Horsham
Major service and commercial centre in the Wimmera
As famous author Mark Twain noted: 'Horsham sits in a plain which is as level as a floor'. The Wimmera River flows picturesquely through the town which is a major service and commercial centre of the Wimmera district. It is located 299 km north-west of Melbourne and 138 m above sea-level. The population is currently around 14 000.

Wheat and sheep, together with fruit and vegetables, are the main produce of the area. The town also has an industrial sector. Horsham also functions as a base for those wishing to explore Grampians National Park which is just to the south (see entry on Halls Gap).

Before Europeans arrived the area was occupied by both the Jardwa and Wotjobaluk Aborigines and the area was known as 'Wopetbungundilar'. This is thought to mean either place of flowers or place of feathers: references to either the flowery riverbanks or to a Dreamtime story which suggests that the emu species grew from the feathers of a large ill-tempered creature which was killed at Wopetbungundilar.

The first Europeans in the area belonged to the exploratory party of Thomas Mitchell who passed to the south during their voyage into 'Australia Felix' in 1836. The first white settler was James Darlot who established the 'Brighton' run on both sides of the river in 1842, naming it after the English seaside resort. Other squatters followed.

In 1849 George Langlands, who had met Darlot in Melbourne, established a store and post office at what is now the corner of Darlot and Hamilton Sts. The choice of the site was logical. It was an established river crossing on an established track (originally an Aboriginal path), it was obviously close to a water supply and there were trees for shelter. It is unclear what other buildings were there at that time.

It is known that the chief constable for the Wimmera district had set up shop at Horsham in 1847 (Darlot had already named the site after a town in Sussex, England). By 1849 the police precinct consisted of a watch house, courthouse and barracks - all log huts. The first hotel also opened in 1849 or 1850. An 1854 census recorded a population of 57, at which time there were about 20 wooden buildings. The first school opened in 1857 and a coach service to Stawell commenced in 1862. The Wimmera Shire was declared in 1864. At that time the town was still a rather quiet service centre.

Major development really began when the land was opened for selection in the early 1870s and wheat farming commenced. Hand-in-hand with this went a flour mill (1873) and the May and Millar company which manufactured farm implements, subsequently becoming one of the largest such works in the state. Thus the population increased from 294 in 1871 to 2678 in 1891. The telegraph arrived in 1875 and the railway in 1879, by which time there was a modern post office, a hospital, a mechanics' institute and council offices.Horsham was declared a borough in 1882.

When Mark Twain visited the town in the early 1890s he described it as 'a country town, peaceful, reposeful, inviting, full of snug homes, with garden plots, and plenty of shrubbery and flowers.' He described the landscape not only as remarkably flat but as 'gray, bare, sombre, melancholy, baked, cracked, in the tedious long droughts, but a horizonless ocean of vivid green grass the day after a rain.'

After both world wars land was made available on very favourable terms to war veterans with farming experience. Horsham was declared a town in 1932 and a city in 1949.

The Spring Garden Festival is held in October, the Kannamaroo Festival in December, the Agricultural Show in September. The Wimmera Machinery Field Days attract 60 000 people over a 4-day period to the Longerenong campus of the Victorian College of Agriculture (10 km north-east of town) during the first week in March.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information
Horsham Visitor Centre & Booking Service is located at 20 O'Callaghan's Parade, tel: (03) 5382 1832, or free-call (1800) 633 218.

Botanic Gardens
The Horsham Botanic Gardens are located by the Wimmera River at the corner of Baker and Firebrace Sts. They were designed in the 1870s by William Guilfoyle who was the curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

The Wimmera River
Much work has been done over the years to beautify and render safe the banks of the Wimmera River. There are picnic spots, fishing and good viewing places for sunsets which set off the river and the mountains to excellent effect.

Barnes Boulevarde follows the northern bank of the Wimmera River from the botanic gardens to the western edge of town. A walking track follows the riverbank westwards past a footbridge which leads to an island playground known as Adventure Island.

Further west on Barnes Boulevarde is Weir Park, adjacent the weir. It has playground equipment, barbecues and toilets with lawned areas overlooking the Wimmera River.

May Park, at the corner of Dimboola Rd and Wawunna Rd, has playground-barbecue-toilet facilities with lawns and shady trees. Dimboola Rd started as an Aboriginal track from pre-colonial days. The white settlers used it when they arrived and it now forms a portion of the Western Highway.

Art Gallery
The Horsham Art Gallery contains the Mack Jost collection, which includes works by Rembrandt, Sidney Nolan, Hans Heysen and George Lambert. There is also a strong photographic collection. Located at 80 Wilson St, it is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekdays and from 1.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Sundays, tel: (03) 5382 5575.

Wool Factory
The Wimmera Wool Factory is located 3 km south-west of the town centre on Golf Course Rd, past the industrial estate. It produces first-rate ultrafine wool. There are informative daily tours, refreshments and souvenirs. They are open 7 days a week, tel: (03) 5382 0333.

Gold Escort Marker
5 km north-west of town, beside the Western Highway, is a marker to denote the spot where the gold escort crossed the border in 1852 and 1853. It was intended to reverse the currency drain from South Australia during the Victorian goldrushes by bringing some of the gold back to Adelaide, a town which had been virtually deserted by hopeful prospectors. In this it was a successful venture as around one million pounds worth of the precious metal passed through this spot during its 18 excursions.

