Horsham

Quick facts

• Population 13,300
• 301 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
• Capital of the Wimmera
• Grampians National Park and Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Located on the banks of the Wimmera River, Horsham is the known as the capital of the Wimmera, serving as an important business and recreational centre for the entire Grampians region.

Originally opened up for grazing, the Wimmera lands became better known for wheat production and, due to this, Horsham quickly developed as a centre of economic activity for the surrounding region.

Horsham is an ideal base for visiting the surrounding natural attractions, being centrally located to Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park, Little Desert National Park and the Northern Grampians. Be inspired by the rock climbers, as they test their skills on the world famous Mt Arapiles and capture the sunsets that can be seen on the vast flat plains of the Wimmera and the Northern Grampians.

Horsham boasts one of the finest greens golf courses outside metropolitan Melbourne and is featured in the top public courses in Australia.

Activities and attractions

• Discover art and culture treasures at the renowned Horsham Regional Art Gallery on Wilson Street
• Tour the Wool Factory located on Golf Course Road – producer of some of the finest wool in Australia
• Relax in the picturesque Botanical Gardens on the banks of the Wimmera River
• Play a round or golf on one of country Victoria’s premier green course
• Drive to the summit of Mt Arapiles for a scenic perspective on the region or try your hand at rock climbing with one of the local guides
• Explore the beautiful Little Desert National Park and discover intriguing wildlife including the Mallee Fowl
• Fish the Wimmera River or one of the surrounding lakes.

Major events

• Wimmera Machinery Field Days – March
• Horsham Fishing Competition – Labour Day Weekend, March
• ‘Art is…’ Festival – March and April
• Horsham Golf Club Annual Tournament – September
• Horsham Agricultural Show – September or October
• Horsham Spring Garden Festival – October
• Spring Orchid Festival – October
• Horsham Racing Cup Carnival – October
• Awakenings Festival – October

How to get there
Horsham is 301 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and is a 3.5 hour drive. Travel by car via the Henty, Glenelg or Western Highways. Coach services are available daily from Melbourne.