirited mum, Casey Manson of Grotti Lotti spoke with us…
Cycling in Greater Hamilton
Fun and family-friendly cycling tracks of Greater Hamilton. Time to get pedalling…
Chasing Waterfalls
Explore a world of waterfalls. The Greater Hamilton region is the ideal base from which to explore some of the best.
The Ultimate Guide to Dunkeld Accommodation – From Luxe to Less
With so much to see, explore and experience in and around Dunkeld, why not pack a bag and stay on. From luxe to less, the choice is yours…
3 Hamilton Foodie Stops You Can’t Miss
Eat, drink and enjoy at these three can’t miss Hamilton cafes who are completely conquering the cafe scene.
Festival of Colours
A lifetime’s work, a living library, a festival of colours; The Peter Francis Points Arboretum has long been regaling visitors and locals of Coleraine with its rainbow of flora.
An Insider’s Guide to Coleraine
From a decadent chocolate factory to a classic car collection to incredible natural wonders, Coleraine has so much to offer and we have the insider’s guide to it all.
An Insider’s Guide To Penshurst
Home to beautiful bluestone buildings, a noble horse race, a never-failing spring and lush green scenery, explore Penshurst with the help of this Insider’s Guide…
5 Minutes With John Nagorcka From Hochkirch Talking Biodyamic Wines
Hochkirch Wines – a family-owned, family-run vineyard and part of the infamous Henty wine region. We talk dynamically bio-dynamic wines with owner, John.
Getting Active In Greater Hamilton
With a myriad of active events happening in Greater Hamilton, this mantra is not only attainable but also enjoyable. Check out our ultimate list of active happenings in the Greater Hamilton region.
The Story Behind The Balmoral Mural
The artists themselves share the stories and inspiration behind the famed and fabulous mural.
Inspo for your Next Visit
Infused with every inspiring aspect of our region - the Greater Hamilton e-mag is a real page-turner. It’s never been easier to embark upon your next getaway. Be inspired.
Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners
We acknowledge Greater Hamilton is in Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung and Bunganditj Country. We acknowledge this land that has been cared for by the traditional owners, past and present. Traditional Owners sharing the beauty and joy of these lands and waterways is a privilege, one we repay with respect for their country, Elders and people.
