The Big Wool Bales

Hamilton
Substantial rural centre between the Grampians and the Great Ocean Road
Hamilton is located on a volcanic basalt plain 291 km west of Melbourne via the Western and Glenelg Highways and 187 m 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. The present population is 9250

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. They built stone weirs and a complex of waterways on the shores of the lakes and swamps. William Thomas, in 1844, encountered a camp "which contained between twenty and thirty huts, well built and capable of holding ten or twelve people; numerous and well-constructed dams were in these creeks, their nets were of the first rate and they are said to have worn straw hats of their own manufacture".

Thomas Mitchell passed through the Western district in 1836 during his Australia Felix expedition in search of fresh sheep pasturage for pastoralists keen to supply the demands of English textile mills. He made a side trip to Portland Bay where he found the Henty brothers then headed north again, eventually passing through the future townsite of Hamilton, of which he remarked: "A finer country could scarcely be imagined: enormous trees of the mimosa or wattle, of which the bark is so valuable, grew almost everywhere".

On the basis of Mitchell's good report of the interior, the Henty brothers moved their livestock inland from Portland in 1837. Others soon followed and settlers were in the Hamilton region by 1838 or 1839. The Wedge family established a run (called the 'Grange') which had its centre near the present townsite on the northern side of Grange Burn. The Wedge's chose this name for their property and the creek because they knew Mitchell had called a local creek the 'Grange', although they didn't know which one (it was, in fact, Violet Creek).

In November 1839 C.J. Tyers, the government surveyor, had recommended the townsite for development. The following month the commissioner for crown lands noted 36 people on the 'Grange' run (only one being female). There were three sod huts, two thatched huts, a wool shed, a garden, 5500 sheep, 220 cattle and eight horses. The Wedges had left by the end of 1840, due, in part, to hostility from the indigenous people, but others took over the property.

The indigenous people strongly resisted the white invasion as it deprived them of traditional tribal lands (the basis of their entire culture) and food sources. They appropriated, maimed and killed sheep for food and out of retaliation for the loss of their land and food and for the mistreatment of Aboriginal women. Whites responded with the gun and, although details are unavailable, it seems apparent that many Aborigines of the Western district were murdered. In just one incident, about 40 indigenous men, women and children were surrounded and shot after they made off with 127 sheep, though no action was taken by the government.

Hamilton Court House from Botanic Gardens

The Wedges themselves and their stock came under immediate attack. There were numerous incidents - one resulting in the death of one shepherd and severe head injuries to another. Retaliation ensued and a government report noted that the squatters "are determined ...to exterminate this hostile tribe". The journal of an early visitor notes that the Wedges' station was "a spot celebrated for the maltreatment of natives".

It was partly this conflict which led to the appointment of Foster Fyans (see entry on Geelong) as crown lands commissioner of the Portland Bay district. He and his contingent of 16 border police were there, in large part, to suppress Aboriginal resistance.

When Governor La Trobe visited the Grange in 1841 he noted the extent of interracial violence and appointed Acheson French as police magistrate to the area. A constable and a detachment of mounted police, to be based at the Grange, were also appointed and convicts from Portland erected a hut for the magistrate and barracks for the troopers on the site of the present courthouse and police station on Martin and Thompson Streets.

Another result of the conflict was the establishment of an Aboriginal reserve in the area which was intended for the protection of the indigenous people. It further angered the pastoralists who regarded the reserve and its supervisor as hostile to their interests. Violence and brutality appear to have continued unchecked until Governor La Trobe ordered Fyans, all his border police and a contingent of native police to the Grange in September 1842. The police presence, the effectiveness of the native trackers and the devastating effects of dislocation, European diseases, and killings marked the end of large-scale Aboriginal resistance in the district. On the subject of disease one contemporary noted "The Natives are diseased to a frightful extent all over this part of the Country and they are dying very fast...A few seasons are fatal to them as this has been, and they will cease to exist in the Country". In fact the indigenous people were down to about 300 full-bloods by 1900 but have since made a comeback.

