Coleraine

Set in the picturesque Wannon River Valley, the Coleraine area is studded with scenic waterfalls and magnificent views which fully justify the Irish name which translates to "ferny dell".

From its earliest days Coleraine had a reputation for fine horseflesh and introduced the Great Western Steeplechase which was first run in 1857.

Noted poet and horseman Adam Lindsay Gordon rode regularly in the race which followed a circuit through the town"s gardens and over paddock fences.

Two of Gordon"s poems, The Fields of Coleraine and Bankers Dream, were based on his experiences in the Wannon Valley village.

Coleraine was also the first Australian home for a Polish émigré, Helena Rubenstein, who found her feet in her uncle's grocery store before launching one of the world's great cosmetic empires.

Coleraine's Eucalypt Discovery Centre traces the natural history of eucalyptus, while the Peter Francis Points Aboretum has a collection of 400 eucalypt species.

Australia's 21st prime minister, Malcolm Fraser, owned and ran Nareen, a local pastoral property and stud, for many years.