Hamilton

Explore Hamilton's prosperous wool growing heritage, reflected in its many grand buildings, majestic homesteads and fine landscaped gardens. Discover the many treasures from the homesteads – now part of the rich and diverse collection of the Hamilton Art Gallery, one of Australia's finest regional galleries. Picnic in the tranquil scenery of Lake Hamilton. Try fishing, water skiing, sailing and canoeing or traverse the vast and beautiful landscape of green rolling hills, ancient red gums, dormant volcanoes and impressive waterfalls by car, bike or on foot.

Wool growing heritage
Originally named Grange Burn, Hamilton's settlement grew as a result of the Western District's strong pastoral development. The squatters and their wool were of great economic and social importance to the growth of the town. While other major centres in the region were being built on gold, Hamilton was being built on wool. Once known as the 'wool capital of the world', the riches spilled over to create fine buildings – the skyline is dominated by church spires built in the late 1800s, and the William Guilfoyle-designed botanical garden, where plantings started in the 1870s, now a perfect spot for family games and picnics amongst its enormous English oaks and fountains.

Culture and history
Catch up on Australia's aviation history at the Ansett Transport Museum. Find out how Sir Reginald Ansett, founder of Ansett Airlines, grew his small transport operation into a huge empire. Back to wool, there's more history in the Hamilton Pastoral Museum – and if you want to be part of today's action, head for the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange and see up to 50,000 lambs being yarded for sale each Wednesday.