La Trobe's decision to appoint a police magistrate at the 'Grange' reflected his view that a town would emerge on the site due to the good land, the many pastoral properties and the tracks from parts of NSW which led through the 'Grange' to Portland. The police facilities were soon expanded and improved. The Grange Inn was established by the town's first constable, George Green, in 1843. Distinguished Presbyterian minister J.D. Lang was an early customer.

The economic depression of the early 1840s saw the abolition of the 'Grange' magistracy and the removal of the constable and mounted police. In 1844 a blacksmith set up shop and a postmaster's position was created.

With economic recovery a Court of Petty Sessions was established at the old police quarters in 1846. A small store opened in 1847 or 1848 and some shanties and businesses began to appear by the ford over the Grange Burn, including a shoemaker's (1849). A boarding house opened in 1851 and Hamilton began to emerge as a small social centre for the pastoral properties, with horse races being held along the Grange Burn flat.

A desire for a national school soon arose and this prompted the need for a town survey which commenced in 1849. The new site was gazetted as Hamilton in 1851. It was most probably named after Hamilton near Glasgow in Scotland owing to the preponderance of Scottish settlers.

The first town allotments of the Western district were sold at Hamilton late in 1851. By that time the Victorian goldrush was under way and, although it had no goldfield in the vicinity, Hamilton prospered greatly from the vast population growth, the new prosperity and the tremendous demand for food which prompted the emergence of agriculture in the district. Consequently, many German Lutherans moved into the area from South Australia, settling mainly at Tarrington and Byaduk.

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 commissioner of crown lands for the Portland Bay District moved his offices to Hamilton in 1853. A small wooden Catholic chapel was built in 1857. A more substantial Anglican church was completed in 1857 and a Presbyterian church in 1858. The development of wheat production saw the establishment of two steam-powered bluestone mills in the 1850s (one is still standing).

Businesses continued to expand and the introduction of local government in 1859 saw the improvement of infrastructure such as roads and water supply. The third and largest hotel, the Victoria, was built in Gray St in 1855, encouraging the development of that thoroughfare as the main business centre. An official post office was built in 1859, the year which saw the establishment of the Hamilton Courier newspaper.

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.

The 1860s and 1870s were a time of consolidation . Small-scale secondary industries emerged which were engaged in very basic processing of rural produce and in serving the building, agricultural and transport industries. There were soon two breweries, a tannery, a coach building works, nine hotels, seven churches and a mechanics' institute (1865). It was a sign of Hamilton's importance that it received the railway in 1877. It confirmed the settlement's centrality as a service centre to the district and caused a spurt of expansion and the rebuilding of much of the business district. The 1881 census recorded 2967 people.

The 1880s and 1890s saw the flour mills close as wheat-growing declined in favour of pastoralism. A rabbit-preserving industry and a butter factory were established in 1892. The population in 1901 was 4024. Over the next twenty years dairying declined and the factory closed but many large estates were broken up and small and mixed farming enterprises emerged. The population increased significantly and the development of the district enhanced Hamilton's importance as a rail centre. The early years of the 20th century were a boom time for the borough which became a town in 1928 and a city in 1949. Despite some ups and downs it has remained a major regional centre throughout the 20th century which retains its lifelong connections to the rural industries it serves.

The Wool Heritage Week is held in the last week of July or the first week of August. A trade show called the Hamilton Sheep-vention is on at the same time, drawing crowds of up to 20 000 to its displays of sheep and wool products and farming inventions.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information and Gardens
The Hamilton Visitor Information Centre is located in Lonsdale St, tel: (03) 5572 3746 or (1800) 807 056. A walking tour of Hamilton is available in a booklet available from the Information Centre ($5) and cycling, walking and driving routes can also be provided. A display has been established relating to the recently beatified Mary McKillop who lived in the region in the 19th century.

