Hamilton

Overview

Hamilton is located on a volcanic basalt plain 291 kilometres west of Melbourne via the Western and Glenelg Highways and 187 metres above sea-level. It is located within a broad and deep valley formed by Grange Burn. This creek, a tributary of the Wannon River, winds its way through this provincial centre to Lake Hamilton in the north-eastern corner of town.

Hamilton calls itself the 'Wool Capital of the World' which gives some indication of the district's economic focus. Other produce includes beef cattle, dairy products and fat lambs. In Hamilton itself economic contributions are made by service industries, wool treatment, the manufactories, engineering and sawmilling.

History

Prior to European settlement the townsite lay roughly on the border of three Aboriginal tribal territories, belonging to the Gunditjmara of the south, the Tjapwurong of the north and the Bunganditj of the west. As the area was well-watered and supported an abundance of animal and birdlife these groups were more sedentary than elsewhere in the country.

The 1854 census noted 230 people on the townsite, including three storekeepers, a butcher, an innkeeper, a doctor, a tailor, a saddler, along with stonemasons, builders and carpenters. The school had opened in 1852 and the town's second inn had been established in 1853.

The 1861 census recorded 1197 people living in 243 dwellings on the townsite with that many again in the district. It became a borough in 1863. Hamilton was the only settlement of importance in Victoria which was neither a mining centre nor port, being a tertiary service centre with judicial, transport, commercial and communication services.

Places of interest

Lake Hamilton
Hamilton Art Gallery
Church Hill
Monivae – bluestone mansion
Community parklands
Hamilton Botanical Gardens
Nigretta and Wannon Falls
Byaduk Caves

Accommodation

Hamilton has a full range of accommodation options including bed and breakfasts, motels, hotels, caravan parks and cabins and self contained units. 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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