Visit Natimuk – 2 Days to Reconnect
Reconnect on the Nati Rock Trail
Find rejuvenating stillness and immersive adventures deep in western Victoria’s Wheatbelt, where the soaring ochre-painted cliffs of Mount Arapiles rise from the vast Wimmera Plains. Here, in this rock climber’s paradise, you’ll find blissfully quiet hiking trails, a vibrant local community of climbers, artists, makers and growers, and a pace of life that nourishes the soul and creative spirit.
This itinerary can be enjoyed all year round, but you’ll catch the best of the wildflower season from September to November and experience the biggest celebration of Natimuk’s creative energy at the Nati Frinj Biennale.
Plan your trip. Explore before you go. Download the 2 Days to Reconnect Itinerary
DAY 1
TRAVEL TO NATIMUK
Escaping to the quiet serenity of Natimuk is an easy 332km drive (approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes) from Melbourne via National Highway M8 and Western Highway. But wherever you’re
travelling from, give yourself a break from driving every two hours, and travel safely and responsibly by making sure you:
• Get enough sleep before driving
• Avoid driving late at night
• Don’t travel for more than 8-10 hours a day
• Share the driving wherever possible
• Don’t drink alcohol before your trip
• Take a 15-minute powernap if you feel drowsy
• Grab a coffee to recharge
Travelling during peak times? You’ll find a Driver Reviver at Green Lake, 12km southeast of Horsham. This site is operated by Lions volunteers during peak holiday periods and major long weekends. Look for road signs as you approach Green Lake
DAY 1
MORNING
If you’re starting your journey from Melbourne, Beaufort makes a great halfway break for your morning coffee. And before you reach Horsham, you can’t miss one of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’. A four-storey-high koala (14m), affectionately known as Sam.
TOP TIP: Take a scenic detour from Horsham to visit the rustic cellar doors of Lower Norton’s wineries and pick up a bottle of Barangaroo’s sparkling Vermentino or Norton Estate’s Arapiles
Run Shiraz to enjoy later.
Make your first stop in town at the Natimuk General Store and Milkbar to grab your weekend necessities and the locals’ favourite burgers and fish and chip takeaway. Just across the road, you’ll find the perfect spot to pitch up at The Verge, with picnic tables nestled beside a little creek, play spaces, a skate park and a quirky collection of sculptures.
AFTERNOON
Everything you love about country towns can be found in the Natimuk Craft Shop. Homemade breads and treats. Homegrown fruit and veggies. Handcrafted toys and garments. And a team of friendly local volunteers who’ll happily share a yarn, walking guides and info to get you orientated. Cash is king here, so remember to bring some.
From here, you can head out to Mount Arapiles to ground yourself in a full afternoon of quiet adventures, cycling, climbing, bouldering and hiking the stillness of the rock. The Gully Tracks are a great place to start. Bring your bikes and cycle the Arapiles Big Sky Bike Trail to the mountain (an easy 10km on a flat gravel track), continue to Mitre Rock and Vinegar Hill for stunning vistas, and loop back via Natimuk Lake to complete the 33-kilometre trail.
Or soak up the Victorian-era vibes of Natimuk’s charming heritage architecture and pastoral history. Download the Heritage Trail map and scan the QR codes to dive deeper into its eclectic past.
Step into the boots of the first German Lutheran farmers who settled here, exploring the Historical Museum’s fascinating collection of wagons, machinery and traditional tools.
Visit the Climbing Museum, a tribute to the rich history of climbing in Australia and the adventurers who first ascended Mount Arapiles and put Natimuk on the world map and every climber’s bucket list. And drop into Australia’s first Climbing Shop to gear up for your own adventures.
Keen to tackle your first climb? Reach out to The Climbing Company for an exciting, guided climbing experience on the world-class trails of Mount Arapiles.
Prefer to take it slow? Enjoy a half-hour stroll on the Nature Walk, then take the drive up to the summit lookout for horizon-bending views of the surrounding Wimmera Plains and watch
the sunset paint the vista in golden hues.
DAY 1
Check into your accommodation. The beautifully restored Arapiles Club House and Crash Pad offer a great base for larger groups or solo travellers and couples. Or book a cabin at the rear of the Nati Hotel.
EVENING
Enjoy classic Aussie country pub vibes and good-value bites at the Nati Hotel. The Chicken Arapiles special is a favourite with the locals, as is the friendly publican, Bill, who’s been a familiar face around town since the 70s.
On your walk back to your accommodation, be sure to look up. On clear nights, the stargazing out here is out of this world. Nothing here to obstruct your view of the Southern Milky Way and the dancing lights of the Aroura Australis when she makes a rare appearance.
DAY 2
MORNING
On Friday and Saturday mornings, the Big Bertha pop-up rides into town to serve your morning coffee fix, legendary breakfast toasties, savoury and sweet treats and a seasonally influenced mini brunch menu.
TOP TIP: If you happen to visit on a market day, stop by the Natimuk Showgrounds where you’ll get to meet more of the region’s passionate farmers, growers, makers, crafters and artists and
pick up sustenance for your adventures.
Pack the binoculars (Arapiles Club House provides them for guests) and follow the Natimuk Lake walking trail along the ephemeral creek, through grassy woodland to this top birdwatching spot. Beginners and enthusiasts delight in the incredible variety of colourful firetails and robins, darting honeyeaters, migratory waterbirds and soaring raptors.
AFTERNOON
Pull on your grippy shoes and ground yourself in the stillness of Mitre Rock’s striking formations. This short, moderate 1.3km loop walk is the perfect mini adventure to stretch your legs before you head home.
Or take the leisurely route home via the Silo Art Trail to view three magnificent works at Horsham, Sheep Hills and Rupanyup and be sure to stop at The Stick Shed in Murtoa,
Did you miss The Nati Frinj Biennale? Plan a return trip in late October or early November, to catch this incredible three-day celebration of Natimuk’s creative energy in all its forms – from the opening parade to aerial performances, visual art exhibitions to street installations, new theatre works to walking tours.
Since 2000, Nati Frinj Biennale has forged a reputation for outstanding, innovative and often audacious art projects, showcasing local works and inviting other artists to come play, experiment and collaborate. Check out the program and pre-Frinj events at natifrinj.com
The Horsham Rural City Council acknowledges the five traditional owner groups of this land; the Wotjobaluk, Wergaia, Jupagulk, Jaadwa and Jadawadjali people. We recognise the important and ongoing place that all Indigenous people hold in our community. We pay our respects to the elders, both past and present, and commit to working together in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect for the benefit of the broader community and future generations.