There are a number of impressive private gardens located in the Hamilton district and around Cavendish, including Middletons, Pierrepoint Proteas, Clifton Gardens, Woorim South, Arrandoovong, Sherwood (also a pottery), Pine Grove, Gawalla, Mistydown Perennials and Glendinning. Some are set around historic homesteads. Most are open seasonally and by appointment only. The Information Centre can furnish details about whereabouts and contact numbers.

The Hamilton Art Gallery
The Hamilton Art Gallery at 107 Brown St (by the Gray St corner) is considered one of the state's leading provincial galleries. The collection includes a series of engravings by 18th-century English satirist William Hogarth, watercolours by 18th-century English artist Paul Sandby, along with a strong collection of 19th and 20th-century Australian paintings. The collection also includes ceramics, furniture, silver, tapestries and artifacts from Tibet, India, Nepal, China and Japan. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Saturdays from 10.00 a.m. to noon and from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m., and Sundays from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission is by donation and guided tours are available by appointment, tel: (03) 5573 0460.

Hamilton Historical Museum
The Hamilton Historical Museum is located in the old mechanics' institute (1865) at 43 Gray St, adjacent the post office. It has items pertaining to local history and is open from 2.00 p.m to 5.00 p.m. every day but Saturday, tel: (03) 5572 4933.

Adjoining the building is The Aboriginal Keeping Place which focuses on the Aboriginal heritage of the Western District with dioramas and displays relating to fish traps, mounds, stone houses, rock art, the Lake Condah Aboriginal Mission, quarries, axe-grinding grooves, grinding tools, the indigenous woman's traditional practices, wooden weapons and tools, fibre craft and the usage of local plants. It is open by appointment.

The museum is adjacent the post office (1878). On the other side of the post office is the Hamilton Spectator printing office (1859).

Anglican Church

Church Hill
The corner of Gray and McIntyre Sts is known as Church Hill owing to the presence of St Andrew's Presbyterian and Anglican Christ Church Co-Cathedral (the Sunday school dates back to 1889).

The massive bluestone Gothic Revival form of St Andrew's (1907-09), with its enormous spire and spacious interior, was built on the site of the first St Andrew's (1858). The original services were conducted in Gaelic. There are also some fine historic homes nearby.

Hamilton Botanical Gardens
The Hamilton Botanical Gardens (4 ha) were established on the town's recreation reserve in 1870. The Kentucky coffee tree, Corsican pine, funeral cypress, Himalayan oak, Californian live oak, digger pine, hickory wattle and English oak are on the register of significant trees. The latter has a span of over 30 metres. There is a band rotunda (c.1900), a caretaker's cottage (1881) by the corner of Kennedy and Martin Sts, a walk-through aviary, an animal enclosure, a central pond (1883), a playground and barbecue facilities, a 1920 memorial fountain and a cannon from the HMVS Nelson (c.1860s). It is bounded by French, Kennedy, Martin and Thompson Sts. A guiding pamphlet is available from the information centre.

Apex Park
Apex Park in Abbott St (which runs off Ballarat Rd) is a popular fishing spot on the banks of Grange Burn. Features include a playground, picnic-barbecue facilities and an old steam locomotive.

The Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum
After an unpromising start Sir Reginald Ansett put his famous transportation enterprise into the black when he switched his base of operations to Hamilton in 1931. With local money he launched Ansett Airlines from Hamilton in 1937. The Ansett Transport Museum is located within one of the company's original hangars on the shores of Lake Hamilton in Ballarat Rd (i.e., the Glenelg Highway). Displays relating to the Ansett empire include a Fokker Universal, similar to the first Ansett plane. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and there is a small entry fee, tel: (03) 5571 2767.

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton
Lake Hamilton is a 38-ha lake at the north-eastern corner of town which is surrounded by 25 ha of parkland. Created in 1977 by damming the Grange Burn, it is a popular venue for fishing and water sports such as waterskiing, boating, swimming, sailboarding, rowing and canoeing. There is a boat ramp. A walking-cycling track surrounds the lake and, at the end of Rippons Rd (which runs off Ballarat Rd), there is a beach, playground and picnic-barbecue area.

