Coleraine

About Coleraine

Coleraine is a classic Australian pastoral town set in the rich Western District wool country, just 30 km south of Hamilton. Surrounded by rolling hills and productive farmland, the town retains a charming, unhurried character with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, wide tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community pride. It is an ideal destination for a relaxing half-day excursion from Hamilton.

The Coleraine Botanic Gardens, established in 1874, is a true hidden gem — surprisingly extensive and beautifully maintained for a town of Coleraine's size. The gardens are particularly famous for their magnificent elm avenue, which transforms into a breathtaking golden canopy in autumn, drawing photographers from across Victoria. Rare and heritage trees are found throughout the gardens, and the collection of exotic specimen trees is outstanding.

Coleraine is also home to Australia's premier sheepdog trials — the Coleraine Sheepdog Trials — which attract competitors and spectators from across the country and overseas each year. The township itself is National Trust-listed, with the main street featuring heritage-listed buildings, a classic country pub, antique shops and a warm welcome for visitors.