Gems aplenty across the region
In terms of the most popular attractions of the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians, there were common themes among the suggestions — to embark on a day trip or shorter drive:
Silo art — north-east day trip
Showcasing a collection of awe-inspiring, largescale murals painted on towering grain silos, the outdoor gallery transforms agricultural structures into vibrant works of art, creating a unique cultural experience as visitors journey through the picturesque landscapes, connecting rural communities through the power of public art.
“Start at Horsham’s silo, ‘Yangga Dyata – Walking on Country’ by Sam Bates, also known as Smug. Travel on to Murtoa and visit the new Murtoa Silo, also by Smug, the iconic heritage-listed Stick Shed and the Water Tower Museum with the Restored Railway Station. Picnic lunch on the lake or follow on to Rupanyup to the silo, not forgetting to visit the popular Woods Farming Heritage Museum. If you still have time, travel through Minyip, known as ‘Coopers Crossing’ in The Flying Doctors television show, with the main street featuring many of the buildings such as Emma’s Garage and the General Store. Finish your trip visiting Sheep Hills Silo before heading back to Horsham on the Henty Highway,” Ms Price said.
Dimboola and Little Desert
“Visit the quirky world of the Imaginarium, located in the old bank, take a wander through the main street stopping by the Dimboola Store for a coffee and cake and check out the new Forbidden Forest full of sweet temptations and gifts. Let youngsters’ imaginations run wild as they play on the old steam train and take a wander down the river. Experience a snippet of the Little Desert at Pomponderoo Hill, a one-kilometre loop walk, just a short drive from Dimboola without the need for a four-wheel drive,” Ms Price said.
“Head back out on to the Western Highway, then head north on the Jeparit-rainbow Road for 10km. You’ll find another painted silo by Smug featuring local Roley Klinge and the importance of tennis to these small communities.
“Turn back around to Dimboola and make your way back onto the highway in the direction of Adelaide for a short drive to see the pink lake, located on the left-hand side of the highway. It can vary in colour from vivid pink, burgundy or mauve depending on the weather, cloud coverage and the amount of water in it.”
Ms Bennett also recommended spending time in Little Desert National Park — a haven for nature enthusiasts boasting a diverse landscape of sand dunes, heathlands and woodlands.
“Hikers can traverse scenic trails, photographers capture the park’s unique flora and stunning vistas, bird watchers revel in the diverse avian species, and four-wheel drive enthusiasts can explore the rugged terrain, celebrating the park’s ecological richness,” she said.
Mt Arapiles, Dyuritte
The captivating formation celebrated globally as a premier rock-climbing destination was a popular recommendation from both tourism bodies.
People can marvel at the rock climbers, or take one of the walks from the base of Mt Arapiles to the summit.
Ms Bennett said: “Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, the mountain not only challenges climbers with its distinctive crags but also beckons hikers to explore scenic trails, providing stunning vistas of the Wimmera.”
In Natimuk, people can collect a map from the craft shop and wander the streets while learning about its history and admiring the various public art pieces. Allow youngsters time to use the play equipment and skate park.
“Here for a leisurely day? Fire up the community pizza oven and spend a lazy afternoon making pizzas. If you have brought your bikes, head out on the Arapiles Big Sky Bicycle Trail. There are a number of different trails from 4km to the full trail of 33km. The trails include areas such as the Natimuk Lake, Mitre Rock and Mt Arapiles, Dyuritte,” Ms Price said.
Northern Grampians, Gariwerd
There are a range of choices when visiting the Northern Grampians and Gariwerd – from bushwalking and hiking, scenic lookouts and waterfalls, picnic sites, and Indigenous cultural sites.
Ms Price said three popular hiking options included a short but steep hike up Mt Zero, the Grampians Peaks Trail trail head, with views of Mt Stapylton and the Wimmera plains; the medium-hard hike up Hollow Mountain; or the harder hike up Mt Stapylton.
“If you’d rather stay on flat ground, there are two Aboriginal cultural sites worth visiting – ‘Gulgurn Manja Shelter’, 1km return located near Hollow Mountain; and ‘Ngamadjidj Shelter’, just a short 30-metre loop located near Mt Stapylton,” she said.
Ms Price suggested Grampians Olive Co and Mt Stapylton Wines for those feeling peckish, and to visit historic Zumsteins for a picnic or complete the Fish Falls to Mackenzie River Walk, a little more than 4km return.
“Or people can take the short drive further up into the mountains to Mackenzie Falls. You have the option of going to the look-outs near the top to view the magnificent falls or walk to the bottom and view its entirety – bearing in mind there is a steep walk back up the many steps,” she said.
“This is a big day out and worth planning ahead with food, plenty of water and appropriate clothing.”
Wimmera River and Horsham
The service and shopping centre of the Wimmera, Horsham offers residents and visitors a range of opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy.
Ms Bennett said the Wimmera River – in Horsham and beyond – was a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.
“Meandering through the Wimmera’s picturesque landscape, the river offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming along its inviting waters,” she said.
“The scenic riverbanks provide perfect spots for leisurely picnics, allowing visitors to savour the stunning natural surroundings while creating unforgettable memories in the heart of this charming destination.”
Walking trails, barbecue facilities and picnic spots, fishing and swimming, and low to nocost family activities are also available along the river in Horsham – including the new water nature play park, Adventure Island, pump track or Weir Park.
“Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens designed by William Guilfoyle who designed the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. There is also another great park here for the kids and some interesting public art pieces,” Ms Price said.
“Looking for somewhere to cool down? Head up to the Horsham Regional Art Gallery where there are some great exhibitions over the summer including – The Worlds of Infinite Possibility, The Many Faces of Wes Walters, The Wimmera by Greg Mallyon, Shirley Newton in the Community Art Gallery and Women Painters in the Mack Jost Collection.”
Lake Tyrrell, Sea Lake
Lake Tyrrell and Sea Lake are gaining popularity – particularly for its stargazing and photographic opportunities.
The 120,000-year-old lake, Victoria’s largest salt lake, is regarded as among the best places in Australia star navigation.
The unique salty formation on the lake bed has also become a mecca for international visitors.
“Lake Tyrrell is a vast, shallow, salt-crusted ephemeral lake situated in the Mallee region of north-western Victoria. Known for its stunning reflections during sunset and sunrise, the lake is a unique landscape that transforms into a mesmerising mirror, mirroring the changing hues of the sky,” Ms Bennett said. • Is your favourite place or attraction missing from this list? Send us an email to weeklyadvertiser@team. aceradio.com.au or message us via Facebook with your favourite spots and hidden gems.