Monivae
'Monivae' is a two-storey bluestone mansion located just off Ballarat Rd at the eastern edge of town (the driveway is just past Hyland St). This homestead was built c.1878 on a property established by the first police magistrate of the Hamilton district, Acheson French.

Hamilton Pastoral Museum
Just past 'Monivae', adjacent Ballarat Rd, is the Hamilton Pastoral Museum which occupies a 2.5-ha site. The former St Luke's Lutheran Church (1861) contains items relating to local Lutheran history. There is also a display hall with old domestic wares, a cottage, a blacksmith's, a former bank and lots of antiquated farm machinery. It is open by appointment or during rally days in March and October. There is an admission fee, tel: (03) 5572 2489 or (03) 5572 3746.

Big Woolbales
The Big Woolbales are located amidst native red gums 3 km west of the city centre at 230 Coleraine Rd (the Henty Highway). They are actually five linked structures which exactly resemble five gigantic woolbales - a tribute to the importance of the local wool industry. Together they form a building within which are wool-related displays such as historical memorabilia, including farming and shearing equipment, wool scales, old horse harnesses, wool presses and weaving looms, along with wool samples and rural clothing. There is also a kiosk and a souvenir shop. Shearing and spinning demonstrations are conducted by appointment. The opening hours are 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily. There is a small entry fee, tel: (03) 5571 2810.

The Big Wool Bales

Community Parklands
The 221-ha Community Parklands, located adjacent North Boundary Rd, have been set aside for recreation, conservation and education. They contain valuable remnant indigenous flora. There is a sporting complex, a water reserve, picnic-barbecue facilities, at least 95 species of native wildflowers and other flora and at least 90 species of native birds. Another inhabitant is the Eastern barred bandicoot, a rare and endangered Australian marsupial. The colony in the Parklands and on the banks of Grange Burn is the last on mainland Australia.

Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning
Within the Community Parklands, at 333 North Boundary Rd, is The Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning. A nature trail provides access to a community organic flower and vegetable garden. Pioneering skills and traditional craft skills are taught at the mud-brick headquarters which were erected by the unemployed. They contain information on the Eastern barred bandicoot. The Institute is open on Mondays from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., and from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at other times by prior arrangement, tel: (03) 5572 3699.

Nigretta Falls Reserve
This reserve centres on the falls on the Upper Wannon River. They are broader than Wannon Falls with a shorter drop and are thus less spectacular. However, there is some outstanding scenery and good fishing, as well as picnic-barbecue areas, a playground and a deep pool for swimming. Follow the Glenelg Highway west of town for 5 km then take the signposted right into Nigretta Rd. After another 9 km take the signposted left to the park above the falls.

Wannon Falls
19 km west of Hamilton, via the Glenelg Highway, is a signposted turnoff to Wannon Falls, located adjacent the highway. They are very impressive indeed, particularly in winter (the flow may become a trickle in mid-summer). There is a koala reserve, a sports area, a playground and picnic-barbecue area. Kangaroos abound and both swimming and fishing can be enjoyed. Several viewing platforms have been carved out of the cliff face.

Byaduk Caves and Mt Napier
Byaduk Caves were formed by lava from Mt Napier. There is a viewing platform and it is possible to enter one of the caves.

Mt Napier is a prominent local landmark. There are excellent views from the summit but it can only be reached via a strenuous walking track from an old quarry.

Both attractions can be reached by heading south out of town along Port Fairy Rd (towards Macarthur and Port Fairy). After 8 km take the signposted left into Murroa Lane. The Hamilton Information Centre can explain the rest of the route but it should be signposted. However, it is very rough once you get off the main road.

Cavendish
Cavendish is a pretty little town beside the Wannon River located 25 km north of Hamilton on the Henty Highway. The first runs were established here c.1840. The first house on the townsite was erected that same year. The town, which began to develop in the late 1840s, was originally known as Wilton. Another small settlement emerged about 3 km south to serve a tannery. The state's eighth National School opened in 1852 and it is the only one in the state to have continuously operated on its original site to the present day (cnr Barker and Churnside Sts).

