Nhill

Overview

Nhill is situated in a large crop growing and sheep grazing area on the Western highway between Melbourne and Adelaide. It is also known for duck farming and is home to the largest single bin silo in the southern hemisphere. 

Nhill is bordered by the Little Desert National Park to the south. The commercial precinct of this town has wide boulevards with gardens and historic buildings. A board walk leads from Jaypex Park to the Nhill lake and sees many walkers and bird watchers. Nhill services much of the passing highway traffic through the centre of the town.

History

The first Europeans, squatters Dugal Macpherson and George Belcher, arrived in the area in 1845. The traditional inhabitants were the Wotjobaluk Aboriginals and the word ‘Nhill’ is thought to be an Aboriginal word meaning "mist over the water". During World War Two Nhill took part in Britain's Empire Air Training Scheme, providing an aircrew training airbase.

The area went from an initial grazing area to wheat growing and by 1874 many farms had sprung up. In 1879 a saw mill was built and a township developed around it. Nhill was one of the first towns in Victoria to have electric street lighting. Nhill had Victoria's first inland aerodrome, built as a refuelling stop halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Places of interest

John Shaw Neilson Cottage
Australia’s largest single bin silo
Historic buildings
Swamp lands
Sun Moth Reserve
Little Desert National Park
Kiata/Lowan Sanctuary

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

Accommodation

Nhill offers a number of comfortable accommodation options including:

Halfway Motel (03) 5391 1888
Wimmera Motel (03) 5391 1444   
Union Hotel (03) 5391 1722   
Little Desert Lodge (03) 5391 5232
Zero Inn Motel (03) 5391 1622
Nhill Oasis Motel (03) 5391 1666
Commercial Hotel (03) 5391 1500
Nhill Caravan Park (03) 5391 1683

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

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