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 of green from the welcome winter rain, 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 Elle…
Elle’s secrets…
Feast your eyes on panoramic views, or treat your tastebuds to a local drop- Elle’s favourite things to do are right here!
Mount Rouse
Stand on the youngest volcanic landscape and take in one of the oldest, The Grampians! Mount Rouse is an extremely unique and breathtaking experience.
Wine Bars
Sip and savour your way around the best Wine Bars across our region.
The Henty Wine Region
With so many great wineries right on our doorstep, The Henty Wine Region presents vineyards to explore, delectable wines to sample and a great time to be had with friends.
About Elle…
Vet and farmer, Elle Moyle, shares with us why she returned to her hometown of Penshurst, and what she likes to get up to when friends visit for a country weekend.
MEET THE STORYTELLERS
Treat yourself to a day of indulgences where you will be spoilt for choices. There is something special around every corner from undiscovered laneways to boutique stores, these are the places you can meet the locals and discover what truly makes Hamilton the place it is today. A superlative day is to be had by simply following these three essential treat-yourself steps….
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 Jasmine...
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...
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.
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.
A once active volcano now lends itself to exploration with superlative winding trials to its summit and archaic basin.
Fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, camping and so many more exceptional outdoor activities can be had at this spectacular landscape, home to the largest water reservoir in Victoria.
Stacey, Dunkeld Arboretum, Dunkeld
A sanctuary of walking tracks, giant red gums, lakes and insurmountable mountain views.
Meet Glen...
Glen's secrets...
Discover the tranquility of Rocklands reservoir, or stroll along the Wannon River on Cavendish's Settlers Walk - Glen's favourite things to do are right here!
Art
A vibrant arts culture exists in our region, with a number of local galleries and public art to be found, it's worth taking a look.
Cavendish
Be sure to visit the quaint hamlet of Cavendish. Nestled on the Wannon River, home to the Bunyip Hotel and the annual Red Gum Festival.
Rocklands Reservoir
Rocklands is a treasure trove for outdoor adventurers, offering fishing and camping, as well as opportunities to get out on the water.
About Glen...
Local artist, Glen Mack, delves into what drew him to the Greater Hamilton region, and shares his favourite camping spots.
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.
100 Things To Do in Greater Hamilton
Countless opportunities for adventure await with our curated list of activities. READ MOREConnect Local…
Stage is Set!
The stage is set this July, August and September for sensational acts, magnificent musicals, classical concerts and colourful kids' shows. The Hamilton Performing Arts Centre’s calendar is packed with a powerhouse of performances, ready and raring to entertain you!...
Sheepvention – It’s back
Sheepvention Rural Expo is Hamilton's Pastoral and Agricultural Society's prize show. Since 1952, Sheepvention has set the highest of standards when it comes to sheep expos. But Sheepvention isn't just a 'sheepish' event. There is so much to be seen, experienced and...
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 businesses of Greater Hamilton are here! In addition to our amazing retailers opening their doors for you to shop till you...
Skywhales in the Grampians
The launch of Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales may have been postponed due to unfavourable weather conditions, but the Patricia Piccinini Artist Talk, Royal Mail Hotel In-Conversation Brunch and Art Steps workshops are still going ahead! The public launch event will now...
Little Vic Bike Ride – Welcome to Dunkeld!
Great (Little) Vic Bike Riders... welcome to our little slice of heaven at the southern gateway to the Grampians National Park, also known as Gariwerd. If your legs aren't too tired from traversing our incredible landscapes, let us tempt you with some things to see...
Bunches of Love this Valentine’s Day
Roses are red, violets are blue, Greater Hamilton will have the flowers for you… Delightful smelling and beautiful to look at, fresh florals are always a hit when it comes to Valentine’s Day gift giving. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or need some...
