Casterton

Overview

Casterton is a relatively small rural centre of about 2000 people located on the banks of the Glenelg River in a valley surrounded by rolling hills. Situated 352 km west of Melbourne, it is a service centre to a large pastoral, mixed farming, timber-producing and dairying district near the South Australian border.

The natural features around Casterton have a strong geological focus. Bailey’s Rocks, are a unique outcrop of giant green granite boulders. Also around Casterton are the Hummocks.

History

In the region’s north lies the township of Casterton, a special place in Australia’s farming history.

Twenty six kilometres north of Casterton is Warrock Station, home to Australia’s Kelpie working dog. The dog was first bred at the sheep station in the 1870s. Casterton is now known as 'Kelpie Country' in honour of the working dog’s birth.

Warrock Station itself was built in 1893 and is now classified by the National Trust. The station boasts 33 structures and is also home to Victoria’s most significant collection of Colonial/Gothic revival style farming buildings from the 1840s.

Places of interest

Warrock Homestead
Mickle Lookout
Casterton Museum
Casterton’s Historic Rail Precinct
Ess Lagoon
Art galleries
Old Casterton Cemetery
Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve

Accommodation

Casterton offers a variety of accommodation including Bed and Breakfast, local Hotels and for longer term stays the Kelpie Apartments.

For further information please contact:

Casterton Visitor Information Centre
Shiels Terrace
Casterton, Victoria 3311
Telephone: 03 5581 2070
Fax: 03 5581 2405

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