The Hamilton Information Centre has driving tour brochure and the 'Settlers Walk' which takes in the town's historic buildings and sites. It includes the school, the Wannon Store (1868), the old police cells (1862), which are diagonally opposite, and the Bunyip Hotel which was established as Waddell's Inn (1842).

There are two lovely walks along the river. One starts behind the police cells and heads east; the other starts behind the Bunyip and heads west.

Sherwood Gardens
11 km north of Cavendish, along the Henty Highway, is a turnoff on the right into McCutcheon's Rd (signposted for 'Sherwood') and it is another 2 km to Sherwood Gardens which is open by appointment, tel: (03) 5574 2242.

Grampians National Park - Chimney Pots and Aboriginal Art Site
26 km north of Cavendish, on the Henty Highway, is Woohlpooer. From this point the Glenelg River Rd heads east off the highway and into Grampians National Park. About 12 km from the highway there is a carpark on the roadside. Nearby is a small campground (due to be phased out) and the starting point for the walk and climb to the top of the rock stack known as the Chimney Pots. 5.6 km return it is strenuous with some ill-defined sections (make sure you have a map).

The small Strachans Campground is situated on an old mill site, beside a creek, about 8 km past the Chimney Pots on the Glenelg River Rd.

About 13 km north of Woohlpooer along the Henty Highway, just south of Glenisla, is another turnoff which heads east into the National Park to the large and very attractive Buandik Campground, located in a forested area on Billimina Creek. There are several Aboriginal art sites in the area. One can be accessed from the Billamina Track (40 minutes return) which is signposted from the campground while the other is at the end of the Manja Track (2.6 km return) which begins from the roadside just beyond the campground. If you ascend another 20 metres after reaching the art site there are excellent views of theVictoria Range.

Rocklands Reservoir and Black Range State Park
Rocklands Reservoir (a part of the Wimmera-Mallee irrigation system) is the major local attraction. This popular fishing and boating area, to the east of Balmoral, is surrounded by state forests and there are a number of camping areas situated amidst open box woodland on the foreshore of the reservoir. The park boasts masses of wildflowers, Aboriginal rock art, colourful bluffs and fine views. There are walking tracks and picnic areas and bush camping is permitted away from designated areas. It is usually a good spot for boating, waterskiing, sailing, swimming and fishing (for redfin and trout). Most fish are obtained by boat but there are many submerged logs so care is essential. For further information relating to bushwalking, maps or regulations concerning fishing, boating and bush camping contact Parks Victoria's info-line (131 963) or the local office on (03) 5574 2308.

On the eastern shore of Rocklands Reservoir is the Hynes camping reserve, located at the end of Hynes Rd which heads west from the small township of Glenisla on the Henty Highway, 66 km north of Hamilton. It has powered caravan sites, a toilet block, hot showers, an electric barbecue and a boat ramp.

14 km north of Glenisla on the Henty Highway is Cherrypool. Cherrypool Road (surfaced but unsealed) heads west through Black Range State Park and by Rocklands Reservoir. There are plans to seal the road in the year 2000.

About 6 km along this road is a turnoff on the right into Black Range Road. After about 7 km turn left into Rees Rd and it is about 2.5 km to the Black Range Picnic Ground. You can undertake the walking trail to the top of Black Range, from whence there are excellent views then follow the trail south along the range and turn left into Muirfoot Track. 1.5 km along this road, to the right, is the start of a walking trail that leads to Mount Byron.

The attractions outlined in the previous paragraph can also be accessed by continuing along Cherrypool Rd. About 11 km from the Henty Highway take the turnoff on the right which leads directly into Muirfoot Track (a 4WD vehicular track closed to traffic from July to September). About 5 km along (after passing through a gate which you must close behind you), on the left-hand side of the road, is the start of the trail to Mt Byron. 1.5 km further along Muirfoot Track, on the right-hand side of the road, is the start of the walk to the Black Range Picnic Ground.

