Located just 20km from Hamilton and around 15 km from Coleraine, the Wannon Falls present a spectacular display of water flowing down the falls into a deep plunge pool below. The falls were created by basalt lava flow that surged up stream to the Wannon River.
A cantilevered viewing platform located at the falls is easily accessible and offers amazing views of the falls and its stream. Best seen after rainfall, although equally breathtaking when dry.
Close by, a rotunda displays interpretive information where visitors can learn about the geology, flora and fauna and rich Indigenous history of the area.
The Wannon Falls reserve offers plenty of parking, public toilets, picnic tables and barbecue facilities.
An undiscovered attraction in the Mount Napier State Park, the Byaduk Caves are the most extensive set of lava caves in Australia. The caves form an intricate connection of underground tubes, created when the lava from nearby volcano Mt Napier solidified on the surface and molten lava continued to flow underneath.
Found in Australia’s youngest volcanic province at only around 8000 years old, the caves are largely unweathered and still maintain in their natural state. The largest of the caves measures 18 metres wide, 10 metres high and extends 20 metres below the surface.
The caves are easily accessible by 2WD vehicles and there is ample parking.
A short walk from the carpark will take you along various walking trails interconnecting with the caves.
A short detour from the Glenelg Highway around 20km from Hamilton, Nigretta Falls is a volcanic-based waterfall fed by the Wannon River.
An observation deck allows views of the water fall from the parking and picnic grounds while the stairs take visitors to the base, best seen during our Winter months.
The Nigretta Falls is easily accessible by 2WD and for those towing a caravan. There is a picnic ground with public toilets, seating and electric barbecues as well as ample car parking and multiple fishing spots.
Photographers can capture amazing pictures of the falls during the afternoon when the sun is setting behind the waterfall cliffs.
Penshurst’s own resident volcano, Mount Rouse is responsible for the rocky landscape surrounding Penshurst and which dominates much of the landscape from Penshurst to Port Fairy.
A part of Kanawinka alongside Mt Napier and Budj Bim (Mt Eccles), Mount Rouse is located in the Newer Volcanic’s Province on the third largest volcanic plain on Earth.
The Mount Rouse Reserve has lots to offer for those looking to enjoy some time in nature. The Crater Lake is located on the way up Mount Rouse along Mount Rouse Tourist Road. The crater was once believed to be bottomless and holds a lake of water in its lowest point. A walking track down to the crater leads off the viewing area car park and takes walkers through natural bush flora and fauna with many animals calling the crater home or using it as grazing grounds.
Further along Mt Rouse Tourist Road is the picturesque picnic area with views out across the countryside. An art decorated shelter, houses an electric barbecue and seating, with more seating and public toilets also at the picnic area. A walking trail leaves from this area which wraps around the front of Mount Rouse and leads either down to the Mount base or up to the viewing platform.
The viewing platform is further up the road where there is a car park before the stairs to the summit. From the top enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounds with the Grampians to the north and farmland and stony rises to the east, south and west.
A walking trail also leaves from the base of the viewing platform stairs, taking you around the Mount and either back to the picnic area or down to the base.
Mt Napier is the youngest volcano in the state of Victoria and last erupted around 30,000 years ago creating what is now a magnificent State Park around it.
Mt Napier is a part of the Newer Volcanic Province and alongside Mount Rouse and Budj Bim is a part of the Kanawinka Region, the most extensive volcanic province in Australia.
Located just 20km south of Hamilton towards Byaduk, the Park has plenty to offer. A walking track leading to the summit of Mt Napier is just under 4km return and leads through volcanic features, manna gum trees and the Blackwood forest. This track is reasonably well defined. From the summit take in 360-degree views of the surrounding farmland right across to the Grampians, Mount Rouse, Budj Bim and even the ocean on a clear day.
While the main parts of the State Park are accessible by 2WD, the roads are unsealed, and are often best accessed with a 4WD. There are additional tracks which are only 4WD accessible for those looking for a 4WD adventure within the park.
The Byaduk Caves are located within Mount Napier State Park and are a very extensive and accessible set of lava caves. Being so young they are largely unweathered and still maintain their natural state.
