Hamilton, Victoria - A Charming Stop in Western Victoria

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 9, 2022
4 min read

Updated: 16 hours ago

Hamilton, Victoria - A Charming Stop in

Western Victoria

Hamilton is a vibrant regional hub in the Southern Grampians in Victoria, known for its beautiful public gardens, striking street art and beautifully preserved historic buildings. Located 229 kilometres west of Melbourne via Ballarat, Hamilton makes a perfect base for exploring the surrounding volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and fascinating lava caves.

Strolling through the town centre, you’ll discover colourful murals, creative sculptures and a wonderful mix of heritage architecture. Highlights include the historic Courthouse, Post Office, Mechanics Institute and several charming churches and grand old homes, all reflecting Hamilton’s rich past. With its relaxed country atmosphere and surprising creative energy, Hamilton offers a delightful blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

Hamilton Botanic Gardens

Wander through the beautiful Hamilton Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis filled with sweeping lawns, towering heritage trees and a picturesque ornamental lake. Designed in 1860 by renowned landscape architect William Guilfoyle, the gardens are considered one of Victoria’s most intact and finest examples of 19th-century botanical garden design.

As you explore the winding paths, you’ll discover carefully landscaped garden beds, historic features and plenty of shaded spots perfect for a picnic or a quiet break. The lake attracts birdlife and adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making the gardens a favourite place for both locals and visitors to relax, stroll and enjoy the natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in history, photography or simply unwinding in nature, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens are a must-visit.

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton is a much-loved local destination, surrounded by spacious parkland and scenic walking paths that make it ideal for a relaxed stroll or picnic. The lake is popular for fishing and sailing, and its peaceful setting attracts birdlife, adding to the natural charm of the area.

Families will love the nearby Adventure Playground, which features modern play equipment, open spaces and plenty of seating for parents. With its combination of recreation, nature and family-friendly facilities, Lake Hamilton is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors while visiting Hamilton.

Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum

Don’t miss the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum, a must-visit attraction in Hamilton celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic transport pioneers. Housed in the original aircraft hangar where Sir Reginald Ansett began his transport empire, this fascinating museum charts the growth of Ansett from humble road services into a nationally recognised airline.

Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of historic vehicles and memorabilia, including a Fokker Universal aircraft similar to the one used on Ansett’s first flight, a 1928 Studebaker, original company documents and flight attendant uniforms that give real depth to the story of Australian aviation.

The museum’s displays also highlight the early road transport beginnings of the business, with restored coaches and trucks from the Ansett Pioneer fleet showing how the company laid the groundwork for later success.

👉 Click here to visit the website to check opening hours

Hamilton Art Gallery

Hamilton Art Gallery, in the heart of the Southern Grampians, offers free entry and a world-class experience for art lovers of all ages. Established in 1961, the gallery’s remarkable collection has grown from a generous early bequest into one of regional Victoria’s most significant art holdings, with around 10,000 works spanning European, Australian and Asian art.

You’ll find everything from rare 18th-century watercolours and decorative arts to striking contemporary Australian pieces by artists such as Sidney Nolan, Albert Namatjira and Patricia Piccinini, alongside meaningful First Nations works and thoughtful touring exhibitions. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions, events and educational programs that make it a vibrant creative hub for visitors and locals alike.

👉 Click here to visit the website to check opening hours

Things to do near Hamilton

Nigretta Falls

Nigretta Falls is a stunning waterfall created when the Wannon River plunges 25 metres over rugged basalt cliffs, creating a dramatic multi-channel cascade. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky outcrops, making it a perfect spot for photography, picnics, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of rushing water.

There is an easy-to-access viewing area at the top of the falls, offering panoramic views of the cascading water and the surrounding countryside. For a closer experience, a short walk down a set of steps leads to the base of the falls, where you can feel the cool spray and explore the riverbanks. Walking trails around the site allow visitors to appreciate the natural beauty from different angles, and the area is also home to abundant birdlife, adding to the peaceful, immersive experience.

Byaduk Caves

Byaduk Caves were formed millions of years ago when molten lava from Mount Napier flowed across the landscape, creating fascinating subterranean lava tubes. These unique geological formations offer a rare glimpse into Victoria’s volcanic past. There is a well-marked track along the surface that takes you past four caves, providing excellent vantage points to appreciate their size and structure.

For the adventurous, Harmans Cave 1 is accessible to visitors — you can carefully climb inside and explore the dark, narrow passageways formed by the cooled lava. Inside, you’ll see interesting rock textures, small stalactite-like formations, and the dramatic shapes created as the lava cooled and contracted. The surrounding area also features the rugged lava fields of Mount Napier, which are perfect for short walks, photography, and taking in the sweeping volcanic landscapes.

Wannon Falls

Wannon Falls is one of Victoria’s most spectacular punchbowl waterfalls, where the Wannon River plunges 30 metres over a dramatic basalt lava cliff into a deep, serene pool below. The falls are framed by striking volcanic rock formations and surrounded by lush bushland, making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

A well-maintained viewing platform offers panoramic views of the waterfall and the surrounding gorge, and it’s just a short, easy walk from the picnic area and carpark, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. Walking trails around the site allow you to explore different vantage points and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Wannon Falls is especially impressive after rainfall, when the water surges over the cliffs in a stunning display of nature’s power.