Inspired By Locals
Dream a little now and plan for a little later. We’re telling the stories behind the places and the faces of the Southern Grampians. Curated by the locals, just for you.
We can’t wait to welcome you…
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.
Meet 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 Jimmy...
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...
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.
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.
Meet Frank...
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.
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).
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.
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
If you can’t come visit (just yet), you can still get a piece of Greater Hamilton delivered to your door, by buying online directly with our makers, artists, producers and local shops.
BOOK LOCAL
This time, book local. There’s never been a better time to support regional accommodation by booking direct. 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
We did it. With the help of our tribe, the locals, compiled our top 100 things to do on your next visit to Greater Hamilton. Dream now, plan for later... but visit soon. READ MOREConnect Local…
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 media @tracey_kruger, and unearth more of her local secrets in this video.Throughout our region there are many...
Be An Explorer… Unearth World Class Experiences!
At the moment we know we can’t travel across the globe to adventure through unknown landscapes and tick off the coveted experiences on your Bucket List. However, what if we told you that you can be an explorer right here in Victoria, and discover World Heritage Sites...
Laneway Art
*Laneway images courtesy of Emma Gillespie. Through an extraordinary collaboration of aspiring and renowned artists, Hamilton brings you McGuigan Lane. Positioned in the heart of Hamilton, the pavement of McGuigan Lane has been vibrantly transformed to create a...
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. Eat An exceptional dining experience awaits...
Talking Henty Wines With Martin From Bochara
The Southern Grampians is renowned for its rich, fertile soils which in turn gives rise to not only a delectable array of produce but also a reserve of refined wines. The cool climatic conditions and sufficiently suitable sun exposure means that this region (also...
Glenthompson’s Insta Style
Hero Image credit @tracey_kruger (via Insta) Glorious Glenthompson, its natural beauty is seen every which way you turn. From firey sunsets to vibrant canola fields to life on the farm. Glenthompson has Insta style and they have it in bucket loads. Laying it...
