Day 1:
With a hearty breakfast from local café Little Koi, a serving of their classic eggs and bacon or jampacked waffles will have you ready and roaring to go – kickstarting your 48-hour exploration of Greater Hamilton.
Give breakfast time to settle and ease in to today with a picturesque stroll through the gorgeously green Hamilton Botanic Gardens. Once your inner botanist is satisfied, hit the road and find yourself amongst volcanic influenced surrounds at Wannon’s very own waterfalls, Wannon and Nigretta. Best experienced after a heavy downpour, winter is the best time to see the falls in all their glory.
Hamilton Botanic Gardens
Continue along the Glenelg Highway and find yourself in Coleraine where a warming beverage of choice at The Catching Pen and sweet treat from Glenelg Fine Confectionary is an absolute necessity. Once revived, jump back in the car and take the short 30 minute drive to Cavendish where good food and historical walks await.
Open Thursday through Sunday, The Bunyip Hotel treats visitors to a carefully curated and tasteful menu offering specialties including their well-known Chef’s Tables. As a town perched upon the banks of the Wannon river, make your way to where the historical journey of Settlers Walk beings. Wander along the gentle 2km track and take in stunning views of the Wannon River while discovering the abundance of birds and wildlife that call the area home.
After what has been a busy day already, it’s time to ease into the afternoon and finish off the loop with a visit to the mountain hugged town of Dunkeld. Here you can browse various galleries and museums and pick up a souvenir from the Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre. Enjoy a late arvo vino at the Royal Mail Hotel or simply pull up at the Arboretum and admire the scenery from the warmth and comfort of your car.
It’s time to head back to Hamilton and decide on something for dinner, can we suggest Izzy’s Wilfred? (ensure you book in advance). Famous for their customer services and decidant menu, Jo and the team will have you fed and full after a lip-smacking serving.
Day 2:
After a good night’s rest at one of our many incredible accommodations, invigorate yourself with something yummy from Tosca Brown for breakfast before setting off on another jam packed day.
Head out the road to the Sir Reginald Ansett Airport Museum and learn of the history behind Sir Reginald and his well-known aviation empire. Kids and adults alike will love the life size airplane as well as all of the memorabilia which can be found throughout.
For the afternoon’s activities, hop in the car and venture out to the picturesque Penshurst, a short 20 minute drive south east of Hamilton. Famous for having its own dormant volcano Collorrer (Mount Rouse), head to the Volcanoes Discovery Centre & Rock Garden and learn all about the volcanoes of the region in their interactive discovery centre. Be sure to follow up your experience at the V.D.C with a visit to Collorrer (Mount Rouse) itself, situated within the most extensive volcanic province in Australia.
Wander through the crater and discover an abundance of wildlife before heading to the summit to take in 360-degree views of the region. A wander along the walking track around the front of the mountain makes for a fun adventure or kick back at the barbecue area.
Now that you have worked up an appetite, treat yourself to a coffee and cake at the Penshurst Store, famous for their yummy beestings! Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Penshurst and surrounds with the Botanic and Wetland Gardens and Yatmerone making great places to visit. Architectural works of art can also be spotted close by with the Tabor and Tarrington churches only a short drive away and neighbor to Pierrepoint Wines, a charming cellar door and vineyard at the foothills of Mount Pierrepoint.
Another day, another feast, meaning the time has come once again to find your way to your next dinner venue. Choose to stay in Penshurst and enjoy an evening hosted by the friendly locals at the Penshurst Pub or journey back to Hamilton and cosy up in a booth at the Botanical. Once wined and dined, head on your way – whether that be back to your accommodation or home. We hope you enjoyed your time here!
After a busy couple of days exploring Greater Hamilton, you will have seen all the highlights of our region despite the wintery weather.
Planning your visit? Speak to a local at the Hamilton & Grampians Visitor Information Centre to match you with your favouirte winter accommodation, Free call 1800 807 056. You can also browse your accommodation options HERE.
