Lismore - VIC

Lismore is a historic rural town in Victoria’s Western District, situated approximately 170 kilometres west of Melbourne on the Hamilton Highway. Originally known to European settlers as "Brown's Water Hole" after John Brown, who camped there in 1840 to repair a wagon, the town was surveyed in 1852 and renamed Lismore the following year, likely after the Irish town of the same name. Today, it serves as a gateway to Victoria’s volcanic plains and a convenient rest stop for travellers journeying between the coast and the inland. The town is surrounded by fertile farmland producing fine wool, lamb, and cereal crops, and it maintains a strong sense of history through its bluestone architecture and a dedicated historic precinct.Visitors can explore the Lismore Discovery Trail, which highlights local landmarks such as the 1867 bluestone Presbyterian church and the town's water tower art featuring dancing brolgas. Natural attractions are close at hand, with Lake Tooliorook located just minutes away, offering popular spots for camping, fishing, and birdwatching with views of the nearby Mount Elephant, an extinct volcano. The town provides essential services for travellers, including a hotel, cafes, a supermarket, and a caravan park, making it an ideal base for exploring the unique volcanic landscape of the Corangamite Shire.