Jeparit

Overview

Jeparit is where the river meets the lake. Lake Hindmarsh has beautiful sandy beaches and is dotted with picturesque red gums. This small rural town situated on the Wimmera River is the birthplace of Sir Robert Menzies and home to the impressive Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum which is currently undergoing significant renovation and contains millions of dollars of historic farm machinery. The museum is located on 10 acres of land, adjacent to the Wimmera River and is noted as a great meeting place and venue to hold functions. 

The area has significant wetlands with a diverse bird population. The lake has beautiful sandy beaches and is dotted with picturesque red gums.  Jeparit is surrounded by important broadacre cropping farmland.

History

The traditional inhabitants were the Gomiluk Aboriginals and the word Jeparit comes from their language and means “home of small birds”.  Edward Eyre was the first European in the area and camped at Lake Hindmarsh whilst he was searching for a route between Melbourne and Adelaide.

The area was originally settled by German Lutheran immigrants from South Australia who grew wheat.

Former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies was born in Jeparit in 1894 and a spire has been erected by the people of Jeparit and district to honour him.

Places of interest

Lake Hindmarsh
Four Mile Beach
Wetlands

For further information please contact Hindmarsh Shire Council (03) 5391 4444.

Accommodation

Jeparit offers a number of comfortable accommodation options including:

Hopetoun House Motel/Hotel (03) 5397 2051
Four Mile Beach Foreshore Reserve Caravan Park (03) 5382 6646
Sir Robert Menzies Caravan Park 0427 751 102

For further information please contact Horsham Tourist Information (03) 5382 1832 or freecall 1800 633 218

Back to Regional Tour list