Balmoral

Overview

Balmoral is a small rural service centre of 214 people picturesquely situated on the banks of the Glenelg River amidst river red gums and undulating countryside where wool still predominates.

Balmoral is surrounded by state forests and nearby Black Range State Park boasts masses of wildflowers, Aboriginal rock art, colourful bluffs and fine views.

History

This area was known as 'Darrangurt' by the local Aborigines. They constructed large-scale artificial drainage systems to the north-east of Balmoral. Dated to c.1700 A.D., these channels, which covered an area of 3 kilometres, drained marshy ground lying between two natural swamps. When it rained the swamps overflowed and eels and fish were flushed into the channels where a series of traps were established.

The first Europeans in the area were the party of Thomas Mitchell who passed nearby on their Australia Felix expedition of 1836. The first land was taken up hereabouts by whites around 1840 and several homesteads from the 1840s remain.

The township began to emerge around a river crossing on the Glenelg for those travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide. An inn was built, along with a fellmongery, store and woolshed. The early European settlers called it 'Black Swamp' but, reflecting the predominance of Scottish settlers, it was renamed 'Balmoral' after the initial town survey, in honour of the royal residence in Scotland.

Places of interest

Balmoral Old Court House
Rocklands Reservoir
Redgum Walk
Main Street - Seymour Park
Black Ranges State Park
Balmoral Golf Club

Accommodation

Balmoral offers a range of comfortable accommodation including a resort, lodge, cottage and hotel. For further information, please contact the Hamilton and Grampians Visitor Information Centre on 1800 807 056 or www.visitsoutherngrampians.com.au.

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