Hamilton

Discover one of Australia's finest regional art collections in Hamilton, a gracious western district city renowned for its grand buildings, majestic homesteads, manicured gardens and a vast and beautiful landscape. Hamilton's settlement grew as a result of the area's strong pastoral development. The squatters and their wool were of great economic and social importance to the growth of the town, and this is reflected in its impressive architecture. Many treasures from the homesteads are now part of the rich and diverse collection at the Hamilton Art Gallery, a must-see attraction on any trip through Hamilton. Take one of the many historic walks through town and don't miss the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Heritage-listed, the gardens include a native animal enclosure, bird aviary, band rotunda and decorative fountains. Learn about the local wool industry at the Big Woolbales and aviation history at the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum. Hamilton is surrounded by the Grangeburn River, Lake Hamilton and a vast and beautiful landscape of green rolling hills, ancient red gums, extinct volcanoes and the impressive Wannon and Nigretta waterfalls along the Glenelg Highway. Explore the Volcanic Discovery Trail and the Byaduk lava tube caves for more volcanic activity. You can enjoy fishing and water sports at Lake Hamilton or the nearby Rocklands Reservoir. Hamilton is 285 kilometres west of Melbourne and is a 3.5 hour drive. Travel by car via the Henty, Glenelg or Hamilton highways. Coach services are available from Melbourne.