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Lined with 19th Century buildings and 100-year-old trees
Terang is a town rich in hardy early pioneering spirit
Bandstands and Grandstands
Located 2.5 hours from Melbourne Terang is one of the oldest rural towns in the state and is noted for its grand, historic trees, many more than 100 years old and National Trust classified. Terang is named from an Aboriginal word meaning “a twig with leaves”.
Take a ride out north of town on a 5km trail that connects Terang to the charming village of Noorat nestled at the foot of the volcanic cone and deep crater of Mount Noorat.
Why not plan a trip around a horse racing meeting, enjoy country racing at it's finest in the shadow of a heritage listed grandstand or come and take in Terang's Country Music Festival held every March?
History and Horses
If you have a passion for either you should visit Terang - located in the Western District of Victoria.
Terang has a long standing connection with horse racing; Horse Racing, (Gallops) and Harness Racing (Trots) have clubs established here more than a century ago. Terang is a National Trust Town of Historic Trees. A Heritage Trail of the town takes you past numerous impressive buildings constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These include buildings such as the Thompson Memorial Church; the Post office and Clock Tower; the Band Rotunda and the Railway Station.
The Historic Iron Grandstand at the Terang Race course was built late in the 19th Century. The Terang Dry Lake Bed is home to numerous sporting organisations including the Mount Emu Creek Pony Club.
Let's Jump puddles
Take a walk up Mt Noorat on the Alan Marshall Walking Track and you will have sweeping views of the area which forms part of the setting of the famous Australian novel –“I can jump puddles”. Alan Marshall was born and spent his early years in Noorat and his novel is a thinly disguised autobiography of those early years.
Mount Noorat is a dry volcanic crater, standing 310 metres above sea level, while the base of the crater is lower than the level of the surrounding plain. The mount was a traditional meetings and bartering place for the local Aboriginal people and was named after an Aboriginal Elder – Ngoora.
Around & About
OP SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP IN THE VOLCANIC LAKES AND PLAINS REGION
There is no better time to find a bargain in one of our many Op Shops located in the wonderful Volcanic Lakes and Plains region.
Dry Stone Walls
Western Victoria has up to 3,000km of the most dramatic and accomplished dry stone walls in Australia, historically and culturally significant, diverse in form and style. Many are visible along our roads and highways.
Terang Dry Lake Walk
An interesting trail that chronicles the science and history of the dry lake bed situated on the pretty lowland of the town’s southern edge.
Volcanic Lakes & Plains
Follow meandering roads north from the coast to explore sublime volcanic landscapes and charming inland towns. Enjoy the contrast of conical peaks and deep crater lakes that punctuate the even carpet of rolling farmland. Dry Stone walls dissect the landscape, an aesthetic and practical solution to farm a landscape strewn with scoria. Charming towns with well preserved buildings and tended avenues of elm, oak and plane provide visions of England on volcanic plain.
Mount Noorat Walk
Alan Marshall Discovery Trail. One of Australia’s best preserved dry craters offering commanding views of surrounding peaks on the volcanic plain.
Terang and Noorat Bike Trail
This is a great trail with views north towards Mount Noorat and south towards the rise of Terang and its distinctive crown of deciduous trees.
Fishing local Rivers
From the volcanic plains and Otway Ranges to the coast our rivers and streams traverse a landscape of lakes, conical peaks, rainforest and coastal woodland on their journey to the sea. Take some time and throw in a line.
Lake Bookaar
Lake Bookaar offers good bird watching opportunity over spring and summer presided over by the bulk of nearby Mount Elephant.
Lake Elingamite
The crater rim above the lake offers great views and a strong impression of the volcanic nature of the lake. There is a boat ramp and jetty which can be a little difficult to access in low water levels. Bank fishing is difficult in most conditions but is possible from a jetty near the boat ramp.
Ralph Illidge Sanctuary
The Ralph Illidge Sanctuary is Private Property Owned by The Trust For Nature (Victoria).
It is Managed by The Friends Of Ralph Illidge Sanctuary Inc.
Around town
What to see & do
Mount Noorat Walk
Alan Marshall Discovery Trail. One of Australia’s best preserved dry craters offering commanding views of surrounding peaks on the volcanic plain.
Dry Stone Walls
Western Victoria has up to 3,000km of the most dramatic and accomplished dry stone walls in Australia, historically and culturally significant, diverse in form and style. Many are visible along our roads and highways.
Kanawinka Geo Trail
Follow meandering roads north from the coast to explore sublime volcanic landscapes and charming inland towns. Enjoy the contrast of conical peaks and deep crater lakes that punctuate the even carpet of rolling farmland.
Recommended accommodation
Keayang Farm Stay
Keayang is located adjacent to the Terang dry lake and golf course on the Princes Highway in south-west Victoria.
Dalvue Motel
Located in the township of Terang about 212 kilometres South West of Melbourne the Dalvue Motel features 11 standard and executive suites, full off street parking, Wi-Fi, Digital television, clean...
Terang Motor Inn
The Terang Motor Inn is a 3.5 star rated motel. Offering 12 ground floor clean, comfortable refurbished rooms in Terang.
Nearby restaurants
Kram Cafe
With new owners who have recently taken over, Kram Cafe offers a wide variety of food and drink options to dine in or take away, including sandwiches, coffees, cold drinks,...
Keayang Maar Vineyard
Keayang Maar Vineyard Cellar Door is currently under construction, they will be opening in December 2020. Tucked away at Dixie, between Terang and Timboon in southwest Victoria, is Keayang Maar Vineyard.
The Little Acorn Cafe
The Little Acorn Café in the former Maternal and Child Health Centre in Terang, next door to the library and playground.
