Hamilton

Admire the grandeur of Hamilton, with its imposing buildings, majestic homesteads and manicured gardens the legacy of a prosperous wool-growing heritage.

Refined recreation
Traverse the area's vast and beautiful landscape of green rolling hills, ancient red gums, dormant volcanoes and impressive waterfalls by car, bike or on foot.

Uncover the stories of wealthy pastoralists through the rich and diverse treasures on display at the Hamilton Art Gallery, one of Australia's finest regional galleries.

Picnic in the tranquil scenery of Lake Hamilton – try fishing, water skiing, sailing and canoeing. Play games and picnic among the enormous English oaks and fountains of the William Guilfoyle–designed botanical garden, where plantings started in the 1870s. Admire Hamilton's skyline, dominated by church spires built in the late 1800s.

Take advantage of Hamilton's proximity to the Henty wine region, and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with dinner in town.

Wool growing heritage
Once known as the 'wool capital of the world', Hamilton was shaped by its wool growing heritage. The settlement was originally named Grange Burn, and grew as a result of pastoral development in the district – squatters and their wool made great economic and social contributions to the town's growth.

Learn more wool history in the Hamilton Pastoral Museum – and if you want to be part of today's action, head for the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange to see up to 50,000 lambs being yarded for sale each Wednesday.

Up in the air
Catch up on Australia's aviation history at the Ansett Transport Museum, which tells the story of how Sir Reginald Ansett grew his small transport operation into a huge empire.