Discover Horsham: Gardens, River and Culture

Horsham offers several ways to shape your stay: gardens and river landscapes, places to play and be active, and art and history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Horsham, it helps to think ahead about which of these interests you’d like to focus on. Each place has its own character, giving you a practical starting point for planning your trip.

Gardens, River and Wetlands

Horsham Botanical Gardens were established in the 1870s by William Guilfoyle, curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. This connects the gardens with a specific person and historical period. By contrast, the banks of the Wimmera River are lined with mature red river gums. Walking paths, boardwalks and adjoining wetlands are also part of the riverside setting.

These two landscape themes offer different highlights: at the Botanical Gardens, the history of the grounds takes centre stage; at the Wimmera River, it’s the combination of trees, water and wetlands. Weir Park is at the start of walking paths that lead to the wetlands. It has covered barbecue and picnic facilities, a playground, toilets and an off-leash area for dogs. Check the current conditions of the park facilities before your visit.

Places to Play and Be Active

The playgrounds also differ in their individual features. Nature and Water Play Park has a gently flowing stream. At the eastern end of May Park, there’s an inclusive play area for people with different abilities. Adventure Island Playground is notable for its large slide. These specific features can help you keep different interests in mind when planning, without treating the places as interchangeable.

There are more options for activities on wheels. The modular pump track at ANZAC Bridge is halfway along the riverside walking trail and is suitable for scooters and BMX bikes. Horsham Skate Park offers space to practise and show off tricks on scooters, bikes and skateboards. When planning your day, you can choose between the pump track and skate park depending on your preferred activity.

Art, History and Events

The Public Art and Heritage Trail brings Horsham’s living history to life through its heritage-listed buildings. Another public artwork is “Yangga Dyata” (pronounced “Yanga Jarta”) at the Horsham Silo. It honours the life and story of Wotjobaluk warrior Yanggendyinanyuk. The two examples explore different themes: the trail brings together art and Horsham’s built heritage, while the silo artwork is dedicated to a specific historical figure.

The Horsham Historical Society collects and preserves the local history of the area in written, photographic and electronic form, as well as through a small collection of historical memorabilia. The Horsham Military Collection displays military vehicles and weapons from the First and Second World Wars. Visits to the Horsham Military Collection are available by appointment at scheduled times during most of the year; check in advance whether a visit is possible on your preferred date.

The Horsham Town Hall and Regional Art Gallery complex offers facilities for performances, visual arts and conferences. Its program includes exhibitions, events and performances for local and regional visitors. Together with the Public Art and Heritage Trail and the historical collections, it offers several ways to explore art and history: through buildings, exhibitions, events and preserved memorabilia.

Discover more destinations: Morwell, Bittern, Speed, Werribee, Drouin, Mirboo North, Oakleigh South, Sandhurst.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.