Wimmera Lakes
There are four lakes to the south-east of Horsham, adjacent the Western Highway, for those who enjoy water sports and fishing. Part of the Wimmera-Mallee irrigation system, they are the location of redfin and trout championships in October

The first that visitors pass as they head towards Melbourne is Dock Lake, about 10 km from Horsham on the eastern side of the highway. Nearby, on the other side of the highway, is Green Lake which has a swimming beach and areas for speed boats, paddleboats, sailboards and canoes. The lake is well stocked with golden perch, Murray cod and redfin. There are also shady picnic areas with barbecues, toilets and a kiosk which is open in summer.

17 km from Horsham is the locality of Drung Drung Sth where the Lubeck Rd heads east off the highway. It leads by the northern rims of both Pine Lake and Taylors Lake where there are viewing platforms. Both are noted for their stocks of redfin.

Sylvania Park Host Farm
Sylvania Park Host Farm is based around a mohair stud. Accommodation is available in the original homestead. Of interest are the farm tour, a mohair craft and products shop, the working dogs, the feeding of the kids, and the yabbying, birdwatching and fishing opportunities, tel: (03) 5382 2811. They are about ten minutes south-east of Horsham, off the road to Melbourne.

Toscana Olives
Toscana Olive Plantation is located on Plantation Rd at Laharum, on the western slopes of the Grampians. It is considered the largest olive plantation in the Southern Hemisphere. Tours of the grove and the oil processing factory are possible by prior appointment only, tel: (03) 5383 8235.

Toolondo Reservoir
44 km south-west of town is Toolondo Reservoir where brown trout are a specialty. To get there follow the Henty Highway for 20 km to Wonwondah North where the Balmoral Rd heads south-west, passing by the northern tip of the reservoir.

Cashmere and Thryptomene Farm
The Black Range Cashmere and Thryptomene Farm offers the visitor an opportunity to see cashmere goats (kidding takes place in early spring). There are excellent views and a profusion of wildflowers from May to October. 4WD tours into the area are also conducted for interested parties, tel: (03) 5383 7506. Head south on the Henty Highway for about 37 km and turn right just north of Brimpaen onto the Jallumba-Mockinya Rd.

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, 63 km south of Hamilton. It has powered caravan sites, a toilet block, hot showers, an electric barbecue and a boat ramp.

49 km south of Horsham on the Henty Highway is the tiny settlement of Cherrypool. Cherrypool Road (surfaced but unsealed) heads west from the highway 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. The walking trail continues south along the range. 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.

About another 5 km along Cherrypool Road is a 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. If, instead, you proceed along Muirfoot Track for another 1.5 km you can join 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).

	Tourist Information
	Horsham Visitor Centre & Booking Service 20 O'Callaghan's Pde Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1832, 1800 633 218
	Motels
	Comfort Inn Capital Horsham 109 Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0125 Rating: ****
	Country City Motor Inn 11 O'Callaghan Pde Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 5644, 1800 808 490 Rating: ***
	Darlot Motor Inn 47 Stawell Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5381 1222 Rating: ***
	Glynlea Motel 26 Stawell Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0145 or (03) 5382 1260 Rating: ***
	Horsham Mid City Court Motel 12-14 Darlot St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 5400, 1800 033 141 Rating: ***
	Horsham Motel 5 Dimboola Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 5555 Rating: ***
	Majestic Motel 56 Stawell Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0144 Rating: ***
	Mary Park Motor Lodge Cnr Darlot & Baillie Sts Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 4477 Rating: ***
	Old Horsham Motor Inn Western Hwy P.O. Box 679 Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5381 0033, 1800 630 126 Facsimile: (03) 5382 4233 Rating: ***
	Ploughmans Motor Inn 22 Dimboola Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 5944 Rating: ***
	Smerdon Lodge Motel 42 Dimboola Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 3122 or (03) 5382 3123 Rating: ***
	Town House Motel 31 Roberts Ave Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 4691 Rating: ***
	Wheatfields Motor Inn 71 Stawell Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 4555 Rating: **
	Westlander Motor Inn Western Hwy Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0191 Rating: ***
	Golden Grain Motor Inn 6 Dimboola Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 4741 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	Bull & Mouth Hotel Wilson St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1057
	Commercial Hotel Wilson St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1056
	Exchange Hotel Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1095
	Locarno Hotel Wilson St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0166
	Royal Hotel 132 Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1255 Rating: *
	Victoria Hotel Dimboola Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1162
	White Hart Hotel Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1231
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Banksia Hill Bed & Breakfast Hutchinsons Rd 3405 Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5384 0264 Rating: ****
	Garretts Bed & Breakfast Cnr Landy & Rose Sts Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 3928 Rating: ***
	Caravan Parks
	Horsham Caravan Park Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 3476 Rating: ***
	Wimmera Lakes Caravan Park Western Hwy Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 4481 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	Bullock Wagon Restaurant Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0126
	Comfort Inn Capital Horsham 109 Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0125
	Glen Logan Restaurant Dooen Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 5013
	Horsham Palace Restaurant Roberts Ave Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 5671
	Majestic Motel 56 Stawell Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0144
	Olde Horsham Restaurant Western Hwy Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 6999
	Royal Hotel 132 Firebrace St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 1255
	The Black Forest Licensed Restaurant Western Hwy Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0144
	Toy's Garden Restaurant Stawell Rd Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 2530
	Westlander Motor Inn Western Hwy Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 0191
	Cafés
	Cafe Chickpea Pysent St Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 3998