Nestled beside the extinct volcano of Mount Rouse and connecting the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians National Park, Penshurst is a place where you can discover historic bluestone buildings, towering elm trees, natural wetlands and stunning views and hidden gems.
1) Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre
Expand your knowledge and experience interactive learning at the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre. Situated within the third largest volcanic plain on earth, learn all there is to know about volcanoes and let your mind believe it’s back thousands of years when volcanoes erupted across the Western District.
2) Penshurst Store
Famous for their homemade pies, pastries and pasties, the Penshurst Store will have you fed, full and fulfilled! Leave with a memento and browse their forever growing range of homewares and gifts, some of which even made locally in the Greater Hamilton region.
3) Mount Rouse Walking Track
Wrapping around the front of Mt Rouse, this walking track offers widespread views of Penshurst and the Grampians able to be altered to the length of your choosing, finish things up at the picnic area or continue the trek to its base.
4) Crater Lake
When exploring the precinct of Mount Rouse, venture to the once believed bottomless – Crater Lake. Home to an abundance of local wildlife, look to the craters edge and find Kangaroos as they graze or look to the skies and spot Australia’s largest bird of prey, the Wedge Tail Eagle as they soar.
5) Mount Rouse Summit Viewing Platform
Be lost for words at the Mt Rouse Summit Viewing Platform where incredible 360 degree views will take your breath away, showcasing incredible views that stretch across to the Grampians ranges.
6) Yatmarone Wildlife Reserve
As one of few deep fresh water marsh wetlands in the area, Yatmarone Wildlife Reserve is the perfect place for you to explore and discover the many plant and wildlife species that call the 13 hectare Conservation Reserve home – so don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
7) Rurik’s Shed
Discover your next page turning obsession at the local treasure, Rurik’s Shed, a weekend exclusive. Housing every genre of book you can think of and get lost searching amongst the shelves.
8) Penshurst Botanic Gardens
Revolving around a ‘never-failing’ spring and home of a charming rotunda that to the everyday eye may appear to be floating, take in sights across the countryside and admire the impressive collection of plants from across the world as you meander your way through the Penshurst Botanic Gardens.
9) Penshurst Caravan Park
Pull up to a one of a kind caravan park embraced by the beauty of the town’s botanic gardens. A family friendly destination where the park is located beside a public pool and a nearby playground with basketball and tennis courts. Ideally located for your next adventure along the Great Ocean Road or Grampians National Park!
10) Penshurst Courthouse
Beautifully preserved is the old Penshurst Courthouse, home to a local court of law for almost 100 years. With many of its original furniture’s including the old police lock up, the building today is now where you’ll find the Penshurst Historical Society, the ideal place to dive into town or family history.
11) Penshurst Hotel
Pull up a chair at the town’s only serving pub; todays local experts in insuring you leave fed and full. Holding its ground for over 150 years, the Penshurst’s Hotel has provided the community with a hearty chef prepared meal since the 1850’s!
12) Bluestone Heritage Sight Seeing
Take a walk around Penshurst’s CBD and treat you eyes to a streetscape lined with beautiful historic bluestone buildings, picture perfect and lovely to capture.
We’d love to know about your adventures in Penshurst, let us know via social media using our hashtag #visitgreaterhamilton or tagging us @visitgreaterhamilton
