Old river red gums shape the landscape of Horsham on the Wimmera River. Walking tracks and boardwalks follow the river, with adjoining wetlands adding to the scenery. There are also parks, public art and various ways to learn about the town’s history. You can discover Horsham according to your interests: outdoors by the water, on a walk through historic areas, or with a look at art and collections.
River Landscapes and Walking Tracks
The Wimmera River in Horsham brings together nature and outdoor activities in practical ways: walking tracks, boardwalks and adjoining wetlands are all part of its surroundings. Weir Park is at the start of walking tracks that lead to the wetlands.
Weir Park offers sheltered barbecue and picnic facilities, a playground, toilets and an off-leash dog area. If you are planning a visit, check the current condition of the facilities beforehand. This lets you factor the park’s listed amenities into your plans without assuming they will be in a particular condition on the day of your visit.
Halfway along the river walking trail, near ANZAC Bridge, is a modular pump track suitable for scooters and BMX bikes. Horsham Skate Park focuses on different activities: visitors can practise and demonstrate tricks on scooters, bikes and skateboards. The facilities therefore cater to different activities, while the river walking trail and pump track are connected by their stated location.
Parks and Play Areas
Horsham’s play areas also have distinct, specifically named features. Nature and Water Play Park has a gently flowing watercourse. A large slide is among the features at Adventure Island Playground. An inclusive play area for people of different abilities is at the eastern end of May Park. If you are planning around a particular feature, these details provide clear guidance.
Gardens, Art and Local History
Horsham Botanical Gardens were laid out in the 1870s by William Guilfoyle, curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. The gardens thus give Horsham’s history a concrete connection to a person also associated with Melbourne’s botanic garden.
The Public Art and Heritage Trail brings the living history of Horsham’s heritage-listed buildings to life. A further, very specific story is told by the artwork “Yangga Dyata” on the Horsham Silo. The name is pronounced “Yanga Jarta”; the work honours the life and history of the Wotjobaluk warrior Yanggendyinanyuk. This is about a named artwork and a named person, rather than just a general look at public art.
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. This range sets the complex apart from a single collection: visual arts and performances are part of the offering, as are conference facilities.
The Horsham Historical Society collects and preserves the area’s local history in written, photographic and electronic form, as well as in a small collection of historic memorabilia. The Horsham Military Collection displays military vehicles and weapons from the First and Second World Wars. Together, these institutions offer different areas of focus: local history in various formats and a collection with a military focus.
Discover more destinations: Tarneit, Lancefield, Rokewood, Taggerty, Moutajup, Jumbunna, Alma, Doncaster.
For the broader travel overview: Victoria.
