Out & About in the Wimmera Grampians region at Easter is a pretty special time

When you visit the Wimmera Grampains region, there is so much to see and do you'll need to stay a month of sundays to see it all!

But first settle yourself in Horsham and plan all your activities to take a leisurely pace so you don't miss a thing.

There are five shires surrounding the Horsham Shire, all with their own unique attractions and things to see and do, including those magic silos with their colourful art on each.

Above all enjoy your visit!

Recreational Fishing & Waterways

Wimmera River

Green Lake

Taylors Lake

Natimuk Lake

Lake Toolondo

Rocklands

Lake Wartook

Recreational Walks

Zumsteins Historic Walk; Mackenzie River Walk; MacKenzie Falls; Mt Zero; Mt Stapylton; Beehive Falls; Black Range State Park; Mount Arapiles Tooan State Park; and Little Desert National Park.

Tall tales and true ~let’s fish

Fisherfolk will drop a line – almost anywhere. Whether they are there to catch dinner, or to while away a pleasant afternoon by the water, fishing is a popular pastime for many.

Knowing the fish in the area you are visiting is helpful, more so the lakes and waterways where you can find them. Here’s a rundown for our Wimmera region.

Regional brown and rainbow trout fishing are two species of trout that not only look different but have quite markedly different characteristics.

Rainbow Trout are a beautiful silver colour with a pink stripe down the body and are a magnificent sight to see in the water.

They are easier to catch than browns and (the female especially) leap high from the water when hooked. Rainbow trout prefer fast flowing water to Brown trout.

Brown Trout are more likely to be in deeper water and are not only harder to hook, they fight much harder and longer. Most trout fishers will prefer to hunt brown because they are a greater challenge.

Whether bush walking, hiking, cheering on your horse, fishing or reclining is your thing, you'll find it all in the Wimmera Grampians this autumn.

Local waterways

Lake Toolondo

Toolondo has always been the favourite for trout and redfin with outstanding catches being regularly reported. 

Rocklands Reservoir

Constructed during the early 1950’s, Rocklands is a popular site for fishing and boating activities, as the lake boasts a good variety of fish species, including trout and redfin. It is currently the second largest lake in Victoria. 

Lake Wartook Reservoir

This lake is located in the Grampians National Park and bordered by the majestic mountain ranges in the backdrop. Lake Wartook is angler’s heaven for catching Brown Trout and Redfin. Fishing off the wall is permitted and provides comfortable bank fishing. The wall is a popular bank fishing spot due to its close proximity to the picnic facilities and car park. Many fishermen use unweighted scrub worms off the wall and fish with an open bail arm. Live minnow and mudeye suspended under a bubble float are also popular baits.

The Wimmera River

The River runs right through Horsham and is an excellent spot for Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Catfish and Redfin. It has the most abundant population of Catfish in Victoria, which makes for some great angling. Other popular areas of the Wimmera River are at Dimboola, Antwerp and Jeparit. There are many boat ramps and picnic areas along the river’s length.​

To find out some fabulous things to see and do, head for the glossy pages of Wimmera Grampian's Out & About magazine Here.

Stawell Gift: Colour and excitement at Australia's richest footrace

The Stawell Gift Carnival is one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events, which incorporates the famous 120-metre handicap foot race known as the Stawell Gift.

Run on grass, athletes are handicapped according to form and ability, and start off varying marks accordingly. Competitors in the men’s and women’s 120-metre Gifts compete for equal prize money as well as a place in Australian sporting folklore.

Seven hundred athletes are expected to descend on Stawell to vie for Australia’s richest footrace over three days of competition. More than 10,000 spectators attend Central Park over the Easter long weekend to take in the action and witness history.

The long history and reputation of the Stawell Gift has made it the most important professional running event for both athletes and spectators around Australia and internationally. The 2018 Stawell Gift men’s champion Jacob Despard said winning at Stawell was the highlight of his athletics career to date.

“Last year’s win was unbelievable and I’m looking forward to returning as defending champion,” he said. “Stawell is definitely my favourite meeting of the year, and I locked it into my schedule very early in the season.”

The unique event is steeped in tradition. It is not just the athletes who strive to be part of Australian racing history, all the visitors enjoy three days of fashion, fun and festivities.. Fashions on the Field will once again take centre stage on Easter Saturday, with prize money and gifts up for grabs. Easter Sunday is Family Day, with the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt headlining a fantastic schedule of kid-friendly activities including an athletics clinic, an animal nursery and plenty of other organised kids’ activities.

Easter Monday is the last and busiest day of the Carnival, featuring live television coverage of finals day. Stawell Gift is held April 20 - 22.

Finding a treasure takes you on an adventure

Programs like the Antiques Road Show and Bargain Hunt have increased interest in antiques and collectables worldwide; some say they are their favourite shows to watch.

But the real thing, meandering among antique and collectable stores, reinforces just what an enthralling pastime hunting for your particular treasure can be.

A collector is someone who collects objects because they are beautiful, valuable, or interesting and there’s no better place to search for your particular treasure than the amazing cornucopia of gems on offer at the many outlets in the region.

There are so many interesting items to potter amongst, you could spend a day each week and keep discovering something new.

Maybe you’re searching for some antique buttons (most items over a century old are allowed the honour of being called antique), vintage furniture, prints, pottery, jewellery, Asian artefacts, antique weaponry, fine porcelain, sterling silver, vintage clothing, a tractor seat or retro kitchen wares.

You won’t be disappointed. There is something for everyone, whether you’re intent on a leisurely browse, or a serious potter, you can enjoy the sentimental journey amongst treasures from the past.

You can bring a friend and prepare to spend the day on your treasure hunt.