Located along the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road just under 4km north of the Byaduk Township, the Harman Valley Lookout showcases one of the best examples of lava flow constricted by a valley in the world.
A number of information boards at the lookout provide visitors with interesting facts about the area and other volcanic features arising from the Mt Napier eruption.
The lookout is located just off the main highway and is easily accessible with ample spaces for parking.
Located along the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road just under 4km north of the Byaduk Township, the Harman Valley Lookout showcases one of the best examples of lava flow constricted by a valley in the world.
A number of information boards at the lookout provide visitors with interesting facts about the area and other volcanic features arising from the Mt Napier eruption.
The lookout is located just off the main highway and is easily accessible with ample spaces for parking.
Just 20 minutes south of Hamilton down Byaduk’s Old Crusher Road, you will find one of only three sites in the world where Tumuli exist. A natural phenomenon, these unusual circular mounds or hummocks of rock were created when the lava flow from Mt Napier spread and formed a thin crust. The accumulation of pressure beneath the crust caused it to buckle and crack, and lava oozed out, forming these unique structures. The Tumuli measure up to 10 metres high and 20 metres in diameter – the size of a small house, and are located in amongst a farming region on private property so it is advised that people visit this site by car.
The Tumuli are clearly visible from the roadside with no need to leave the car, making it an accessible site. Visitors should note that there have been no walking trails established around them.
Glen and Margaret Campe begun Campes Coaches 32 years ago from a concrete slab in his backyard. In 1979 saw the purchase of their local school run and eighth months later another bus was purchased to serve the school bus run during the week and charters on weekends.
The business snowballed from there; by 1999 Glen was in charge of 7 local school bus services and a fleet of 14 busses. Glen and Margaret also run Campes Tara Travel which sees many domestic and international holiday plans for local enthusiasts, which has provided the opportunity to travel and visit the world including Africa and New Zealand.
The Museum is open for visitors by appointment. Groups most welcome.
Be sure to include this on your next visit to the Southern Grampians, and explore some history of the Campes Coaches revolution.
Located in the heart of Hamilton and close to nearby cafes and shops, Hamilton Gallery is welcoming to all. Entry is free.
Hamilton Gallery opened in 1961 and has an extensive collection with several significant works. The Gallery has an ever-changing exhibition program and at each visit there is always something new to see. There is also a children’s activity space with a regularly changing art activity available to accentuate your visit with kids. The Gallery shop features national and local makers with an Australiana theme featuring ceramics, jewellery, accessories and cards.
Open weekdays 10am to 5pm and weekends 10am to 2pm. Experience, enjoy and create at Hamilton Gallery.
The Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum is a fascinating tribute to one of Australia’s pioneering figures in aviation and transport. Located in Hamilton, Victoria, the museum is housed in the very hangar where Ansett’s ambitious journey began in 1936. Inside, visitors can explore a unique collection of memorabilia, including original Ansett buses, airline uniforms, photographs, and aviation artifacts that tell the story of how one man’s vision helped shape the nation’s transport history. Whether you’re a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about Australia’s transport heritage, this museum offers a rich and nostalgic experience worth discovering.
The Hamilton Historical Centre is a local treasure that preserves the rich tapestry of Hamilton’s past with care and dedication. Tucked away in the historic Mechanics’ Institute building, this volunteer-run centre is more than just a museum—it’s a hub for community memory and research. Inside, visitors will find a diverse collection of photographs, documents, and artefacts that bring to life the stories of early settlers, local families, and the region’s evolving industries. Whether you’re tracing your ancestry, exploring the area’s social history, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon of discovery, the Hamilton Historical Centre offers a welcoming and insightful look into the heart of Victoria’s Western District.
The Hamilton Pastoral Museum offers a vivid window into the rural heritage of Victoria’s Western District. Set on spacious grounds, the museum showcases an impressive collection of vintage farming equipment, historic buildings, and everyday items that once shaped life on the land. From restored tractors and shearing gear to a traditional woolshed and blacksmith’s forge, every exhibit tells a story of hard work, innovation, and community spirit. Run by passionate volunteers, the museum often comes to life during special event weekends, where machinery demonstrations and miniature train rides delight visitors of all ages. It’s a hands-on, down-to-earth experience that celebrates the backbone of Australia’s agricultural past.
