Western Victoria has a large wheat and wool industry within the Wimmera district. The countryside in this area is remarkable with beutiful attractions such as the Grampians National Park, Little Desert National Park, Mt Arapiles State Park as well as a selection of wineries. The Western Highway also travels through this area, giving access from Melbourne to Adelaide.
On the Victoria and South Australia border you will come across the beautiful Little Desert National Park, which isn't as barren as you may think. North east of the park is Dimboola, which is an historic country town, made famous by 'Dimboola' by Jack Hibberd. You can get into the park from here, along a gravel track, although conventional vehicles should use one of the two sealed roads. North of Dimboola is the Ebenezer Aboriginal Mission Station, which is an interesting place to visit. You should also visit the pretty and colourful Pink Lake.
East again, along the Western Highway is Horsham. There is an interesting Wool Factory in the town, as well as Horsham Art Gallery. It is a good place to stay as it is close enough to visit both the Little Desert National Park and the Mt Arapiles State Park, which is popular amongst rock climbers. It is also situated along at the crossroads of the Western Highway with the Wimmera Highway to the south and the Henty Highway to the north.
Heading east along the Western Highway you can head off of the highway to Stawell. Gold mining was a major industry in the area, although once it had all been mined quartz reefs were soon found. There is a fabulous Aboriginal rock art site in the area called Bunjil's Shelter. You must visit this site as the rock art is spectacular. Stawell is also famous for its Stawell Gift Foot Race, a fun race held on Easter Monday.
East of Stawell is Ararat, another old gold mining town. Here you can visit the old jail, as well as the beautiful Alexandra Gardens. On the way to Ararat you can stop at the wineries in Great Western, which is known for its sparkling wine.
One other place you can't miss is the Grampians National Park, which can be reached by heading south from Stawell. The beauty of the landscape, plantlife and rock formations in the area is unbelievable.
West, VIC Accommodation
Destinations within West
Grampians | ||
Grampians National Park | Little Desert National Park | |
Other West Destinations | ||
Grampians National Park |