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 Tracey…
Penshurst photographer, Tracey Kruger, shares with us her top tips for photographing the Greater Hamilton region, and the best spots to capture wildlife and landscapes.
Tracey’s Favourites…
From the most picturesque photo spots, to the infamous woolsheds dotting our rolling landscapes, Tracey has the inside scoop.
Penshurst Wetlands Gardens
A never-failing spring, a resplendent lake and a series of narrow waterways, the 13 acres of pristine landscape at Penshurst Wetlands Gardens is a photographers dream.
Canola Season
The bursting fields of canola around Greater Hamilton are an absolute sight to behold (and photograph)!
Historic Woolsheds
Tracey has shared with us her favourite images of the region in the first installment of our photo series; Through the Photographers Lens.
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 Stefan…
From growing up in Hamilton to adventuring across the globe as The Cactus Explorer, aka Stefan Burger has a unique perspective on the plants and landscapes of our region.
Stefan’s Favourites…
It’s true, there’s nothing like that local knowledge to unlock new discoveries and set you on a path of adventure.
Be an Explorer
Stefan reveals insights on the world-class experiences you can discover from the Greater Hamilton region in this blog.
Nigretta + Wannon Falls
The two magnificent falls of Greater Hamilton are an absolute sight to see, plus there are so many more in the greater surrounds! Explore (and chase) the waterfalls.
Rocklands Reservoir
Exceptional location, spectacular landscape and immense family appeal, Rocklands Reservoir is a must-see, must-camp and must-play destination.
Stefan’s Story…
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…
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 inspirational art to tasty treats to the long-view lookouts, you are in for a mighty adventure on this road trip! Mickle...
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. If you’re holidaying by the coast and find yourself needing a change of scenery, a trip through the...
Top 5 INSTA Pics for 2021
With any new year comes new adventures! What better way then to have Instagram remind us of some of our most liked pics, shared with you all throughout the year! Kicking things off with the Wannon Falls, an image captured by Georgie Mann Photography at her favorite...
Be An Explorer… Unearth World Class Experiences!
What if we told you that you can be an explorer right here in Victoria, and discover World Heritage Sites and unique features that only exist here, and not anywhere else in the world? We talk with Hamilton’s Stefan Burger, or @the_cactus_explorer as he’s known to his...
Wine Bars in Greater Hamilton
Sip and savour your way through our amazing region with a visit or four to Greater Hamilton’s best wine bars. Stock full and ready to pour, these wine bars are ripe with wines from the Henty Region and beyond. The Penny Wine Bar ...
Sites & Settings – The Ultimate Caravan & Camping Guide for the Southern Grampians
With over 20 campgrounds, both commercial and free options, and six caravan parks scattered throughout the Southern Grampians, there are plenty of sites and settings for you to set up base for exploration and relaxation, certain to make you one happy camper! ...
