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Natimuk
today is a mecca for rock climbers, but the town still retains its
original character. The town is well known by climbers, as it is
only 12kms from Mt Arapiles, one of the world's premiere climbing
locations.
History
Set in the heart of the Wimmera, Natimuk was once the largest town
in the district. There were over 70 shops and industries, including
a flour mill and steel foundry and it was one of the first Victorian
towns with it's own electricty supply in 1927. The towns name is
Aboriginal for "little lake".
Pastoral runs were taken up in 1844, but many of it's buildings
show a distinct Lutheran influence as a result of South Australian
Lutherans taking up the broad acres during the 1870's. When the
Natimuk school opened in 1875, almost half the pupils were of German
descent.
Things to Do and See
Nearby Mount Arapiles, an abrupt quaterzose-sandstone outcrop,
is an internationally renowned rock climbing crag. Situated in the
Mount Arapiles - Tooan State Park which is also home to perigrine
falcons and an enormous variety of flora and fauna.
In Main Street, the Arapiles Historical Society Museum is housed
in the National Trust classified Court House built in 1890. Many
more historical buildings can be seen if you take the journey along
the 'Heritage Trail'.
Natimuk Lake is just 3.5kms north of Natimuk and is one of the most
popular fishing and yabbying lakes in the region. It is a shallow
lake with excellent trout and redfin fishing. The maximum depth
of this lake is 4 metres. The most popular spot for netters (Amateur
Netting Licence required) is Four Mile Beach which is a popular
for redfin.
Learn about Natimuk's colourful past and interesting contemporary
history by taking the Natimuk Heritage Trail. Brochures are available
from most Natimuk businesses and the Horsham Visitor Information
Centre.
Other Points of Interest
Rock Climbing at Mt Arapilies.
Cycling and Mountain Biking Bird Watching Bush Walking Canoeing
Sailing and sailboarding.
Golf Gallery - Main Street.
Jane Duff Highway Park is the site of a memorial to three children
who were lost for nine days in the bush in 1864. Their survival
was immortalised in the story "Babes in the Wood".
There are Art and Craft shops, the National Hotel/Motel, Back Packer
Lodges and climbing shops to service rock climbers visiting Mt Arapiles.
Events
Agricultural Show - March / April.
Chilli and Curry Food Festival - March
How to get there
Natimuk is 323kms north-west of Melbourne
27km west of Horsham; 8kms east of Mt Arapiles
Melways ref: 520 A9
Pop: 500
Visitor Information
Natimuk Hotel
Main St
Tel: (03) 5387 1300
or
Horsham Visitor Information Centre
20 O'Callaghan Pde, Horsham
Tel: (03) 5382 1832 Freecall 1800 633 218
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Natimuk is only 12kms from
Mt.Arapiles, one of the world's
premiere rock climbing locations. |