Horsham

Horsham Vic 3400 (Pop 14 250)
Pic: by Scott Davis

Horsham is an important Grampians commercial and service centre 300 km n-w of Melbourne on the Wimmera River. Original inhabitants were the Jardwa and Wotjobaluk Aborigines and an early settler named the settlement after an English seaside resort. Wheat farming, a subsequent flourmill and farm machinery manufacturing established the town and today wheat remains an important part of the economy together with sheep, fruit and vegetables. Horsham markets 2^nd Sun each month. Agricultural show (Sept), Spring Garden Festival (Oct), Kannamaroo Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Botanic Gardens, cnr Baker & Firebrace Sts designed in 1870s and scenically set on the Wimmera River. Horsham Regional Art Gallery, Wilson St housed in a 1930 art deco building featuring a fine Mack Jost collection. Open (10am-5pm) weekdays and (1pm-4.30pm) Sun. Wimmera River has great picnic spots, fishing, riverside walks and sunset views.

Nearby:
Wimmera Lakes consist of Dock Lake (10 km s-e), Green Lake (13 km s-e), Pine Lake (16 km s-e) and Taylors Lake (18 km s-e). Ideal for water sports, fishing and picnicking. Toolondo Reservoir (44 km s-w) & Rocklands Reservoir (90 kms s) for excellent fishing and water sports. Black Range State Park (68 km s) 11 7000 ha park of rugged cliffs, incredible wildflowers, Aborginal art, bush camping and scenic bushwalking trails. Murtoa (31 km n-e) pretty fishing town on Lake Marma with the Water Tower Museum (open Sun) depicting the area’s colourful history.

Accommodation:
Horsham has 15 motels, 7 hotels, 2 B&Bs and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 20 O’Callaghan Pde. Tel (03) 5382 1832 or 1800 633 218.