Inspired By Locals
We’re telling the stories behind the places and the faces of the Southern Grampians. Curated by the locals, just for you.
It feels wonderful to welcome you back…
Wide open spaces, fields flushed with the vibrant colours of spring, cascading waterfalls, mountainous climbs, rugged volcanic plains, all served up with rural hospitality and country charm. Our favourite locals are unearthing their secrets of Greater Hamilton, so when the time is right, they can welcome you for a visit.
Inspiration For Your Next Visit
Packed with inspiration galore – our Greater Hamilton e-mag is worth the read. It’s never been easier to start planning your next getaway. Be inspired.
Hear about Greater Hamilton,
from those who know it best – our locals
They are the story tellers, the experience makers, the keepers of all the secrets and must-dos in our wonderful region.
They are our locals. Let them inspire your next visit.
Meet Jasmine…
A self confessed compulsive creative, Jasmine is our very own, internationally acclaimed artist, whose work literally lines the streets and laneways of Greater Hamilton, where she lives with her family.
Jasmine’s secrets…
What does a perfect weekend exploring the Greater Hamilton region look like to a fun, creative young family?
The Roxburgh
Great food and amazing atmosphere. It is always a great day and night at The Roxburgh.
The Laneways
A magnitude of magnificent art by talented local artists colourfully lines laneways, gardens, and walls of Hamilton. Don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself.
Family Adventures
There is an abundance of fun, family-friendly activities to be had in this great region. From Ninja parks to Bandicoot spotting to riding the rails, there is something for everyone, young and old, to enjoy!
About Jasmine…
MEET THE WINE MAKER
Stretching across a magnificent 20-acre expanse, nestled nearby the Grampians, in the picturesque town of Tarrington is Hochkirch Wines; a family-owned and family-run vineyard. As part of the infamous Henty wine region, the grapes grown and the wine produced is of the highest quality and piquancy. But Hochkirch also brings a distinct point of difference to their winemaking.
MEET THE MAYOR
Down a mural-clad, festoon-lit laneway in Hamilton you can find a passionate local (and recently elected Mayor) busily roasting aromatic coffee beans, serving not only the customers that flock to this much-loved café, but supplying beans to many of the region’s other much-loved coffee spots too.
MEET THE ARTIST
A creative virtuoso and proud local of the Greater Hamilton region, Grotti Lotti (aka Casey Manson). Making an impact on the art world, Grotti Lotti paints vibrant and contemporary nature-inspired art, stocks shops and markets nationwide, runs a successful online store, ships her pieces worldwide and all while being a spirited mum to three lively children.
Meet Jimmy…
James (Jimmy) Campbell left Melbourne’s Movida to return to his beloved Mooralla and share his passion for local produce as chef and owner of The Bunyip Hotel. His fare is raved about by Cavendish locals and visitors who discover this hidden gem alike.
Jimmy’s secrets…
There’s nothing this chef loves more than local produce, except maybe… putting!
Cavendish
A peaceful and picturesque township, renowned for its ‘Bunyip’ encounters, idyllic riverbank and majestic Red Gum walks. Stop a while and experience Cavendish.
The Bunyip Hotel
With food supplied, cooked and served by locals, the Bunyip Hotel masterfully highlights this impeccable region.
Royal Mooralla Golf Course
Golf among the gums at this distinctly Cavendish and locally loved golf course.
About Jimmy…
Our Team’s Top Picks
We asked our tourism team, their top picks for places to visit and things to do in Greater Hamilton… here’s where they recommend.
Hugh – Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre, Penshurst
An educational and interactive centre that will take you back in time to when volcanoes were erupting across the Western District and South Australia.
Simone – HIRL Nature Reserve, Hamilton
A magnificently established 100ha reserve of native flora/fauna and home to more than 120 Eastern Barred Bandicoots.
Stacey, Dunkeld Arboretum, Dunkeld
A sanctuary of walking tracks, giant red gums, lakes and insurmountable mountain views.
Meet Frank…
Living in the region with his family for over 15 years, 8 of which as part of the Parks & Gardens team, Frank Verschuren is the perfect local to share his thoughts on the stunning Hamilton Botanic Gardens- the third oldest in Victoria (and the best in the region).
Frank’s secrets…
Who better to unlock the secrets of the Hamilton Botanic Gardens than our friend, Frank, the Head Gardener himself.
Hamilton Botanic Gardens
Superbly designed by the curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens features sweeping lawns, twisting and curving pathways, picturesque bridges spanning across glistening lakes, rockeries with prickly cacti, brilliantly colourful plants and contrasting foliage.
The Botanical
Very cool retro booths purposefully placed so you can enjoy your bevy while looking out over the lovely and lush Botanic Gardens. Take a seat and relax at The Botanical Restaurant and Bar.
Hamilton
Artistic flare, botanical beauty and sensational shops… There is so much to see and do when you visit Hamilton’s vibrant town centre.
About Frank…
DISCOVER NIGRETTA FALLS
Beautiful and powerful, the magnificent Nigretta Falls is a wonderful day trip, just a stone’s throw from our lovely little village of Coleraine.
BE INSPIRED BY BALMORAL MURAL
Don’t forget your camera for this one. Nestled in Balmoral, this mural, created by world renowned artists, has bursts of colour everywhere.
EXPLORE ROCKLANDS
A day trip, a weekend away, or a family camping trip, Rocklands Reservoir is your natural getaway, to both disconnect and reconnect.
Book local. Buy local. Connect local.
Warm welcomes and service always with a smile. Connect directly with the faces behind our places, and support our region’s small businesses, when you book local and buy local.
BUY LOCAL
Have a piece of Greater Hamilton delivered to your door, by buying online directly from our makers, artists, producers and local retailers.
BOOK LOCAL
This time, book local. There’s never been a better time to support regional accommodation by booking direct and we know you will love our accommodation hosts as much as we do.
A local told me...
It's true, there's nothing like that local knowledge to unlock new discoveries and set you on a path of adventure.
New! Wine Bars In Greater Hamilton
Sip your way through this amazing region and treat yourself with a visit to one of Greater Hamilton’s best wine bars. We're welcoming our wonderful visitors back. READ MOREConnect Local…
Family’s Big Day Out in Greater Hamilton
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The Good Food Guide to Greater Hamilton
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Snap a Selfie with a Greater Hamilton Masterpiece
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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 and prepping your long weekend camping getaway. And boy, do we have some egg-cellent Easter getaway tips for you… From...
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We've curated a list of the most romantic accommodation options in the Greater Hamilton / Southern Grampians region, perfect for a weekend escape. Lock the date in your loved one's calendar and enjoy your romantic retreat! Mt Sturgeon Cottages (Dunkeld) Set at...
