5 Things To Do In Hopetoun, Victoria – A True Hidden Gem Of The Mallee

Hopetoun is a quaint town sitting near the heart of Victoria’s Mallee region. But don’t let its small size fool you – the place is packed with charm and natural beauty.

The town lies in the heart of the Mallee and serves as a gateway to some of Victoria’s most unique landscapes, like Wyperfeld National Park or the serene Lake Lascelles.

We have stayed there a few times and it’s a true hidden gem!

For those who love quirky experiences, sleeping in a converted silo at Mallee Bush Retreat is a must. Foodies can find some of the best pies around at The Bow Bakery.

Hopetoun isn’t just a place to pass through. It’s a destination worth exploring. This guide will help you discover the top things to do in Hopetoun, where to stay, what to eat, and more. Let’s dive in!

5 things to do in Hopetoun (Victoria)

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, which include the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk peoples.

1) Explore Wyperfeld National Park

Wyperfeld National Park, located about 40 minutes from Hopetoun, is one of Victoria’s largest and most diverse national parks.

Spanning over 357,000 hectares, it offers visitors a chance to experience the unique landscapes of the Mallee region, from dry lakebeds and rolling sand dunes to riverine forests and seasonal wetlands!

You’ll probably spend most of your time here (we spend 1 full week exploring the park). There are heaps of things to do at Wyperfeld National Park:

• Hiking and walking trails. The park has a wide variety of walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels. The Discovery Walk (1.5km) and the Wonga Walk (5 km) were our highlights.

• Four-wheel driving. Several 4WD tracks take you deep into the rugged terrain of the park, winding through the sand dunes!

• Wildlife spotting. Wyperfeld is home to a variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and echidnas. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to spot them!

• Birdwatching. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the area! You might spot the elusive mallefowl, pink cockatoos, and Australian Bustards, among other birds.

The park is free to enter. There are a few campgrounds there, some may require a small fee. Depending on your budget and time available, it’s worth considering free camping at Hopetoun and driving to Wyperfeld NP for a day trip or two.

However, if you don’t want to camp, then consider staying at Pine Plains Lodge – it’s at the edge of the park so you’re close to the attractions.

2) Free camp at Lake Lascelles

Lake Lascelles is a man-made lake right next to Hopetoun town. It was originally created to serve as a water storage reservoir for the town of Hopetoun.

The lake has since become a popular spot where you can free camp (unpowered sites). Just leave a donation (either on their website or onsite) to keep the facilities running, which include hot showers, toilets, and fire pits.

The lake is PERFECT for:

• Watching the sunset.

• Swimming.

• Going water skiing.

• Fishing (there’s a boat ramp).

• Hiking the surroundings.

• Birdwatching.

3) Sleep in a silo (or camp) at Mallee Bush Retreat

Located on the shores of Lake Lascelles, this retreat offers a quirky accommodation – converted silos! They’re built from local materials like wood, stone and corrugated iron, they have quite a rustic charm.

If the silos are not available (or you don’t want to stay in them), the retreat also has powered sites overlooking the lake.

There’s an excellent amenities block, camp kitchen, lakeside fire bucket AND a low price tag. No wonder why it quickly became one of our all-time favourite campsites!

All camping is first come, first served.

4) Grab a bite at The Bow Bakery

No visit to Hopetoun is complete without stopping by The Bow Bakery.

This local favourite is located in the heart of town, and it’s known for its fresh bread, pastries, and classic Aussie pies. It’s the perfect place to grab breakfast or lunch before heading out to explore.

5) Visit the BIG Malleefowl

A short drive from Hopetoun takes you to the tiny town of Patchewollock, home to the Big Mallee Fowl (my all-time favourite Australian BIG THING).

This quirky roadside attraction celebrates the region’s connection to this endangered bird species. The sculpture is part of the larger Silo Art Trail, making it a great stop if you’re exploring the surrounding area.

It’s a fun spot to stretch your legs, snap a photo, and learn a bit about the local wildlife!

When is the best time to visit Hopetoun, VIC?

The best time to visit Hopetoun is during the cooler months, from late autumn to mid-spring (April to October). The weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring.

Summer can get pretty hot, with temperatures often soaring past 35°C, so unless you love the heat, it’s best to avoid visiting then.

How to get to Hopetoun, Victoria?

Getting to Hopetoun is very straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Melbourne (Victoria) or Adelaide (South Australia).

If you’re coming from Melbourne, the drive is around 4 hours (380 km). Start by heading northwest on the Calder Freeway towards Bendigo.

Follow the signs for Mildura, passing through towns like Charlton and Birchip. Eventually, you’ll reach the Henty Highway, which will take you straight to Hopetoun.

The drive from Adelaide to Hopetoun is about 4.5-5 hours, covering roughly 430 kilometres. You’ll want to take the A1 heading southeast out of Adelaide.

After about 90-100 kilometres, you’ll reach the town of Tailem Bend. From there, continue on the Mallee Highway heading east.

You’ll pass through towns like Pinnaroo and Patchewollock before you reach Hopetoun. It’s a pleasant drive on well-kept roads with plenty of countryside views.

How many days to stay in Hopetoun?

2-3 days in Hopetoun is good enough to enjoy the Lake and the town. However, if you want to use it as a base to explore Wyperfeld National Park, consider adding 3-4 days more.

Where to eat in Hopetoun?

Hopetoun may not have a wide range of dining options, but there are still a few spots worth checking out. Aside from the popular Bow Bakery, here are some other great places to grab a meal while you’re in town.

• Bottlemart Express – Hopetoun Community Hotel Motel ($$) is a welcoming country pub offering generous portions of classic pub fare and ice-cold drinks.
• Hopetoun Cafe ($$) serves delicious burgers, pizzas, and more with friendly service. A must-visit for a tasty, satisfying meal on your travels!

Top Tips

Hopetoun is the perfect base to explore some of the Mallee region of Victoria as it’s practically in the heart of it.

The town itself also has all the essentials – food, petrol, etc. It’s small enough to give you that peaceful, laid-back vibe but still has everything you need to be comfortable.

If you need more information during your stay, don’t hesitate to go to the Hopetoun & District Neighbourhood House (here’s their website).

Did you know?

Hopetoun got its name in honour of John Hope, the 7th Earl of Hopetoun, who was the first Governor-General of Australia.

The town was established in the late 1800s and became an important hub for the surrounding agricultural areas, thanks to its location near Lake Coorong (now known as Lake Lascelles).

The area around Hopetoun has been home to the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk peoples for thousands of years.

These communities have a deep connection to the land, with rich cultural traditions and knowledge of the local environment. The nearby Wyperfeld National Park holds significant spiritual importance to them.

FAQs

The bottom line

Hopetoun might be a small town in the heart of the Mallee, but it’s packed with great things to do!

From exploring the rolling sand hills and the grassy plains of Wyperfeld National Park to kicking back by Lake Lascelles, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Don’t miss the chance to stay in a quirky converted silo at Mallee Bush Retreat or grab a fresh pie from The Bow Bakery before heading out for the day.

And if you’re up for a short drive, the Big Mallee Fowl in Patchewollock is a fun spot of local history to check out, especially if you’re following the Silo Art Trail.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, Hopetoun is the perfect base to explore the unique beauty of Victoria’s Mallee region!