DAY ONE

A perfect base for your explorations, is home to botanical beauty, sensational shops, gorgeous galleries, colourful public artworks, AND an abundance of cafes and restaurants.

Start the day right at one of Hamilton’s cafes… Tosca Browns, Woody’s Cafe… just to name a couple.  Well-fed and ready for a walk, head to the Hamilton Botanic Garden (takeaway coffee optional but thoroughly recommended).

After your serene saunter around the gardens, change up the scene by heading to Greater Hamilton’s waterfalls, Nigretta and Wannon Falls, both of which are only a 15-minute drive from Hamilton.  Pristine and powerful, the waterfalls present breathtaking viewing platforms and walking tracks.

Back in Hamilton, make a pause/stop at the Lakes Edge Adventure Playground.  Offering over 90 different play equipment experiences including rope pyramid, climbing wall, slides, spinners, swings and so much more, kids (of all ages) will love hopping, skipping and sliding their way around the park. A great base for the family to enjoy lunch at the lakes foreshore BBQs.  With the park perfectly placed at the edge of Lake Hamilton, you can also enjoy a lake walk around the 4km walking track.

Spend the afternoon admiring artworks…  The Hamilton Gallery is a must-pause, must-stop and must-admire destination being home to one of regional Australia’s finest collections.  And Hamilton’s street art in McGuigan Lane is ah-mazing!  This laneway has been completely transformed by local artists including Grotti Lotti, Jasmine Mansbridge, Studio Marlo, Jimmi Buscombe, Krid’s Art, Madi Whtye and Jesse Shannahan.  Each section of pavement is designated and designed by a specific artist.

Finally, end your day with a great feed at one of the many delightful restaurants of Hamilton CBD.

DAY TWO

Day two calls for discovering the delights of Dunkled, a positively picturesque town nestled at the foot of Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri) and only a 25-minute drive from Hamilton.

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at The Dunkeld Old Bakery, known for supplying the town’s bread since 1887 and still renowned for their wood-fired loaves along with eggs benedict and decadent pastries.

After breakfast, take a family-friendly walk to the summit of Bainggug (Piccaninny).  This stunning walk not only presents picture-perfect views of Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt), Dunkeld and the surrounding pastoral land. Back in Dunkeld, the Historic Town Walk is also a must-do, as you meander through the township with memorable moments unfolding right in-front of your eyes. Then, for phenomenal photography opportunities, call into Mitchell’s Gully at the foot of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon), or pay your respects at the Dunkeld Cemetery.

Having worked up an appetite, head to the Parker Street Project at the famed Royal Mail Hotel.  A casual a la carte menu, Parker Street utilises produce from the hotel’s extensive kitchen garden, orchards, greenhouses and olive grove, along with other locally sourced ingredients.  For the perfect pairing, choose a local wine from Parker Street’s extensive wine list.

At day’s end, be sure to pause and purchase some local wines from the Henty region where regions cool climate results in quality riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir.  The Grampians Providore is the perfect place to pick up a bottle or two.  And as the sun sets on a fantastic day, take it all in from your Dunkeld accommodation, savouring a sip of your Henty wine. 

DAY THREE

Pause for your final day at Penshurst, only a twenty-minute drive from Hamilton. 

First stop… family-run café and bakery, the Penshurst Store is full of freshly made bread, buns, pies, pastries and sweet treats.  They also have a carefully curated collection of locally made jams, preserves, homewares, clothing, beauty products and plants, so you can squeeze a little shop in while there.  Fuelled by delicious food and armed with your goodies, it’s time to continue your explorations.

Penshurst is home to the now extinct volcano, Collorer (Mount Rouse). Drive to the summit to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views, or park at the crater and take the path leading to spectacular views of the dry crater lake and the Western District Plains. You can also take the grassy trail to the archaic basin and place yourself in the depths of a once active volcano. Want to know a little more about the explosive volcanic history of Penshurst? Volcanoes Discovery Centre.

Time to take the treats you procured at the Penshurst Store and have yourself a picnic at the Penshurst Botanic Gardens.  With a never-failing spring, glistening lake and flourishing plant life, the gardens offer up the perfect position to pause, stop and eat!  Along with the 13 acres of lush land to discover, there is also a fantastic volcanic playground that the kids will lava!

Plan ahead as you travel to your next destination. Be sure to break your journey and pause/stop at the local Visitor Information Centres, staffed by those who have all the local insider tips for the must-see activities not to be missed.

PAUSE. STOP.  AND STAY SAFE THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. MAKE A CHOICE NOT TO DRIVE WHEN TIRED, BY FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES TO PREVENT DRIVING DROWSY.

• Plan your journey ahead of time.
• Aim to get enough quality sleep before driving – regardless of whether the trip is a long or short.
• Avoid driving at times when you would usually be sleeping.
• Don't travel for more than 8 - 10 hours a day.
• Plan to pause from the road at least every two hours.
• Consider swapping drivers where possible.
• Don't drink alcohol before your trip -even a small amount can significantly contribute to driver fatigue.
• Take a 15 minute powernap if you feel drowsy.
• Pause and stop for a visit at the Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre or the Hamilton Visitor Information Centre and enjoy free children's activities including colouring in, postcards and tailored itinerary with points of interest.

Find out more information about driver fatigue and drowsy driving here