8 km further south along Cherrypool Road is the Mountain Dam Camping Area which is located on the reservoir foreshore. It has fireplaces, toilets, a boat ramp and picnic facilities. Cherrypool Road now veers west. After 7 km there is a turnoff on the left to Brodies Camping Area on the reservoir foreshore. Five more kilometres brings you to an intersection. Take the signposted right for Spillway Caravan and Camping Park (tel: 03 5570 1438) and the dam wall where there is a boat ramp; proceed straight ahead along Rocklands Road to Balmoral; or turn left into East Telangatuk Road (see entry on Balmoral).

Rocklands Reservoir and Grampians State Forest
44 km north of Hamilton on the Henty Highway is a turnoff on the left into East West Road. 5 km along here is a turnoff on the right into a 4WD track which leads to Lookout Hill, a fossicking reserve and ultimately on to Henrys and Fergusons camping areas on the foreshore of Rocklands Reservoir. The latter has fireplaces, toilets, picnic facilities and a boat ramp. These two campsites can be more directly reached by turning off the Henty Highway at the tiny settlement of Woohlpooer, 51 km north of Hamilton. Head west along the 4WD track for just over 2 km then veer right into Craigs Road. After 1 km take the left then, after a further 2.5 km, veer right again. After about two more kilometres there is a turnoff on the left for Henrys or just stay on the main track which leads to Fergusons.

	Tourist Information
	Hamilton Visitor Information Centre Lonsdale St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 3746, 1800 807 056
	Motels
	Bandicoot Motor Inn 152 Ballarat Rd Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1688 Rating: ***
	Botanical Motor Inn Cnr Thompson & French Sts Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1855 Rating: ***
	Grange Burn Motor Inn 142 Ballarat Rd P.O. Box 404 Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 5755 Rating: ****
	Hamilton Lakeside Motel 24 Ballarat Rd Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 3757 Rating: ***
	Lenwin on the Lake Motor Inn 2 Riley St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 2733 Rating: ***
	The Town Lodge Motel 27 Shakespeare St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 2517 Rating: **
	Goldsmith Motel 30 Goldsmith St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (02) 5572 4347 Rating: ***
	Lonsdale Motor Inn 110 Lonsdale St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 4055 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	Argyle Arms Hotel Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 9009
	Caledonian Hotel/Motel Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1055 Rating: ***
	Commercial Hotel Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1078
	George Hotel/Motel 213 Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1844 Rating: ***
	Grand Central Hotel 141 Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 2899 Rating: **
	Hotel Hamilton Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1035
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Acton Lodge Bed & Breakfast Strathkellar Rd P.O. Box 318 Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (02) 5572 5818 Rating: ***
	Mourilyan Bed & Breakfast 22 Pope St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 4989 Rating: ***
	Murrufield Bed & Breakfast Glenelg Hwy Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 5714 Rating: ***
	Lodges & Chalets
	Lake Hamilton Lodge Ballarat Rd Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 9046 Rating: ***
	Caravan Parks
	Lake Hamilton Caravan Park 8 Ballarat Rd Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 3855 Rating: ***
	Hamilton Caravan Park Shakespeare St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 4235 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	Bandicoot Motor Inn Ballarat Rd Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1688
	Botanical Motor Inn Cnr Thompson & French Sts Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1855
	Caledonian Hotel/Motel Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1055
	Commercial Hotel Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1078
	Court Lantern Chinese Restaurant Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 2366
	De Niro's Pizza & Pasta Restaurant Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 1032
	George Hotel/Motel 213 Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1844
	Georgies Restaurant Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 1844
	Gilly's Coffee Shop & Grill Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 9111
	Grand Central Hotel 141 Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 2899
	Grange Burn Motor Inn 142 Ballarat Rd Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 5755
	Lonsdale Motor Inn Lonsdale St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 4055
	Robco's Roadhouse Gray St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 1217
	Stirring Pot Restaurant Coleraine Rd Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5572 2535
	The Hamilton Strand Restaurant Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 9144
	The Hamilton Strand Restaurant Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 Telephone: (03) 5571 9144