Casterton
Quick facts
- Population approximately 2,500
- 350 kilometres west of Melbourne
- Located half way between Adelaide and Melbourne.
Nestled in a valley on the banks of the Glenelg River, Casterton is a tranquil rural centre situated between the Great Ocean Road, Grampians and Coonawarra regions.
Visit Warrock Homestead, a National Trust-classified farm that epitomises the rich local pastoral history. Located 26 kilometres from Casterton amongst rolling hills and large river red gums, Warrock has 33 structures situated around the homestead and contains Victoria’s most important collection of colonial Gothic revival style farm buildings dating from the 1840s. Warrock is also is the traditional home of the Kelpie dog, bred in the early 1870s from a pair of black and tan collies, the first pup was named ‘Kelpie’ and Casterton dubbed "Kelpie Country" in honour of this birthright. A bronze statue now stands outside the Casterton Town Hall as a testament to the working dog’s ability and the Kelpie walking trail features sculptures of the Kelpie. Nearby Bailey’s Rocks are a unique outcrop of giant granite boulders that geologists have dated back 150 million years. Another geological attraction just out of Casterton is The Bluff, an interesting landslip boasting magnificent scenery and exposed geological formations including fossil leaves. The Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve near Casterton is known for its spring wildflowers and is also a popular spot for bird watchers. Spring flowers are best from August to October.Australia’s largest river red gum (by volume of millable timber) is also found near Casterton. Bilston’s tree stands at 44 metres tall and is 7.26 metres in circumference. It was a sapling in 1200 AD, making it one of the oldest living trees in Australia.
Overlooking the township of Casterton is Mickle Lookout. The Scout Emblem – the ‘Fleur De Lys’, was carved into the hill by scouts in 1941 and its 91-metre circumference is lit brightly each night. During the festive season the town is lit more brightly with streets ablaze with coloured lights and private homes decorated.Activities and attractions
- Wander along the Kelpie trail
- Visit historic Warrock Homestead, birthplace of the Australian working dog
- Drive to the top of Mickle Lookout for scenic views of the township
- Visit Bilston’s Tree, considered to be the largest river red rum in the country
- Have a picnic next to the enormous green-coloured Bailey’s Rocks
- Explore the Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve.
Events
- Australian Kelpie Muster – June
- Casterton P&A Agricultural Show – November
How to get there
Casterton is located 350 kilometres west of Melbourne. Travel by car via the Glenelg Highway. Rail services are available from Melbourne to Warrnambool or from Melbourne to Ballarat with connecting coach services to Casterton daily.
