Naracoorte
Central to the world famous wine districts of Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully lies the exciting community of Naracoorte
The lush pastoral township of Naracoorte is one of the major commercial centres of the Limestone Coast, boasting prime agricultural land, busy shops, and a range of restaurants, museums and galleries. Naracoorte has a population in excess of 5,000 and is located some 330km south-east of Adelaide and 63 metres above sea level. Abundant parks and gardens add to the beauty of the town, while nearby natural attractions also draw plenty of attention.
The Naracoorte Caves National Park, 10 kilometres south of Naracoorte, is a must-see for anyone heading to the Limestone Coast. Venture underground to a labyrinth of breathtaking limestone treastures, with richly-decorated caverns, spacious chambers, and World Heritage-Listed prehistoric fossils providing a rare glimpse back in time. Take a high-tech peek into the secret world of bats, or join an adventure caving tour challenging both mind and body. Don't forget to save enough energy for the Wonambi Fossil Centre, with the opportunity to delve deeper into history. The ancient landscape contains dramatic recreations of long-extinct animals such as the 'Megafauna', which roamed the region several hundred thousand years ago.
Another "must-see" is Bool Lagoon - a sensational wetland of international importance 21 kilometres south of Naracoorte. It contains one of the largest and most diverse fresh water lagoon systems in Southern Australia, and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the spectacular brolga. Specially developed walks and tracks at the lagoon enable the flora and fauna of the area to unfold before your eyes.
Edenhope
Small country service town
Edenhope is a small country town of 900 people situated adjacent to Lake Wallace and amidst an undulating landscape which is given over to wool and grazing. The administrative and business centre of the West Wimmera shire, Edenhope is located on the Wimmera highway 30 km from the South Australian border and 394 km north-west of Melbourne via Horsham (95 km north-east).
A townsite was surveyed and gazetted in 1862. The first Australian cricketing team, an all-Aboriginal squad, trained here in 1868 prior to their departure. Their coach was T.W. Willis who founded Australian Rules football.
Closer settlement of the area occurred in the 1930's.
On the second weekend in February the Henley-on-Lake Wallace Regatta is held, in conjunction with a carnival and street procession.
Things to see:
Tourist Information
Edenhope Information Centre, tel: (03) 5585 1509 cnr Elizabeth and Orme St. Tourist information can be obtained from West Wimmera Shire Council, tel: (03) 5585 9900.
Lake Wallace
The Wimmera Highway leads through Edenhope. If the visitor is approaching from the east, the first side road on the right (Lake St) will take you around the perimeter of Lake Wallace. When full it is an ideal spot for boating, waterskiing, swimming and fly-fishing for redfin and trout. There is a jetty and several boat ramps.
Lake Wallace is also a waterbird haven where black swans nest in spring. There are bird hides and a scenic walking track around the lake (5 km).
Shops
Edenhope Antiques are located at 162 Elizabeth St. They are open seven days a week from 10.00am - 5.00pm, tel: (03) 5585 1248. There is a local bird egg collection at Summerhayes Edenhope Garden Centre which is located at the corner of the highway and Wannon Ave. Avril Wait is a local artist who displays and sells her work at her Art Studio which is open by appointment. It is best to ring first if you are thinking of visiting, tel: (03) 5585 1538.