To see a volcano blow its top and a red river of molten lava cascade down its side is to feel the awesome power of the natural world. An unusual experience awaits you at Penshurst.
The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre is a unique museum experience, where hands on, interactive displays enable visitors to learn about volcanoes, with a particular focus on those in the Western District. Penshurst is located in the heart of the Newer Volcanics Province on the third largest volcanic plain on Earth with its own resident volcano, Mount Rouse.
The Discovery Centre will transport you back thousands of years to when volcanoes were erupting all over the Western District using simulations and relics. Immerse yourself in how volcanoes are formed, their geology, their history in the Greater Hamilton area, the interaction of the Koorie people with volcanoes and view a simulation of Mount Rouse, Penshurst’s very own volcano, erupting.
The Centre is located on Martin Street with access via a service road off the Penshurst-Warrnambool Road.
Alexander was born on the 21st January 1812 in the Highlands of Scotland. At the age of 12.5 years he went to Rome to study for the priesthood. He spent 9 years in Rome and was a precocious and talented student. But ill health and being too young to be ordained forced his return to Scotland in 1831 where he continued his studies at Blairs College in Aberdeen until 1833. He remained an independent thinker, a prolific writer and a formidable opponent in philosophical and theological debate.
He left for Australia in the sailing ship Brilliant in October 1837, arriving at Sydney Cove on 20th January 1838. He worked successfully for some time in Sydney before moving to Melbourne.
In all we know about Alexander MacKillop there is no evidence that alcohol was his problem. He certainly caused his family embarrassment and was not a good provider for their needs, and it would be easy to say drink was the cause of it… Mary always referred to him as poor Papa… he speculated and spent too much money on drink and a host of parasites…
Alexander’s death was also reported in the Spectator of Wednesday, December 23rd 1868 as follows: Mr A. MacKillop, whose sudden and serious illness was referred to in our last, expired in the Victoria Hotel at about 6 am on Saturday morning. (19th Dec) It is satisfactory to know that his wife was present at the time of his death, and that he breathed his last in apparent peace. Mr MacKillop was a Roman Catholic, and was at one time intended for the priesthood. He leaves a large family to mourn his loss. The funeral took place on Sunday last.
Father Farrelly, Hamilton P.P. conducted the burial service of Alexander MacKillop on Sunday 20th December 1868. (In now what is known as the old cemetery in Coleraine Road.)
FLORA MACDONALD: Flora was also a native of the Highlands of Scotland and came to Australia with her family on the Glen Huntley, arriving in Melbourne on April 17th 1840. A gentle winsome woman is how Mary described her mother many years later.
Within a short period of time Alexander and Flora were married at St Francis Church, Melbourne by Fr. Geoghegan on July 14th 1840.
In an attempt to solve problems which had occurred in Portland after Alexander had found it impossible to live with the obvious deceit that he had uncovered in the school cheating affair and the subsequent derision which he encountered, it was decided that it might be better if Alexander moved to live with his brother at The Plains Station a property at Dunkeld, near Hamilton.
It was reported in the Hamilton Spectator of December 9th 1868 that Alexander MacKillop (MacKillop) was seriously ill, on Thursday evening, at the Victoria Hotel with a haemorrhage from the stomach and was not in a condition to be removed for some days.
It was further reported, in the same article, his wife, who resides in Portland, was informed by telegram, and arrived last evening. Mr MacKillop has of late associated himself with public matters in Hamilton, and cannot fail to be recognised.
MARY HELEN MACKILLOP: their first born child was born on January 15th 1842 and baptized on 28th February 1842.
They had seven other children: Margaret, John, Alexander, Anne, Alexandrina, Donald, and Peter.
The MacKillop family, while very strong in faith, experienced many difficulties.
In the 1850s the MacKillop family moved constantly, and Mary as the eldest child, played a major part in maintaining the well-being of the family in those times.
In late 1863 after Mary gained a teaching position in Portland the scattered MacKillop family came to live there in Bay View Cottage.
To support her family Mary established her first school a school for young ladies. All did not go well for this venture or for the family.
The tensions that grew in the family were attributed mainly to Alexander. It was decided in 1866 that he go to Dunkeld to his youngest brother, Peter.
