Regional Information
The Western District of Victoria
The Western District offers a relaxing rural lifestyle within easy reach of the Coast and the Grampians. The City of Hamilton is located at the centre of the Western District and is a beautiful pastoral region.
Hamilton is a natural stopover point between Melbourne and Adelaide – or vice versa, having a population of around 10,000 people and offers visitors a wide range of accommodation, facilities and services.
Amongst the many attractions are ancient volcanoes, waterfalls, caves, National and Heritage listed State Parks, Art Galleries and Museums, open gardens, wineries, restaurants and a truly spectacular coastline.
There are numerous sporting facilities that include yachting, swimming and inland and offshore fishing.
The famous Coonawarra vineyards are a short one and half hour drive from Hamilton, but on the way many interesting places await the traveller.
West along the Glenelg Highway call in and sample premium local wines from Bochara Wine cellar door sales before proceeding to Coleraine, once the home of Helena Rubenstein of international cosmetic fame.
Here you will find the Glenelg Fine Chocolates (not to be missed), Eucalyptus Discovery Centre and Old Blacksmith’s Shop as well as the history of the region’s pioneers, the Henty Brothers.
From the top of Muntham Hill there are great views of the surrounding countryside.
Two cascading waterfalls are to be found 15 minutes west of Hamilton and have inspired many artists over the years. Nigretta Falls has a good viewing and fishing areas, river walks and barbeque. A five minute drive away you will find the majestic Wannon Falls, also with excellent facilities and camping area.
The majestic Grampians can be seen from almost anywhere around Hamilton and Dunkeld, the Southern Gateway to the Grampians, is just 20 minutes drive away.
A short distance along the Halls Gap Tourist Road is the starting point for walking tracks leading to the summits of Mt.Sturgeon and Mt.Abrupt. Lake Bellfield on the outskirts of Halls gap is 35 minutes from Dunkeld and has fishing and picnic spots.
A walk or a drive through Hamilton reveals a glimpse of history, tradition, culture and sheer delight as one discovers what is known by many as one of the most stylish cities in regional Victoria.
You are never a stranger in the close, caring and friendly country community of Hamilton. It is also a vibrant sophisticated township offering a wide range of facilities in arts, culture, sporting and religion.
For those who love the arts, there are book and cinema clubs, theatre, the museum and art gallery and an excellent regional library. All religious denominations are very well catered for and readily welcome visitors.
Hamilton has a range of family restaurants, takeaways, hotels and a growing number of gourmet cafes and delicatessens with their own unique style.
Gourmet restaurants, intimate wine bars and alfresco dining are on offer with local wine and food featured. A visit to one of the many excellent farmers markets in the region is a must whilst in Hamilton.
If you desire retail therapy then head to the hub of Hamilton and you will discover a bustling shopping district with a great variety of stores including antique dealers, boutique style fashions, specialty gifts and a luxury day spa facility.
The city centre offers arcade shopping and you will also find major chain stores and supermarkets.