Inspired By Locals

Dream a little now and plan for a little later.  We’re telling the stories behind the places and the faces of the Southern Grampians. Curated by the locals, just for you. 

We can’t wait to welcome you…

Wide open spaces, fields flushed with the vibrant colours of spring, cascading waterfalls, mountainous climbs, rugged volcanic plains, all served up with rural hospitality and country charm.  Our favourite locals are unearthing their secrets of Greater Hamilton, so when the time is right, they can welcome you for a visit.

Meet Our Locals

They are the story tellers, the experience makers, the keepers of all the secrets and must-dos in our wonderful region. 
They are our locals.  Let them inspire your next visit.

Meet Jimmy…

Jimmy’s secrets…

There’s nothing this chef loves more than local produce, except maybe… putting!

Cavendish

A peaceful and picturesque township, renowned for its ‘Bunyip’ encounters, idyllic riverbank and majestic Red Gum walks.  Stop a while and experience Cavendish.

The Bunyip Hotel

With food supplied, cooked and served by locals, the Bunyip Hotel masterfully highlights this impeccable region.

Royal Mooralla Golf Course

Golf among the gums at this distinctly Cavendish and locally loved golf course.  

About Jimmy…

James (Jimmy) Campbell left Melbourne’s Movida to return to his beloved Mooralla and share his passion for local produce as chef and owner of The Bunyip Hotel. His fare is raved about by Cavendish locals and visitors who discover this hidden gem alike.

Meet Jasmine…

Jasmine’s secrets…

What does a perfect weekend exploring the Greater Hamilton region look like to a fun, creative young family?

The Roxburgh

Great food and amazing atmosphere.  It is always a great day and night at The Roxburgh.

The Laneways

A magnitude of magnificent art by talented local artists colourfully lines laneways, gardens, and walls of Hamilton.  Don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself. 

Family Adventures

There is an abundance of fun, family-friendly activities to be had in this great region. From Ninja parks to Bandicoot spotting to riding the rails, there is something for everyone, young and old, to enjoy!

About Jasmine…

A self confessed compulsive creative, Jasmine is our very own, internationally acclaimed artist, whose work literally lines the streets and laneways of Greater Hamilton, where she lives with her family. 

Meet Frank…

Frank’s secrets…

Who better to unlock the secrets of the Hamilton Botanic Gardens than our friend, Frank, the Head Gardener himself.

Hamilton Botanic Gardens

Superbly designed by the curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens features sweeping lawns, twisting and curving pathways, picturesque bridges spanning across glistening lakes, rockeries with prickly cacti, brilliantly colourful plants and contrasting foliage.

The Botanical

Very cool retro booths purposefully placed so you can enjoy your bevy while looking out over the lovely and lush Botanic Gardens.  Take a seat and relax at The Botanical Restaurant and Bar.

Hamilton

Artistic flare, botanical beauty and sensational shops… There is so much to see and do when you visit Hamilton’s vibrant town centre.

Meet Frank…

Living in the region with his family for over 15 years, 8 of which as part of the Parks & Gardens team, Frank Verschuren is the perfect local to share his thoughts on the stunning Hamilton Botanic Gardens- the third oldest in Victoria (and the best in the region).

Inspiration For Your Next Visit

Packed with inspiration galore – our Greater Hamilton e-mag is worth the read. It’s never been easier to start planning your next getaway.  Be inspired.

Book local. Buy local. Connect local.

Warm welcomes and service always with a smile.  Connect directly with the faces behind our places, and support our region’s small businesses, when you book local and buy local. 

Jo Grant - Creative Arts Facilitator, RAV

BUY LOCAL

If you can’t come visit (just yet), you can still get a piece of Greater Hamilton delivered to your door, by buying online directly with our makers, artists, producers and local shops. 

BOOK LOCAL

This time, book local.  There’s never been a better time to support regional accommodation by booking direct. We know you will love our accommodation hosts as much as we do.  

A local told me…

It’s true, there’s nothing like that local knowledge to unlock new discoveries and set you on a path of adventure.

100 Things To Do In Greater Hamilton

We did it. With the help of our tribe, the locals, compiled our top 100 things to do on your next visit to Greater Hamilton. Dream now, plan for later... but visit soon.
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Connect Local…

Free 1:1 Business Support with Colin Thompson

Free 1:1 Business Support with Colin Thompson

Free Business Mentoring Colin Thompson is our Senior Small Business Support Officer and is available for FREE mentoring sessions. Whether you want to start a new business or want assistance to improve your Business, Colin is available for 1:1 meetings. Colin has been...

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Face Masks Now Mandatory in Regional Victoria

Face Masks Now Mandatory in Regional Victoria

As recently announced by Premier Daniel Andrews, from 11:59pm on Sunday the 2nd of August all Victorians, including those in regional Victoria, will be required to wear a face mask whenever they leave their home. Face masks have been mandatory in Melbourne and the...

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Latest Key Message- Boosting Cash Flow for Employers

Latest Key Message- Boosting Cash Flow for Employers

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash Updated 26 March 2020. Businesses in the Greater Hamilton region must include their employee wages in their 31 March BAS to be eligible for the $10k payment offered by the Federal Government. An issue highlighted in visiting...

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3 Tips for Businesses During COVID-19

3 Tips for Businesses During COVID-19

Photo by Lukas from Pexels We’re partnering with experienced business counsellors to help businesses in the Greater Hamilton region during this challenging time. Shane Annett, a Small Business Financial Counsellor from the Rural Financial Counselling Service, has...

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Council Support During COVID-19

Council Support During COVID-19

The Greater Hamilton Region is facing unprecedented challenges as we navigate through this pandemic together. We know the plethora of information and advice produced daily can be overwhelming, and that our businesses need immediate support for the issues they are...

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